The chemical engineer,
wearing trademark white lab coat
and goggles,
pouring strange liquids from
beaker to flask,
is an image straight out of
science fiction.
However, the reality is that
chemical engineers
are an essential part of 21st century
manufacturing-designing processes
for the production and use of
chemicals, fuels, food, drugs, and more.
The ultimate tinkerers,
these engineers continually conduct
research to develop new ways to
separate components of liquids and gases,
or to generate electrical currents
using chemistry.
They must use not only their
science and math skills,
but also creative problem-solving
and troubleshooting,
especially when designs
don't work the first time.
Chemical engineers design equipment
to produce everything from
tires to asphalt.
Their teammates are the technicians
and mechanics who put designs
into practice.
They work in offices and labs
at industrial plants,
and at coal or oil refineries
to oversee operations.
Some engineers travel extensively
to oversee their designs onsite;
improving safety, productivity,
and arranging manufacturing operations.
These engineers must have
a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.
Employers value graduates
with practical experience,
such as internships
and cooperative engineering programs.
A Professional Engineering license
may increase advancement possibilities.
A graduate degree is needed
for teaching or to lead research
and development.