Chemical Engineers design and operate processes that convert raw materials into useful products-from drug manufacturing to fuel refining to food production to biotech. Day to day work mixes process simulation (Aspen Plus, HYSYS), P&ID design, mass and energy balance calculations, plant commissioning and scale up.
Responsibilities
- Design, scale up and operate chemical and biochemical processes.
- Run process simulations and P&ID design.
- Commission and scale up plant.
- Specialise in pharmaceuticals, energy, food, polymers or biotech.
Skills & Qualifications
Candidate should possess:
- Structured problem solving.
- Clear technical communication.
- Teamwork across multidisciplinary plant teams.
- Attention to detail and process safety culture.
- Pragmatic decision making under cost/safety constraints.
- Continuous learning across rapidly evolving technologies.
Typical Employers
- AstraZeneca, GSK, Shell, BP, Unilever.
- Process consultancies: Wood, Worley, Petrofac, Fluor.
- Chemical manufacturing: INEOS, BASF, Lubrizol.
- Food & drink: Diageo, Mondelez, Nestle.
Salary Ranges
- Year 0 2: Graduate Engineer £32 000-£45 000.
- Year 2 4: Engineer working toward CEng.
- Year 4 8: Chartered Chemical Engineer £55 000-£75 000.
- Year 8+: Principal Engineer / Plant Manager.