Hiring a Chemical Engineer: Job Description, Pay, and More  

Whether your business operates in pharmaceuticals, food production, fuel, or another industry, hiring chemical engineers is essential to its success. These experts create and optimize the processes that transform raw materials into your products, ensuring everything runs efficiently, safely, and sustainably. 

Keep reading to learn how to write a compelling job description to attract top chemical engineers, plus insights into average pay, required skills, and qualifications. 

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ALSO READ: How to Write Better Job Descriptions

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What Does a Chemical Engineer Do?  

Chemical engineers apply principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering to solve problems related to the production or use of chemicals. They design and plan production processes and equipment, test methods, and manage production operations. 

They help create a variety of products, including: 

• Gasoline  
• Paper  
• Plastics  
• Industrial chemicals (solvents, acids, etc.)  
• Medications and vaccines  
• Detergent  
• Personal care items (shampoo, lotions, etc.)  
• And more  

Additionally, chemical engineers ensure that both processes and products comply with regulatory standards and safety protocols. 

This is just a general overview of what these engineers do. To hire a chemical engineer, you need to know exactly what your factory or lab needs, then write a job description that clearly defines the role, responsibilities, skills, and more. 

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How to Write a Chemical Engineer Job Description  

A well-written chemical engineer job description should inform job seekers about their day-to-day responsibilities, where they’ll be working, how much they could earn, the benefits offered, and the skills and qualifications needed to be considered for the role. 

Here’s a quick look at some common chemical engineer job duties, skills, and qualifications to give you an idea of what to include in your job description: 

Chemical Engineer Job Duties  

Your chemical engineer’s exact job duties will depend on what products or substances you’re producing, but generally, their responsibilities will include: 

• Conduct research to create new manufacturing processes or improve existing ones. 
• Optimize manufacturing processes to minimize waste. 
• Establish safety procedures for working with chemicals and equipment. 
• Prepare reports, process documentation, and operating instructions for production teams. 
• Collaborate with other teams, including quality control, research and development, compliance, and even other engineers, like mechanical and process engineers.  

Chemical Engineer Qualifications  

When writing the qualifications for your chemical engineer position, start by listing all the necessary qualifications for the role, then include any additional skills or attributes that would be nice to have. 

Chemical engineers in the U.S. need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field from an accredited program. Depending on how advanced your chemical engineer should be, you might require an M.S. or Ph.D. in chemical engineering. 

Chemical engineers are encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification exam. A high score on this exam can be a plus, although it is not a requirement. 

Other qualifications for chemical engineers will vary depending on whether you’re hiring an entry-level, mid-level, or senior engineer. 

• Entry-level chemical engineers should have hands-on experience from laboratory coursework or internships and an understanding of basic chemical engineering principles, like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and process design.  
• Mid-level chemical engineers typically have three to five years of experience working in a lab, plant, factory, or office environment. They should have advanced knowledge of chemical engineering principles and process optimization, along with experience in diagnosing complex problems, performing risk assessments, and managing small projects.  
• Senior-level chemical engineers might hold an advanced degree in their field, have eight or more years of experience, and should have a proven track record of innovation and research, excellent leadership capabilities, and experience in client and stakeholder management. 

Chemical Engineer Skills  

The skills required for a chemical engineer can vary depending on the specific field. For example, a chemical engineer focusing on food engineering will need a deep understanding of food science and production processes, while someone working in alternative energies will have a different set of specialized knowledge.  

However, certain core skills are universally essential across all specializations: 

Technical Skills 

• Chemical process design  
• Mathematics and statistics  
• Chemistry 
• Chemical process simulation  
• Process control  
• Safety and compliance  
• Project management  

Soft Sills  

• Technical communication  
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving 
• Creativity 
• Attention to detail  
• Teamwork  

Chemical Engineer Pay  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for chemical engineers in the U.S. was $112,000 as of May 2023. However, this can vary depending on location, education level, and years of experience. Chemical engineers can earn anywhere from $75,000 to $176,000 a year. 

Hire a Chemical Engineer with Insight Global  

Hiring a skilled chemical engineer is crucial for optimizing your production processes and ensuring safety and efficiency in your operations. With the right job description, you can attract top candidates.  

Insight Global is here to help you find and hire the best chemical engineers. Reach out to us today to discover how we can support you.