Chemical engineers are sometimes called “universal engineers” because their knowledge base and abilities are so broad. They have all the basic engineering training in mathematics and physics as well as an in-depth mastery of chemistry and biology.
Why is this so useful? Because they can transform raw materials into useful products that we can all use, such as clothes, food, drink, and energy.
A chemical engineer influences various areas of technology by thinking of and designing processes for producing, transforming, and transporting materials. Before a chemical engineer brings these materials to full scale production, there is plenty of experimentation in the laboratory.
Many chemical engineers work in manufacturing, designing machines and plants. It is their job to ensure that the processes run smoothly and in the most economical manner possible. Oftentimes, these types of jobs have the title of process engineer. Chemical engineers are behind the creations and manufacturing of a wide range of products, such as plastics, paper, dyes, medicines, polymers, fertilizers, petrochemicals, and even many foods.
Energy and oil industries have always needed chemical engineers, but other job opportunities are growing even more. The demand for increased energy efficient and alternative energy sources is keeping chemical engineers with plenty of work to do.
Another growing field for chemical engineers is environmental engineering. Whether they are working on ways to clean up or prevent pollution, safely dispose of toxic waste, or manage a sewage treatment plant, there is no shortage of opportunities for a chemical engineer to work in environmental science. In fact, many companies hire chemical engineers to fill their positions in environmental engineering.
Careers in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals are also very abundant for chemical engineers. They are instrumental in creating and manufacturing drugs as well as medical and surgical supplies – everything from catheters to artificial kidneys or prosthetics.
Chemical engineering often overlaps with many other fields. For example, chemical engineers are needed for designing and manufacturing computer parts and other electronics, and they work closely with electronic engineers.
Nanotechnology is another growing field where chemical engineers work. This could be anything from using nanoparticles to purify contaminated groundwater, to working with DNA for gene or stem cell therapies.
These are just a few examples of what a chemical engineer can do. Chances are, if something is man-made, a chemical engineer had something to do with it.
With so many different industries employing chemical engineers, there is a wide variety of workplace environments.
Large corporations, government entities, and small firms all need chemical engineers. However, most chemical engineers do work in larger companies as part of a team. About three-fourths of chemical engineers work in the manufacturing industries in some capacity.
Many chemical engineers must wear protective equipment, like goggles and helmets when working around large industrial manufacturing equipment. This equipment is outdoors sometimes, and may require the engineer to be in adverse weather conditions.
Other chemical engineers may spend their whole work day in the lab. Some engineers have the advantage of working in different areas, such as designing projects on the computer, testing them in the lab, and then moving on to the manufacturing phase. Seeing a project through to completion can be a very satisfying part of the career.
Salary range for the majority of Chemical engineers – from KSH40,000 to KSH150,000 per month
Demand for chemical engineers’ services depends largely on demand for the products of various manufacturing industries. The ability of these engineers to stay on the forefront of new emerging technologies will sustain employment growth.
Most jobs in chemical engineering require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
Earning a BS or BA in Chemical Engineering will require intensive courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and other related subjects.
To become licensed as an engineer, university graduates may take the fundamentals of an engineering exam,
