Chemical engineer
Do research to improve the manufacturing processes needed to turn raw materials into everyday products such as fuel, plastics and food.
Also known as: process engineer, biochemical engineer
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£577
Entry level
£1,250
Experienced
Monthly
£2,500
Entry level
£5,417
Experienced
Yearly
£30,000
Entry level
£65,000
Experienced
6,700
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
A day in the life – Chemical engineer
What it's like
You'd do research to improve the manufacturing methods used to turn raw materials into fuel, plastics, food, medicine and more.
You'd also be involved in altering the chemical state of a substance to create products such as medicines, fuels or face creams.
You might also work on developing the machines used in production processes.
You could also work as a biochemical engineer. Taking exciting scientific discoveries to find more cost-effective and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. You might also be involved in the creation of products such as new medicines or developing green sustainable technologies.
It's likely you'd specialise in working in manufacturing or in research and development. However, some employers would give you the chance to work in both fields.
If you worked in research and development, you would:
Test new ways to develop products in the lab
Use computer models to work out the safest and most cost-effective production methods
Use lab tests to try out a pilot phase of production
Plan how to take pilot projects to large-scale industrial processing
Develop methods to deal with by-products and waste materials in a safe way
In manufacturing, you would:
Work with plant designers to create equipment for the production process
Help to oversee the day-to-day operation of the processing plant
Check production and deal with problems
Work closely with quality control managers
Work closely with health and safety managers
You might also manage a team of chemical engineering technicians.
Hours
Environment
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Energy Chemical sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- developing a plan
- filtering
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Chemistry
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Mathematics
Physics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a degree (SCQF level 10/11) in Chemical Engineering or relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in:
Engineering (SVQ level 3/4)
Oil and Gas Production (SVQ level 3)
Gas Industry (SVQ level 2/3)
Entry to a chemical engineering degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications, Highers at BBBB or above.
An integrated masters qualifications such as an MEng can also be studied at university.
If you have a degree in a different branch of engineering or a related subject like chemistry or polymer science, a postgraduate qualification in chemical or process engineering may increase your chances of finding employment.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 5).
Employers value work experience so finding courses with work placements or an internship, or working for a year in industry can be especially useful.
It could benefit your career if you worked towards incorporated or chartered status; to do this you would register with a relevant industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
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