Science & ResearchISCO 2145
Chemical engineer
A chemical engineer is a person who designs and develops large-scale chemical and physical production processes, and who takes part in the whole industrial process by which raw materials are turned into products. The defining word is scale: a reaction that works in a flask has to be made to work in a vessel, continuously, safely and at a cost the product can carry.
Check yourself in a minute: chemical engineer
Rate 5 of the 14 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
forecast organisational risks
adjust engineering designs
perform scientific research
perform chemical experiments
work with chemicals
About chemical engineer
Chemistry comes first but it is not the whole of the work. The engineer performs chemical experiments, tests chemical samples, works from analytical chemistry and from oxidation among other reaction types, and understands what the material actually does before designing equipment to do it to.
On the engineering side, the engineer works from engineering fundamentals and adapts the technical designs.
Risk governs the result. The engineer anticipates organisational risk and works to the occupational health and safety standards, in an industry where the consequences of a design error are not confined to the product. A chemical engineer works across industries, from fuels and plastics to food and pharmaceuticals, and in each of them has to ensure repeatable, safe production at scale.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (14)
analytical chemistryanalytical chemistryInstruments and methods used to separate, identify and quantify matter-the chemical components of natural and artificial materials and solutions.engineering principlesengineering principlesThe engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.oxidationoxidationOxidation and reduction are chemical processes characterised in terms of oxygen, hydrogen or electrons transfer that occurs during a reaction between a molecule, atom or ion.green chemistrygreen chemistryThe process of creating chemical products that diminish or cancel the negative impact on the environment caused by the use of hazardous substances. It follows all the phases of chemical product genera...chemistrychemistryThe composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk fa...forecast organisational risksforecast organisational risksAnalyse the operations and actions of a company in order to assess their repercussions, possible risks for the company, and to develop suitable strategies to address these.adjust engineering designsadjust engineering designsAdjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.perform chemical experimentsperform chemical experimentsPerform chemical experiments with the aim of testing various products and substances in order to draw conclusions in terms of product viability and replicability.work with chemicalswork with chemicalsHandle chemicals and select specific ones for certain processes. Be aware of the reactions which arise from combining them.test chemical samplestest chemical samplesPerform the testing procedures on the already prepared chemical samples, by using the necessary equipment and materials. Chemical sample testing involves operations such as pipetting or diluting schem...apply health and safety standardsapply health and safety standardsAdhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.assess environmental impactassess environmental impactMonitor environmental impacts and carry out assessments in order to identify and to reduce the organisation's environmental risks while taking costs into account.approve engineering designapprove engineering designGive consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.
Optional (88) — show
pharmaceutical legislationpharmaceutical legislationEuropean and national legal framework for the development, distribution, and use of medicinal products for humans.microbiology-bacteriologymicrobiology-bacteriologyMicrobiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.good manufacturing practicesgood manufacturing practicesRegulatory requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) applied in the relevant manufacturing sector.types of packaging materialstypes of packaging materialsProperties of materials that make them suitable for packaging. Conversion of raw materials into packaging materials. Different types of labels and materials used which comply with the correct storage ...biological chemistrybiological chemistryBiological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.chemical preservationchemical preservationProcess of adding chemical compounds to a product, such as food or pharmaceutical products, to prevent decay caused by chemical changes or microbial activity.software architecture modelssoftware architecture modelsThe set of structures and models needed to understand or describe the software system, including the software elements, the relations between them and the properties of both elements and relations.material mechanicsmaterial mechanicsThe behaviour of solid objects when subjected to stresses and strains, and the methods to calculate these stresses and strains.intellectual property lawintellectual property lawThe regulations that govern the set of rights protecting products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.pharmaceutical drug developmentpharmaceutical drug developmentDrug manufacturing phases: pre-clinical phase (research and tests on animals), clinical phase (clinical trials on humans) and the sub-phases required to obtain as an end product a pharmaceutical drug.manufacturing processesmanufacturing processesThe steps required through which a material is transformed into a product, its development and full-scale manufacturing.electrical engineeringelectrical engineeringThe field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.properties of textile materialsproperties of textile materialsThe characteristics and properties of different textile and fabric materials. These include strength, flexibility, elasticity, softness, durability, heat insulation, low weight, water absorbency/repel...industrial softwareindustrial softwareThe selection of software that aids in estimating, managing and scheduling industrial processes such as design, work flow and production improvement.safety engineeringsafety engineeringThe study of the risks associated with engineered designs and systems, accident prevention as well as the safety benefits of reducing deaths and injuries. The discipline focuses on analysing and mitig...drug administration regulationsdrug administration regulationsThe rules and regulations of the European legislations and of the Food and Drugs Administration regarding clinical trials and drug development.design principlesdesign principlesThe elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.pharmacovigilance legislationpharmacovigilance legislationRegulations used to control and monitor adverse drug reactions at EU level.human physiologyhuman physiologyThe science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.pollution legislationpollution legislationBe familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.pharmacologypharmacologyPharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.electrical instrumentation engineeringelectrical instrumentation engineeringThe way in which electrical and instrumentation engineering (E and I engineering) modernises the production infrastructure from design to preparation of execution phase and the execution phase itself ...composite materialscomposite materialsThe properties of different materials developped in a laboratory, their usage per type of products, and how to create them.pharmaceutical technologypharmaceutical technologyPharmaceutical technology is the branch of pharmaceutics which deals with the technological design, development, manufacture, and evaluation of drugs and medicinal products.types of metaltypes of metalQualities, specifications, applications and reactions to different fabricating processes of various types of metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, copper and others.laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.pharmaceutical manufacturing quality systemspharmaceutical manufacturing quality systemsThe quality systems model that apply in pharmaceutical manufacturies. The most common system ensures quality in facilities and equipment system, laboratory controls system, materials system, productio...computer engineeringcomputer engineeringEngineering discipline that combines computer science with electrical engineering to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineering occupies itself with electronics, software design, and...quality standardsquality standardsThe national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.mechanical engineeringmechanical engineeringDiscipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.types of plastictypes of plasticTypes of plastic materials and their chemical composition, physical properties, possible issues and usage cases.pharmaceutical industrypharmaceutical industryThe main stakeholders, companies and procedures in the pharmaceutical industry and the laws and regulations that govern the patenting, testing, safety and marketing of drugs.optical engineeringoptical engineeringSubdiscipline of engineering that deals with the development of optical instruments and applications, such as telescopes, microscopes, lenses, lasers, fibre optic communication, and imaging systems.nanotechnologynanotechnologyTechnologies, science, and engineering activities conducted on a nanoscale, where material or extremely small components are manipulated on an atomic, molecular, or supramolecular scale.pharmaceutical chemistrypharmaceutical chemistryThe chemical aspects of identification and synthetic alteration of chemical entities as they relate to therapeutic use. The way various chemicals affect biological systems and how they can be integrat...toxicologytoxicologyThe negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.packaging engineeringpackaging engineeringThe processes of packaging or protecting products for distribution, storage and sale.quality assurance methodologiesquality assurance methodologiesQuality assurance principles, standard requirements, and the set of processes and activities used for measuring, controlling and ensuring the quality of products and processes.electricityelectricityThe principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.semiconductorssemiconductorsSemiconductors are essential components of electronic circuits and contain properties of both insulators, such as glass, and conductors, such as copper. Most semiconductors are crystals made of silico...mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.supply chain managementsupply chain managementThe flow of goods in the supply chain, movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption.thermoplastic materialsthermoplastic materialsTypes of materials of which the physical state changes when exposed to heat, as well as the specific manner in which the materials react to heat exposure.basic chemicalsbasic chemicalsThe production and characteristisc of organic basic chemicals such as ethanol, methanol, benzene and inorganic basic chemicals such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen.create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...test materialstest materialsTest the composition, characteristics, and use of materials in order to create new products and applications. Test them under normal and extraordinary conditions.ensure compliance with environmental legislationensure compliance with environmental legislationMonitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation....perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.examine samples in dermatologyexamine samples in dermatologyPrepare tissue, blood or skin samples for examination procedures and analyse them by running chemical and biological tests.design pharmaceutical manufacturing systemsdesign pharmaceutical manufacturing systemsDesign production control systems which involve all processes from pharmaceutical production process to pharmaceutical stocks with the purpose of providing the correct input for the development of pha...assess the feasibility of implementing developmentsassess the feasibility of implementing developmentsStudy developments and innovation proposals in order to determine their applicability in the business and their feasibility of implementation from various fronts such as economic impact, business imag...ensure compliance with safety legislationensure compliance with safety legislationImplement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.establish collaborative relationsestablish collaborative relationsEstablish a connection between organisations or individuals which may benefit from communicating with one another in order to facilitate an enduring positive collaborative relationship between both pa...record test datarecord test dataRecord data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptiona...develop chemical productsdevelop chemical productsResearch and create new chemicals and plastics used in the production of a variety of goods such as pharmaceuticals, textile, building materials and household products.improve chemical processesimprove chemical processesCollect data required to make improvements or modifications to chemical processes. Develop new industrial processes, design new process plants/equipment or modify existing ones.advise on pollution preventionadvise on pollution preventionAdvise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.provide