Chemical Engineering Jobs

Chemical engineers use their expertise in chemistry, arithmetic, physics, and economics to develop and implement solutions to real-world technological challenges in the processing sector.

Chemical engineers plan, build, and manage facilities that refine or transform base materials into finished goods with greater market value.

Chemical engineers receive training in a wide range of disciplines, including chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, materials science, and computer science. They also get knowledge in the areas of business, management, and security, as well as the environment.

Petrochemicals, cement, explosives, plastics, paper, dyes, fertilizers, and a wide range of chemicals are produced using their expertise. They are also involved in extracting minerals from unprocessed ore.

A chemical engineer applies what he has learned in the lab to the development of large-scale industrial processes, the enhancement of the efficiency of existing processes, and the mitigation of their negative effects on the environment.

Chemical engineers spend their days considering how they may employ chemical compounds to produce new materials and goods. Unfortunately, even the best-laid ideas don't always turn out the way they were envisioned.

The ability to take a failed experiment and modify it in order to develop a chemical or product that can be utilized is essential to the process of innovation in this discipline.

In order to design and construct a variety of materials and products, chemical engineers make use of more advanced forms of mathematics such as calculus, linear algebra, trigonometry, and geometry.

It is essential to have a solid grasp of the mathematical fundamentals and principles, as well as an awareness of how these concepts are used to the process, particularly when it comes to the modelling out of a new production phase or the analysis of pre-production reports.

Working with chemical compounds and turning them into new materials is a significant aspect of what it means to be a chemical engineer (CE). After the raw materials have been identified, CEs will continue to collaborate with those materials to discover novel applications for them.

In order to be more efficient in their work, chemical engineers are increasingly turning to digital tools and other forms of cutting-edge technology.

When trying to gain a better understanding of how chemical compounds will react during controlled tests, they typically use imaging software and simulators in addition to the traditional tools at their disposal.

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Chemical engineers often work in the chemical, mineral, and fuel industries. There is a wide range of opportunities available to those with a background in chemical engineering.

Biotechnologists

Biotechnologists investigate the chemical, genetic, and physical properties of cells, tissues, and organisms to create solutions to some of society's most pressing issues.

The work involves engineering or improving vaccines, pharmaceuticals, energy efficiency, or food productivity and safety by modifying live organisms or their components.

Petroleum engineers

An oil and gas field's appraisal, development, and production can take place at any point in time, and a petroleum engineer is essential to all of these processes.

The team's goal is to find the most effective methods of drilling for hydrocarbons and to address any operational problems that may arise.

Professional petroleum engineers may also be tasked with optimizing the performance of older or underperforming wells through the application of innovative drilling tools and techniques. Petroleum engineers work to lessen the footprint of the drilling operation from start to finish.

Colour technologists

There are jobs available in the manufacturing sector generally, as well as in the specific subsectors where dyes and pigments are made.

You could play an analytical part in ensuring reliable colour reproduction, consistent application, and long-lasting hues. The retail industry requires constant communication with both suppliers and customers.

Environmental engineers

In the fight against environmental degradation, environmental engineers can play a global role. Many businesses now recognize they must take action to reduce pollution or risk losing customers and stock.

Numerous chemical engineers work in the fields of waste water treatment and recycling plant design.

R&D engineers

Chemical engineers collaborate with other professionals to develop and implement novel processing techniques. To determine how the full-scale plant should be constructed, a research and development engineer will run simulations and organize experiments on little "pilot" plants.

It is also common practice to look into improving upon already established procedures in order to meet rising efficiency standards or to develop brand new products in response to market needs.

Process plant engineers or managers

Chemical engineers often handle the day-to-day operations and infrastructure of the process plants where they work.

It is imperative that the plant be run in the most cost-effective manner while simultaneously guaranteeing that all of the temperatures, pressures, and flows meet the specifications.

In both the day-to-day running of the plant as well as its future development, process troubleshooting and monitoring play a significant role.

Construction of plants

Chemical engineers are responsible for the design, construction, and commissioning of new process facilities as well as the modification of existing plants.

Engineers that specialize in process design collaborate with instrument, control, and software engineers to determine a control strategy for the plant that will be effective in terms of both safety and efficiency regardless of the circumstances.

Below are some useful inside tips on landing a chemical engineering job.

Ensure that your CV is relevant

There is no one correct way to complete a job application. Ensure that your resume and cover letter are always well-written and tailored to the position you're applying for.

