Chemical Engineer

Typical Salary

£29,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Chemical Engineer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You'll normally need a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

chemical engineering
process engineering
biochemical engineering

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a science industry process engineer degree apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as a chemical engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

maths knowledge
knowledge of engineering science and technology
knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
design skills and knowledge
knowledge of physics
analytical thinking skills
science skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

If you work in research and development, you’ll:

test new ways to develop products in the lab
use computer models to work out the safest and most cost-effective production methods
plan how to move lab tests into a pilot production phase, then on to large-scale industrial processing
develop methods to deal with by-products and waste materials in a safe way

In manufacturing, you’ll:

work with plant designers to create equipment and control instruments for the production process
help to oversee the day-to-day operation of the processing plant
monitor production and deal with problems
work closely with quality control and health and safety managers

Working Environment

You could work in a laboratory, in an office or at a manufacturing plant.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Chemical Engineers for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find more details about careers and training in chemical engineering through the Institution of Chemical Engineers and Whynotchemeng.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.