information on hydrogenprovide information on hydrogenProvide organisations and individuals searching for alternative energy fuels information on costs, benefits, and negative aspects of the use of hydrogen. Inform about what one must take into account w...use technical drawing softwareuse technical drawing softwareCreate technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.define quality standardsdefine quality standardsDefine, in collaboration with managers and quality experts, a set of quality standards to ensure compliance with regulations and help achieve customers' requirements.assess hydrogen production technologiesassess hydrogen production technologiesCompare technological and economic characteristics of different options to produce hydrogen. This includes comparing sources (natural gas, water and electricity, biomass, coal) and related technologie...test pharmaceutical processtest pharmaceutical processTest the systems used to manufacture pharmaceuticals measuring and analysing the processes to ensure that the products are produced according to specifications.develop material testing proceduresdevelop material testing proceduresDevelop testing protocols in collaboration with engineers and scientists to enable a variety of analyses such as environmental, chemical, physical, thermal, structural, resistance or surface analyses ...analyse test dataanalyse test dataInterpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.integrate new products in manufacturingintegrate new products in manufacturingAssist with the integration of new systems, products, methods, and components in the production line. Ensure that production workers are properly trained and follow the new requirements.examine engineering principlesexamine engineering principlesAnalyse the principles that need to be considered for engineering designs and projects such as functionality, replicability, costs and other principles.write technical reportswrite technical reportsCompose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.explain the molecular basis of a disease to patientsexplain the molecular basis of a disease to patientsExplain to patients the basis of their disease from the molecular and metabolic points of view and how therapies can affect their lifestyles.draft design specificationsdraft design specificationsList the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.manage pharmaceutical production facilities constructionmanage pharmaceutical production facilities constructionManage the design and construction of pharmaceutical production facilities making sure the facilities and process validation are according to the planning and conform to FDA and GMP.manage chemical testing proceduresmanage chemical testing proceduresManage the procedures to be used in chemical testing by designing them and conducting tests accordingly.evaluate pharmaceutical manufacturing processevaluate pharmaceutical manufacturing processEvaluate the ongoing pharmaceutical production process against the latest developments on the market regarding the mixing, compounding and packaging, ensuring the necessary updates are implemented.use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.design optical systemsdesign optical systemsDesign and develop optical and imaging systems, products, and components, such as lasers, microscopes, optical fibre, cameras, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.design prototypesdesign prototypesDesign prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.monitor plant productionmonitor plant productionMonitor plant processes and efficiency set-up to ensure the maximum output of production levels.use chemical analysis equipmentuse chemical analysis equipmentUse the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.write batch record documentationwrite batch record documentationWrite reports on the manufactured batches history taking into account the raw data, tests performed and compliance to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of each batch of product.execute feasibility study on hydrogenexecute feasibility study on hydrogenPerform the evaluation and assessment of the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Compare costs, technologies and available sources to produce, transport and store hydrogen. Take into account the e...provide technical expertiseprovide technical expertiseProvide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.develop pharmaceutical drugsdevelop pharmaceutical drugsDevelop new therapeutic products according to the potential formulas, studies and indications recorded during the research process which involved also collaboration with physicians, biochemists and ph...contribute to registration of pharmaceutical productscontribute to registration of pharmaceutical productsParticipate in the registration process that allows the sale and distribution of substances that treat or prevent human and animal diseases or enable medical diagnosis.test production input materialstest production input materialsTest the supplied materials prior to their release into processing, ensuring the results are complying with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and to the suppliers` COA (Certificate of Analysis).analyse production processes for improvementanalyse production processes for improvementAnalyse production processes leading toward improvement. Analyse in order to reduce production losses and overall manufacturing costs.advise on waste management proceduresadvise on waste management proceduresAdvise organisations on the implementation of waste regulations and on improvement strategies for waste management and waste minimisation, to increase environmentally sustainable practices and environ...conduct public presentationsconduct public presentationsSpeak in public and interact with those present. Prepare notices, plans, charts, and other information to support the presentation.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a chemical engineer do?
Chemical engineers design and develop large-scale chemical and physical production processes and are involved in the entire industrial process required for transforming raw materials into products.
What skills does a chemical engineer need?
A chemical engineer needs 14 essential skills, including analytical chemistry, engineering principles, oxidation, green chemistry, chemistry.
Will AI replace chemical engineer jobs?
The AI disruption score for chemical engineer is 75/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: record test data, quality standards, supply chain management. Most resilient: electricity, establish collaborative relations, types of metal.
AI Replacement Risk
75/ 100
Very High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.
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