What is chemical engineering?
Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering focused on designing, creating, and overseeing processes that involve the chemical and physical transformation of materials. Systems and processes that turn raw materials into useful products are designed, developed, and optimized using chemistry, physics, and mathematics principles.
How do you become a chemical engineer?
Chemical engineering can be gratifying if pursued with proper guidance and interest.
- Maths, Physics, and Chemistry should be the three main subjects in your 10+2 education.
- Prepare for exams like Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) or state-level entrance exams to be admitted to the top engineering colleges.
- Study a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) or Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Chemical Engineering at an accredited college. It usually takes four years to complete.
- After finishing the three-year course required for your tenth standard, you can also pursue a diploma in chemical engineering.
- Take part in co-op or internship programs to gain relevant experience while in school.
- If you want to further your specialization in a particular study area, get a master’s degree in chemical engineering.
- Consider earning professional certification from reputable organizations like the Institution of Engineers (India) or the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE).
- Apply for positions in materials science, oil and gas, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and more.
Degrees to pursue to become a chemical engineer:
Each degree level offers unique opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career in chemical engineering. Here are the degrees you will need to become a chemical engineer.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering:
A 4-year undergraduate program that provides a broad foundation in chemical engineering principles and practices.
Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering:
A 2-year graduate program that allows students to specialize in a particular area of chemical engineering, such as process engineering, material science, or bioengineering.
PhD in Chemical Engineering:
A 4-5 year program that allows students to conduct independent research in chemical engineering and contribute to the advancement of the field.
Diploma in Chemical Engineering:
A 3-year program that provides a basic understanding of chemical engineering principles and practical applications.
Jobs and salary in Chemical Engineering:
Please be aware that these sums are only estimates and are subject to change depending on the previously mentioned factors.
| S.No | Job | Description | Salary |
| 1. | Process Engineer | Chemical processes must be designed and optimized by process engineers to run effectively and safely. | 4,00,000 – 12,00,000 per annum |
| 2. | Chemical Plant Operator | Equipment used in chemical manufacturing processes is operated and maintained by chemical plant operators. | 2,00,000 – 5,00,000 per annum |
| 3. | Research Scientist | Research scientists who conduct experiments and create new goods or procedures include chemical engineers. | 6,00,000 – 15,00,000 per annum |
| 4. | Product Development Engineer | Product development engineers create new chemical products like medicines, cosmetics, and building materials. | 5,00,000 – 15,00,000 per |
| 5. | Quality Control Engineer | Engineers in charge of quality control ensure that procedures and goods adhere to rigid standards for quality and work to enhance quality control methods. | 3,00,000 – 10,00,000 per annum |
| 6. | Environmental Engineer | Environmental engineers create and implement systems to reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes. | 3,00,000 – 12,00,000 per annum |
| 7. | Safety Engineer | Safety engineers work to identify and reduce safety risks in the production of chemicals. | 4,00,000 – 10,00,000 per annum |
| 8. | Process Control Engineer | Process control engineers design and implement control systems to ensure that chemical manufacturing processes run smoothly and effectively. | 5,00,000 – 12,00,000 per annum |
How will pursuing a career in chemical engineering be beneficial?
Chemical engineering is a broad field that provides various job opportunities across various industries. It is a profession that is in high demand and pays well. Additionally, chemical engineering is a field that is constantly developing new technologies and innovations. This implies that there are constant chances for professional development and advancement. However, just like any career, there might be better fits for some, so people should consider their interests and abilities before pursuing a career in chemical engineering.
