Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineer

The chemical engineer is an invaluable link between scientific principles and manufacturing realities. It

involves the use of chemical, physical, and engineering principles.

The scientist in a laboratory does basic research to develop new compounds and processes. When the

scientist discovers a product that may be useful, the chemical engineer takes over. They adapt the

product for big scale manufacturing. They do this by designing a plant to produce the item on large

scale. Thus the engineer is the link between the laboratory and commercial production. The chemical

engineer’s earnings depend on several factors. Their educational background dictates much of what

the engineer will earn. Also, experience and the location of the employer will make a very big

difference. The starting salary for a chemical engineer with a Bachelor’s Degree can range from

$30,000 to over 35,000 per year. An engineer with a Master’s Degree can earn anywhere from

$35,000 to over $40,000. A chemical engineer with a doctorate can earn $45,000 to well over $60,000.

"To be successful in chemical engineering, one must be curious and persevering" (Finney IV 13). The

person must be flexible in order to adapt to each phase encountered. They must also be ambitious.

Honesty is another very important trait. They must be cooperative since they are a member of a team.

In order to get a job as a chemical engineer, a person should have at least a Bachelor’s Degree. The

degree should be in chemical engineering. The degree is acquired by four years of study. Subjects

studied include engineering, drawing, chemistry, mathematics, English and speech, computing,

economics, and social studies. The actual specialization in chemical engineering is usually in the third

year of study. There are many advantages that go along with this job. The career offers challenges in

both science and industry. Also, the work allows for other companies to expand and hire more people.

Thus, this creates new jobs. There are also disadvantages. First, there is a great responsibility placed

onto the engineer. Also, there is a great deal of pressure involved with this kind of work. The future

for the chemical engineer looks very promising. As new drugs and vaccines develop, the chemical

engineer will be needed. This a new and exciting field to work in. Many people are becoming more

and more interested in it. This increase in engineers called for and increase in jobs.

Someone interested in becoming a chemical engineer should concentrate on the sciences in high

school. They should be "good" at chemistry and physics.