Chemical Engineers

About the Role

Chemical engineers apply principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to solve problems related to the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and more.

Other Common Titles

Process Engineer
Production Engineer
Materials Engineer
Petroleum Engineer
Environmental Engineer

Typical Tasks

Research and develop new chemical processes and materials.
Design and optimize equipment for chemical production.
Conduct safety assessments and implement safety protocols in chemical plants.
Analyze process data and troubleshoot issues in production.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on large projects and experiments.
Conduct experiments to determine properties of substances and reactions.
Prepare technical reports and present findings to stakeholders.

Notable People

Marie Curie – Pioneering chemist and physicist who conducted groundbreaking research on radioactivity, leading to important advancements in chemistry.
Francois Barre-Sinoussi – Co-discoverer of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which has influenced the field of biomedical engineering and chemical processes in drug development.
John Bardeen – Two-time Nobel laureate in Physics and an electrical engineer who contributed to the development of the transistor and solid-state physics that influence chemical engineering.

Recommended Resources

Chemical Engineering Magazine
A leading monthly publication that covers current news, trends, and technologies in chemical engineering.
Introduction to Chemical Engineering
A comprehensive textbook that provides foundational knowledge and an overview of chemical engineering principles.
The Chemical Engineer Podcast
A series of discussions and interviews with chemical engineers about their work, challenges, and the future of the industry.
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
An association that provides resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for chemical engineers.