Use a straightforward and consistent approach, and provide clear and concise explanations, to deal with the work's particular requirements. You should strive to include relevant examples of your past work experience.

Get background knowledge on each company at which you apply

There is more research to be done on the company if you find an interesting chemical engineering job posting. It is in your best interest to research the company thoroughly before accepting a position there.

Having access to data like this could make the job more appealing. It's possible that you'll decide it's not for you and skip wasting your time with it.

Be careful to highlight your prior experience working with the company in your cover letter; if you get an interview, you can go into further detail.

Have a clear idea from the outset as to the type of position you want

Even while there is a wide variety of opportunities for chemical engineers, it isn't always clear where you would fit in.

Starting your job search with an appraisal of the industries, sectors, and job responsibilities that interest you most, as well as an assessment of the openings that are currently available, is a solid strategy.

The manufacturing of food and drink, the water industry, the pharmaceutical sector, the processing of oil and gas, consumer goods, and power generation are just few of the many areas where chemical engineers are needed.

Be honest about your experience

Gather a small number of interesting examples for each of your strongest skills that you can use in your application and subsequent interviews.

Showcase the impact you've had in real-world scenarios and how you've used your skills and experience to drive positive results. This step is essential if you want to continue with the application process.

Do not embellish or invent anything that is not already there. With an inquisitive follow-up question, you risk being found out.

Sell your soft skills

To the best of your ability, describe your whole character. Talk about the things that you're passionate about outside of work.

Prospective employers want to hire people who aren't simply qualified technically, but who are also easy to get along with, flexible in their approach, and willing to put in long hours working alone and with others.

Put forth some examples to demonstrate your true character. You shouldn't pretend to be someone you're not during an interview. Instead, just be yourself and let others know it.

In addition to its appeal as an interdisciplinary field, chemical engineering also has the benefit of being less stuffy than other branches of engineering.

Jobs are available for people with a bachelor's degree or higher up to those with a doctorate, and new grads can get to work as soon as they finish school. To enter the field as a competitive candidate, you'll need to meet the requirements outlined below.

Qualify with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Students can enter the workforce with a foundational understanding of chemical engineering after earning a bachelor's degree in the discipline.

 Students are exposed to a variety of scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and kinetics, through lectures, labs, and internships.

A master's degree isn't required to enter most fields, but it can open doors to research and managerial roles. Those with a bachelor's degree in a different subject will be able to use this guide to quickly catch up on the latest developments in their profession.

Students at this level often complete a research project or fieldwork placement after covering the same material more thoroughly than they would for a bachelor's degree.

Students who want to work in highly specialized areas of research and development or who want to teach chemical engineering at the university level typically pursue doctoral degrees in the field.

Typical requirements for this degree include a substantial original research project and thorough tests covering topics including chemical reactors, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and numerical approaches.

Do an internship

Since chemical engineering covers such a wide range of topics, many institutions provide opportunities for students to focus their studies.

Petroleum/gas exploration/energy systems, material/polymer/biological engineering, and so on are only few of the specializations that students can focus on for 12–18 credits each.

Become certified as a chemical engineer

Chemical engineering is less formal and has less requirements for entry than other branches of engineering, which often require a degree and professional certification.

There are a lot of things professionals in the sector who want to work for reputable companies may do to set themselves apart, and that includes taking the relevant steps towards becoming certified.

Begin with an entry-level job

After graduating from university, it can be difficult to know where to begin while looking for work.

An internship or co-op experience, in addition to postings on online job boards, is a great approach to demonstrate to a potential employer that you have the theoretical and practical abilities to accomplish the job well.

Is chemical engineering a good career?

Because of the large number of international corporations that are present in the field of chemical engineering, those who want to pursue a career in the field have access to numerous exciting possibilities for travel and employment in a variety of locations.

 Therefore, if you are interested in traveling the world, you should consider becoming a chemical engineer because this profession offers many opportunities to work in other countries.

Are chemical engineers in demand?

Yes, chemical engineers are in high demand in a wide range of sectors, including petrochemicals and energy in general, polymers, advanced materials, microelectronics, medicine, biotechnology, foods, paper, dyes, and fertilizers.

How much do chemical engineers earn?

The average chemical engineer salary in South Africa is R 690 000 per year or R 354 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 258 000 per year.