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Occupation AtlasChemical Engineers

O*NET · 17-2041.00

Chemical Engineers

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Also called Absorption and Adsorption Engineer · Blending Coordinator · Chemical Design Process Engineer · Chemical Engineer · Chemical Process Engineer · Chemical Research Engineer · Chemical Test Engineer · Control Systems Engineer
25 more

Controls Engineer · Development Engineer · Engineer · Engineering Scientist · Explosives Engineer · Fuel Engineer · Gas Combustion Engineer · Lubricating Engineer · Oxidation Engineer · Pharmaceutical Process Engineer · Plant Engineer · Plastics Engineer · Polymerization Engineer · Process Application Engineer · Process Control Engineer · Process Design Chemical Engineer · Process Development Engineer · Process Engineer · Process Improvement Engineer · Project Engineer · Refinery Process Engineer · Research Chemical Engineer · Scientist · Weapons Designer · Weapons Engineer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code RIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.27
  • I Investigative5.75
  • C Conventional4.54
  • E Enterprising1.85
  • A Artistic1.80
  • S Social1.02

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree91%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate4%
  • Post-Master's Certificate4%
Related work experience
None (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (39%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (26%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Sciencebasic4.15.1Level 6 looks like: Analyze aerodynamic systems to determine the practicality of a design
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Complex Problem Solving4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Learningbasic3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Systems Analysis3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Systems Evaluation3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Mathematicsbasic3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Operations Analysis3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
  • Speakingbasic3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
Show the other 23
  • Writingbasic3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Quality Control Analysis3.03.9Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Operations Monitoring3.03.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Time Management3.03.8Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Coordination3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Instructing3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Troubleshooting2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Persuasion2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Technology Design2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Service Orientation2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Material Resources2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources2.42.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Programming2.32.8Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Operation and Control2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Equipment Selection1.92.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

14 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.4.4
  2. Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.4.3
  3. Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.4.2
  4. Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.4.2
  5. Design and plan layout of equipment.3.8
  6. Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management.3.7
  7. Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.3.6
  8. Perform tests and monitor performance of processes throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.3.6
  9. Determine most effective arrangement of operations such as mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, and drying.3.4
  10. Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.3.4
  11. Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant.3.3
  12. Design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations.3.3
Show the other 2
  1. Direct activities of workers who operate or are engaged in constructing and improving absorption, evaporation, or electromagnetic equipment.3.1
  2. Develop computer models of chemical processes.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Engineering and Technology4.86.4Level 7 looks like: Plan for the impact of weather in designing a bridge
  • Chemistry4.75.8
  • Mathematics4.35.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Design4.05.4Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Physics4.05.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Production and Processing4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • English Language3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Computers and Electronics3.24.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
  • Mechanical3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Administration and Management2.84.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Public Safety and Security2.82.8
  • Education and Training2.74.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Building and Construction2.63.2Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Economics and Accounting2.62.7
  • Law and Government2.32.9
  • Customer and Personal Service2.22.9
  • Biology2.02.2Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Communications and Media2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Administrative1.92.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.92.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and Marketing1.92.3Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Telecommunications1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation1.71.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Food Production1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Geography1.51.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Psychology1.51.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Foreign Language1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Category Flexibility4.05.0Level 6 looks like: Classify man-made fibers in terms of their characteristics, like strength or cost
  • Deductive Reasoning4.05.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering4.04.4
  • Oral Comprehension4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Near Vision3.83.9
  • Number Facility3.64.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Flexibility of Closure3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Fluency of Ideas3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Originality3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Written Expression3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Speech Clarity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Visualization3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Far Vision3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Selective Attention3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Speed of Closure3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Auditory Attention2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Memorization2.62.8
  • Time Sharing2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Depth Perception2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.90.9
  • Trunk Strength1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Control Precision1.80.8
  • Reaction Time1.80.8
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.80.9
  • Finger Dexterity1.61.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Rate Control1.50.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Manual Dexterity1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Dynamic Strength1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.75.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Working with Computers4.54.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.45.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Getting Information4.45.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.35.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.25.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Processing Information4.25.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.84.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.84.9Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.74.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.75.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.74.9Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.75.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Thinking Creatively3.54.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing and Building Teams3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.24.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.24.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Training and Teaching Others3.13.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.04.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.04.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.93.9Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.83.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.63.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.42.9
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.33.0Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.32.8
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.12.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.12.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.82.2Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.82.2Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.81.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.41.1Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Telephone Conversations4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.1
  • Consequence of Error4.0
  • Contact With Others4.0
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.0

Technology

54 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (4)

  • Autodesk AutoCADhot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot

Hot (12; 4 more marked hot above)

  • C
  • C++
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Word
  • R
  • SAP software
  • Structured query language SQL
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
Other tools (38)
  • Absorption process simulation software
  • Applied Flow Technology AFT Arrow
  • Applied Flow Technology AFT Fathom
  • AspenTech aspenONE
  • CD-adapco STAR-CAD
  • Cerebro CerebroMix
  • ChemicaLogic SteamTab
  • Chempute Software ChemDraw
  • Chempute Software Engineer's Aide SINET
  • Chempute Software EstPro
  • Chempute Software SuperPro Designer
  • Chempute Software VisiMix
  • Chemstations CHEMCAD
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • Control Station ENGINEER
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • EPCON International CHEMPRO Engineering Suite
  • EPCON International SiNET
  • EPCON International SYSTEM 7 Process Explorer
  • G&P Engineering Software EngVert
  • G&P Engineering Software PhysProps
  • G&P Engineering Software PipeDrop
  • GE Fanuc Proficy Machine Edition
  • Laboratory information management system LIMS
  • Madison Technical Software Chempak Plus
  • Madison Technical Software Enviropak
  • Madison Technical Software Steampak
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft Visual C# .NET
  • Minitab
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • Prode PD-Plus
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • Relational database software
  • SoftLab PHEdesign
  • Statistical software
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
  • Thermal Analysis Systems The Energy Analyst

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Materials Engineers
  2. Manufacturing Engineers
  3. Materials Scientists
  4. Chemists
  5. Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
  6. Industrial Engineers
  7. Petroleum Engineers
  8. Mechanical Engineers
  9. Nuclear Engineers
  10. Mechatronics Engineers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.