- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Average salary $78,000 to $131,000
Career profile
Chemical engineers manage the intricate processes and cutting-edge equipment at the forefront of designing and refining chemical plants, equipment and chemical manufacturing processes.
They oversee the day-to-day operations and maintenance of industrial facilities dedicated to converting raw materials into a wide range of vital products including fuels, synthetic fibers, plastics, detergents, cement, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. They also play a critical role in developing methods to efficiently separate components within oil and natural gas, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during plant operations.
Chemical engineers use their technical expertise in the development of safety protocols to ensure the well-being of workers who operate equipment and manage chemical reactions in chemical production and processing plants. They evaluate equipment and processes, with the goal of optimizing performance and within strict regulatory standards.
In this occupation, activities may include:
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards
Education
- A post-secondary degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline from an institution accredited by Engineers Canada is typically required, although some positions may require a graduate degree
Certifications
- Specific health and safety certifications will be determined by job requirements
- Incident and accident investigation
Licensing
- To obtain a licence as a professional engineer (P. Eng), you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings.
- Minimal or no travel
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Engineering and technology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Production and processing
- Design
- English language
- Computers and electronics
- Public safety and security
- Mechanical
