Chemical Engineers design and prepare specifications for chemical process systems and the construction and operation of commercial-scale chemical plants, and supervise industrial processing and fabrication of products undergoing physical and chemical changes.
Chemical engineers usually work standard hours, but may be called in to meet demanding deadlines. Those with responsibilities for continuous process plants may be on call 24 hours a day. Some may work shifts during the commissioning of new plants. Workplaces range from laboratories and processing plants to engineering design offices and research institutions.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Job Duties:
InAustralia, the job duties of Chemical Engineer include:
Seek new and more efficient processes and materials, or improve or find new uses for existing materials
Design methods and equipment to control and contain the processes that transform basic materials into useful products
Ensure the safe, efficient and environmentally friendly operation of equipment and test products at various stages of production to check their quality
Make plans and specifications for new production plants, taking into account available technology, the cost and size of equipment and storage space, market requirements, transport methods and disposal of surplus substances
Review current methods of production for cost efficiency, environmental friendliness, maximum output and optimal product quality
Identify faults in the day-to-day operation of process plants (such as oil refining, steel making and water treatment) and take corrective action
Prepare reports, feasibility studies and cost analyses of processes
Provide product process information to sales and marketing personnel or customers
Direct and coordinate the work of maintenance and construction tradespeople or process plant operators.
Studies product utilisation and pollution control problems.
Employment Prospect
Major employing industries include manufacturers of iron and steel basic products, manufacturers of organic industrial chemicals, the minerals industry and petroleum refineries. There is also scope for chemical engineers to move into related areas such as biotechnology, food engineering and mineral engineering. Others are employed by government agencies assessing and monitoring the risk and impact of chemical processes on the environment (checking air and water quality, for example). Those with several years of experience may become consultants with engineering firms or on a self-employed basis. A range of careers also exist with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and state authorities concerned with gas, electricity, water supply and environmental protection.
With experience, and sometimes further training, chemical engineers may advance to become business, technical, financial or works managers; personnel directors; or managing directors of large companies.
The Employment Facts of Chemical Engineer in Australia:
Future Growth: Moderate
Full-Time Share: 89%
Average Hours: 44 Hours
Weekly Pay: AUD $3,019
Employment by state:
ACT: 0.3%
NSW: 23.8%
NT: 0.6%
QLD: 17.8%
SA: 5.9%
TAS: 1.2%
VIC: 26.7%
WA: 23.7%
Education Requirement
To become a chemical engineer you usually have to complete an engineering degree at university with a major in chemical engineering or industrial chemistry. Alternatively, you can complete a relevant degree, followed by a postgraduate qualification in chemical engineering.
Graduates may be eligible for membership of Engineers Australia or the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) in Australia. Visit their websites for more details.
Education Level:
Postgraduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 26.2%
Bachelor: 64.7%
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 2.6%
Certificate III/IV: 2.4%
Year 12 and below: 4.1%
Related Course: Master or Bachelor Degree in Chemical Engineering
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