Chemical engineers play a vital role in developing new products and providing quality assurance and improvement for existing ones. They conduct research for new development and also monitor and troubleshoot current manufacturing processes. In addition to efficiency and innovation, engineers must prioritize safety and legal compliance.
This position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, although some advanced positions may need an advanced degree. If your position is entry-level, you do not need someone with a Professional Engineering license. If your chemical engineer job description is for a leadership position, specify whether you require a PE.
Engineers typically work with a team of other engineers, technicians and assistants. Cooperative and communication skills are valuable assets. A chemical engineer who gains experience can expect to work more independently and to supervise others. Look to the example below to compose your own convincing chemical engineer job description.
Chemical Engineer Job Summary
If you are looking for a chemical engineer position that allows you to use the full scope of your abilities while participating in new and exciting developments, consider our position. Our company is a well-known polymer producer. Our mission prioritizes continuous improvement to existing processes and materials. We are always looking for ways to make our products better and to continue our track record of delivering high-quality, cutting-edge developments. As a chemical engineer with us, you will work with a team of top scientists and technicians to create innovations, streamline and troubleshoot existing processes and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. We are looking for candidates with a strong drive for knowledge and improvement, who are never content with the good enough and always strive for the top.
Job Responsibilities
- Drive technological innovation by creating and implementing goal-oriented plan for all stages of research on new products and processes
- Improve manufacturing processes by performing comprehensive evaluation of processes, materials and equipment and identifying areas and methods of improvement
- Ensure consistent high quality of product by regularly inspecting and monitoring production processes to determine optimal order and method of operations
- Test components of new processes in laboratory setting, and design pilot projects for next step of small-scale testing; supervise initial processes and make necessary adjustments
- Supervise and direct laboratory technicians and other personnel in conducting research and testing, placing and adjusting equipment and implementing process changes
- Document research process and maintain complete records as necessary for further research and as required by law
- Stay current with applicable laws and regulations to ensure continuous compliance; develop safety and operational protocols for manufacturing processes
- Recommend topics for research and development projects, design necessary budget and submit personnel and equipment requirements
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry
- Minimum 3 years of practical experience, including internships
- Proven record of creative and effective problem-solving in the area of manufacturing processes
- Familiarity with polymerization processes
- Proficiency in use of simulation and modeling software
Preferred:
- Master of Science in Chemical Engineering or related field
- Project management experience
Chemical Engineer Job Responsibilities
The longest and densest portion of your chemical engineer job description is the job responsibilities section, and with good reason. This is where you outline the essential duties and daily tasks required of the position to give jobseekers a clear understanding of what the position entails and the performance you expect from an employee.
A long paragraph listing duty after duty can be unappealing to applicants, so it’s best to organize your chemical engineer job responsibilities in a bulleted list. Beginning each bullet with an active verb clarifies the duties the new employee will perform and allows jobseekers to imagine themselves performing those duties. Since the daily tasks of many jobs include basic responsibilities like answering email, it’s best to leave those out in favor of listing between six and eight of the most important duties you expect your new employee to perform.
As you write your chemical engineer job description, consider including these potential responsibilities
- Evaluate mechanical, electrical and environmental process studies on the feasibility of proposed projects
- Review current production processes for potential improvements and make recommendations
- Act as technical liaison between the engineering team and clients
- Follow safety policies and protocols, including the use of safety equipment and equipment safeguards
Chemical Engineer Job Specifications
Writing the job qualifications and skills section of your chemical engineer job description may seem like a simple task, but a hastily written list can cost you in the long run. The last thing you want is to spend your day wading through an inbox full of resumes from underqualified applicants, or those whose experience just doesn’t suit the position. Discuss the minimum job qualifications with your hiring manager to make sure you agree on which requirements are absolutely necessary and which are merely preferable. Clarifying your needs is an important step in writing this portion of the job description.
Chemical engineers can have a variety of experience and specializations, so it’s essential to be clear about the necessary skills and experience for the particular job you’re describing. Creating separate lists of “required” and “preferred” qualifications helps applicants reviewing your chemical engineer job description to determine if the position is right for them.
Read through these possible chemical engineer job specifications to get ideas for your job description:
Bachelor’s of Science degree in chemical engineering or materials engineering At least two years’ experience as a junior chemical engineer or in the chemical process industry Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills Ability to work independently with little supervision