Science & Mathematics Division

Careers

CHEMICAL ENGINEER

Chemical engineers design equipment and chemical plants and determine and test methods used in the manufacture of chemicals.

Areas of Specialization:

• Chemical Design Engineers
• Chemical Engineers
• Chemical Plant Technical Directors
• Chemical Test Engineers
• Chemical Research Engineers

Work Activities:

• Design processes and equipment for the manufacture of chemicals, rubber, plastics, and other consumer products
• Supervise workers who conduct, control, and improve chemical manufacturing processes
• Design equipment for movement, storage, and packing of solids, liquids, and gases
• Gather and analyze scientific data pertaining to chemicals
• Apply principles of chemical engineering to solve environmental or biomedical problems

Skills and Aptitudes:

• Knowledge of engineering, design and chemistry
• Ability to read computer printouts, graphs, charts, blueprints, statistics
• Ability to operate testing and analyzing of equipment
• Plan and make decisions
• Strong mathematics ability
• Accuracy
• Good verbal and written skills
• Good eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity

Work Settings and Employers:

• Research laboratories
• Colleges and universities
• Governmental agencies
• Engineering consulting firms
• Manufacturing industries
• Independent research institutes

Related Occupations:

• Aerospace Engineers
• Agricultural Engineer
• Biomedical Engineers
• Chemical Technicians
• Chemists
• Civil Engineers
• Electrical Engineers
• Engineers
• Industrial Engineers
• Nuclear Engineers
• Textile Engineers

Hiring Practices:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
• Experience and/or graduate degree important for advancement
• Apprenticeship or internship, technical preparation, or cooperative learning experience may be the most competitive
• Certification required to practice professional engineering inGeorgia

Wages:

• Average entry wage is approximately $26,880 per year in Georgia

Program of Study at Darton College to Pursue Career