Chemical Engineer

Job Profile

• Apply knowledge of Chemistry, Biology and Physics to the industrial production and use of chemicals and related products
• Carry out research to develop new and better manufacturing processes
• Design equipment
• Plan, manage, and troubleshoot the running of an installation
• Conduct tests to monitor the efficiency and safety of the production processes
• Develop safety standards for workers in the industry
• Evaluate the installed equipment to follow safety regulations and environmental guidelines
• Project costs of production to the management
• Develop methods to carry out complex chemical processes
• Chemical Engineers work in the energy, food, clothing, petroleum, healthcare, biotechnology, etc sectors
• Specialize in Nano-materials, Polymerization, Oxidation, etc.

Salary/Package

The average salary in India will be in the range of RS. 2.5 lakhs per annum but after gaining experience and promotions, the salary reaches up to Rs 12.5 lakhs per annum.  Some of the employment opportunities are in Chemicals manufacturing industries, Petroleum industry, Food industry, Electronics industry, Rubber industry, Textiles industry, Paper & Pulp industry, Aerospace industry, Plastic industry, Cement industry and Public sector units to name a few. The salaries may also vary based on experience, skills, roles, location, etc.

Skills required

• Analytical and deductive reasoning skills
• Problem solving skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under harsh conditions and deal with harmful materials
• Good Maths acumen
• Good communication skills
• Team player

Pros and Cons of a Chemical Engineer

Pros

• High-level Salary and Benefits
• Intellectually Stimulating Work
• Ability to Contribute Meaningful Advancements to Society

Cons

• Hazardous Work Environments
• Lack of Free Time
• Slow Job Growth

How do I be one

Path 1

Std XII (Stream: Sc PCM) >> Entrance Exam (JEE) >> BE/BTech (Chemical Engineering) >> Goal (Chemical Engineer)

Path 2

Std XII (Stream: Sc PCM) >> Entrance Degree (BE/BTech) >> Selection (GATE) >> Post graduation (M.Tech) >> Goal (Chemical Engineer)

Path 3

Std XII (Stream: Sc PCM/B) >> Grad/Diploma (BE/BTech/BSc/BPharma) >> Work experience 2yr/Diploma AMIIChE >> Goal (Chemical Engineer)

• JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) selects students for admission to various engineering colleges in India. There are 2 different exams JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
• JEE Main is conducted by CBSE while JEE-Advanced is conducted by different IITs as decided on rotation basis.
• JEE-Mains select students for admission to BE or B.Tech courses, Integrated MSc’s, B.Arch/B.Planning courses in the NITs, IIITs and all GFTIs (Government – Centre & State Funded Technical Institutes).
• JEE-Advanced Students qualifying JEE Mains through the prescribed cut-off marks are eligible to appear for JEE Advanced.

• Other engineering entrance examinations are conducted by States /Private engineering colleges for selecting candidates for BE/BTech courses which have not opted for JEE Main selection process like BITSAT, VITEEE, CET etc.

• Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) for admission to postgraduate and Doctoral programmes  in Institutions under MHRD such as IITs IISc, Science research institutions a National Level Entrance Test GATE is conducted.  Selected candidates get a scholarship/Assistantship in Engineering/Technology/ Science/Architecture.

• Work Experience in any of the following: Design and fabrication of chemical plant and equipment/ production and quality control in chemical or process industries, research and development in chemical or process industries, management or technical sales in chemical industry, Chemical Engineering education.

Diploma of AMIIChE from the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers. This is recognized as equivalent to a degree and further MTech can be pursued.