What Does a Chemical Engineer Do?
A chemical engineer designs, develops, and optimizes processes that convert raw materials into useful products like fuel, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and food. They apply principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to ensure processes are safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. Chemical engineers may work in research and development, production, quality control, or environmental compliance across a variety of industries.
These professionals often collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot systems, implement process improvements, and scale production from lab to plant. Their role is essential to maximizing output, reducing costs, and maintaining compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Looking to Hire a Chemical Engineer?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
Chemical Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Design and optimize chemical processes for production of materials and products
- Analyze production data to improve yield, reduce waste, and enhance safety
- Conduct lab-scale experiments and scale results to full production
- Troubleshoot equipment and systems used in chemical manufacturing
- Collaborate with operations, safety, and quality teams on process improvements
- Prepare process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and technical documentation
- Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations
- Evaluate new technologies and recommend process upgrades
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in process modeling software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS, MATLAB)
- Knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer
- Experience with chemical plant operations or pilot testing
- Familiarity with safety and environmental compliance (e.g., OSHA, EPA standards)
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and creative problem-solving
- Clear technical communication, both written and verbal
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Strong organizational and project management skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or closely related field
Certifications
- Not required, but PE (Professional Engineer) license is a plus
- OSHA 10/30 certification or similar safety training may be required in manufacturing environments
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in a chemical manufacturing, R&D, or process design role
- Experience with Six Sigma or lean manufacturing methodologies
- Exposure to process safety management (PSM) frameworks
- Master’s degree in chemical engineering or engineering management (for advanced roles)
National Average Salary
Chemical engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Chemical Engineer is:
$105,655
Sample Job Description Templates for Chemical Engineers
Entry-Level Chemical Engineer
Position Overview
An entry-level chemical engineer supports the design, optimization, and troubleshooting of chemical manufacturing processes. This role focuses on data analysis, testing, and learning the operational systems within a plant or lab environment.
Responsibilities
- Assist in process simulations and modeling
- Collect and analyze production or experimental data
- Support equipment troubleshooting under supervision
- Help develop PFDs and technical documentation
- Learn and follow safety and compliance protocols
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen, MATLAB)
- Basic lab and production analysis techniques
Soft skills
- Attention to detail and eagerness to learn
- Collaborative team mindset
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering
Certifications
- None required; OSHA 10 certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or co-op experience in a chemical or industrial setting
Mid-Level Chemical Engineer
Position Overview
A mid-level chemical engineer designs, implements, and improves processes for converting raw materials into usable products. They operate with limited supervision and collaborate across departments to ensure project success.
Responsibilities
- Own segments of process development or plant operations
- Identify bottlenecks and propose efficiency improvements
- Support process scaling and testing from lab to production
- Ensure regulatory and environmental compliance
- Collaborate with safety, quality, and operations teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong command of mass/energy balances, heat transfer, and process control
- Working knowledge of process safety and EPA/OSHA standards
Soft skills
- Independent time management and accountability
- Strong written and verbal reporting
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering
Certifications
- PE licensure preferred but not required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in a process or manufacturing role
Senior Chemical Engineer
Position Overview
A senior chemical engineer leads process development and optimization efforts, mentors junior engineers, and drives technical initiatives across teams. This role supports major operational improvements and long-term process planning.
Responsibilities
- Lead troubleshooting of complex production issues
- Optimize large-scale chemical processes for safety and efficiency
- Manage cross-functional projects and testing plans
- Provide technical guidance to junior engineers
- Author SOPs, risk assessments, and compliance reports
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced process modeling and failure analysis
- Strong grasp of regulatory frameworks (e.g., PSM, REACH)
Soft skills
- Mentoring and cross-team leadership
- Critical thinking and decision-making under pressure
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred)
Certifications
- PE license preferred
- OSHA 30 or equivalent safety training
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of chemical engineering experience
- Prior experience leading capital or process improvement projects
Lead Chemical Engineer
Position Overview
A lead chemical engineer oversees technical execution across projects, aligning engineering tasks with production goals and safety standards. They supervise engineering teams and ensure consistent documentation, compliance, and innovation.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate engineering activities across projects or units
- Approve process designs, simulations, and scale-up protocols
- Mentor engineers and review technical deliverables
- Partner with operations and QA for performance improvements
- Contribute to capital planning and resource allocation
Requirements
Hard skills
- System-wide engineering oversight and risk evaluation
- Skilled in Lean/Six Sigma and cost-benefit analysis
Soft skills
- Team leadership and project management
- Effective technical presentation and stakeholder engagement
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred
Certifications
- PE license strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in chemical or process engineering
- Prior supervisory or lead engineering experience
Principal Chemical Engineer
Position Overview
A principal chemical engineer defines technical vision, innovation strategy, and high-level engineering standards across an organization. This senior-most individual contributor role guides major programs, ensures regulatory excellence, and represents engineering in executive discussions.
Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic development of process technologies
- Serve as SME on large-scale process design and risk mitigation
- Direct multi-million dollar technical initiatives or plant upgrades
- Represent engineering on regulatory, innovation, or investor matters
- Mentor senior engineers and contribute to talent development
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep expertise in advanced process systems and chemical safety
- Ability to influence organizational strategy through engineering insight
Soft skills
- Visionary leadership and technical mentorship
- Executive-level communication and decision support
Educational requirements
- Master’s or Ph.D. in chemical engineering strongly preferred
Certifications
- PE license required
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in complex manufacturing or process innovation
- Record of publications, patents, or technical leadership