Knowledge, skills and attributes

Chemical engineers need:

• problem solving skills

• to have skills in mathematics and chemistry

• technical and practical aptitude

• accuracy, with an eye for detail

• to be able to work to strict safety standards

• computer skills

(Source: Your Career)

 

Duties and Tasks

• preparing designs for chemical process systems and planning control systems for processes such as those used to remove and separate components, effect chemical changes, test and evaluate fuels, transfer heat, and control the storing and handling of solids,liquids and gases

• monitoring the operation and maintenance of equipment to achieve maximum efficiency under safe operating conditions

• ensuring correct materials and equipment are used and that they conform to specifications

• diagnosing malfunctions in chemical plants and instituting remedial action

• studying product utilisation and pollution control problems

• reviewing plans for new products and submitting material selection recommendations in accordance with design specifications and factors such as strength, weight and cost

• planning and implementing laboratory operations to develop new materials and fabrication procedures for new materials to fulfil production cost and performance standards

• conferring with producers of materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, cements and elastomers, during the investigation and evaluation of materials suitable for specific product applications

• reviewing product failure data and implementing laboratory tests to establish or reject possible causes, and advising on ways to overcome any problems

Problem: Waste water out to sea

 

Working conditions

Chemical engineers usually work for engineering design companies or on site at process plants. They may also work in laboratories and universities conducting chemical process research.

If you choose to work mainly in design, you will have to travel occasionally to visit construction and process sites. If you are a chemical engineer who works predominantly on site to oversee processing, you will normally work at processing plants in rural Australia.

Sometimes these conditions can be dirty, dusty and noisy, as well as socially isolating. Chemical engineers tend to work normal hours, but may have to do shift work on site or work overtime to meet design deadlines.

Tools and Technologies

Chemical engineers use complex equipment for testing and measuring processes and materials. They also use specialised computer programs for drawing construction designs.

Since the work environment on site can be hazardous, they are often required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including, bright and reflective safety clothing, hard hats, enclosed steel-capped boots, goggles, gloves and masks.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a chemical engineer, you need to study chemical engineering at university.

 

 

 

   Manufacturing & Production

 

Materials Engineers investigate the properties of metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials and assess and develop their engineering and commercial applications. Materials engineers investigate, develop, process and test ceramics, chemicals, polymers, metals and other materials.

By examining the  way various materials behave and are formed at the atomic level, materials engineers are able to improve their existing properties, and create entirely new substances. They investigate cases of material failure, finding ways to extend the life of these materials and protect them against deterioration, while maximising strength and durability.

The materials they develop are used in the manufacture of everything, from simple objects, such as pencils and clothing, to more advanced products, such as computer chips, bullet proof vests and aircraft engine components.

ANZSCO ID: 233112

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Adhere to Strong Health and Safety Standards

• Innovative

• Scientific Knowledge

• Strong Attention to Detail

• Strong Critical Thinking Skills

(Source: Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

Duties and Tasks

• Reviews plans for new products and submits material selection recommendations in accordance with design specifications and factors such as strength, weight and cost.

• Plans and implements laboratory operations to develop new materials and fabrication procedures for new materials to fulfil production cost and performance standards.

• Confers with producers of materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, cements and elastomers, during the investigation and evaluation of materials suitable for specific product applications.

• Reviews product failure data and implements laboratory tests to establish or reject possible causes, and advises on ways to overcome any problems.

• Consult with material producers to understand components, properties and reactions while evaluating optimal materials appropriate for specific product applications

• Design and organise laboratory tests to produce new materials and design procedures to meet production cost and performance criteria

• Evaluate new product designs and recommend optimal material combinations for production, working to make products more efficient, safe and cost-effective

• Evaluate utilisation of products and environmental factors caused from waste or use of those products, recommending safety standards and procedures

• Oversee operations ensuring that proper material specifications and equipment are used

• Practice high level of alertness and safety at all times and identify when a material process or malfunction requires additional safety precautions

• Strong knowledge of materials and chemical components and be able to identify the best materials and combinations for particular product uses

 

Working conditions
   
Materials engineers may work in manufacturing plants, laboratories or offices. They generally work regular office hours, though shift work may be required in some positions. This is a rapidly changing field, with regular advances in technologies requiring materials engineers to be continuously learning. Materials engineers must work to strict safety and quality control requirements, to ensure products are not dangerous and will behave in the same way under identical, real world conditions.

Tools and technologies

Materials engineers use a variety of scientific and laboratory equipment in their research, including specially designed, high-powered microscopes which allow them to examine materials at the atomic level. They also use a wide range of technologies to test materials they have developed. Testing could include using a sealed chamber and certain gasses to test a product's resistance to pollution, using x-rays to examine any internal changes, as well as a huge array of other tests to determine how materials will behave in the real world, before they enter general production.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a materials engineer, you usually need to study a degree in engineering, majoring in chemical, metallurgical or material engineering. You may need to complete postgraduate study to specialise in materials engineering.

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
(Jobs not linked are currently being worked on)

Aeronautical Engineer	Civil Engineer	Coastal Engineer	Construction Project Manager
Industrial Designer	Metallurgical Technician	Metallurgist	Petroleum Engineer

 

 

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Chemical Engineer; Materials Engineer; ]
Open Universities Australia [Materials Engineer;]
Your Career [Chemical Engineer; Materials Engineer; ]

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