Become aChemical Engineer

Becoming a Chemical Engineer allows you to make a real difference in the world. You get to work on projects that can improve health, protect the environment, and enhance the quality of life for people everywhere. This career is perfect for those who enjoy solving complex problems and are passionate about science and technology. As a Chemical Engineer, you will be at the forefront of technological advancements, creating innovative solutions that address global challenges.

• Innovate with Advanced Technologies
• Solve Practical Challenges
• Enhance Everyday Products
• Diverse Career Opportunities

A Chemical Engineer’s job is incredibly diverse and involves designing and developing processes for manufacturing chemicals, fuel, medicine, food, and many other products. You will use your knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics, and maths to create safe and efficient processes.

This might include scaling up production from a laboratory setting to a full-scale manufacturing operation, ensuring the processes are cost-effective, and meeting safety and environmental standards. You will also be involved in research and development, quality control, and solving any technical issues that arise during production.

• Pharmaceuticals
  • Developing drugs and vaccines that save lives.
• Energy
  • Working on sustainable energy sources like biofuels and hydrogen.
• Food and Beverages
  • Ensuring food is produced safely and sustainably.
• Cosmetics
  • Creating everything from perfumes to skin creams.
• Environmental
  • Managing waste and pollution control technologies.
• Materials Science
  • Innovating with metals, ceramics, and polymers for new uses.

• Analytical
• Creativity
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Technical writing
• Project management

• Chemistry
  • Understand the basic building blocks of all materials.
• Physics
  • Learn the fundamentals of how matter and energy interact.
• Maths
  • Essential for problem-solving and design calculations.
• Biology
  • Useful particularly in pharmaceuticals and environmental applications.
• Computer Science
  • Helps with modelling and simulation of processes.
• Environmental Science
  • Understand the impact of industry on nature.

• Develop New Sustainable Materials
  • Work on creating eco-friendly materials like biodegradable plastics or advanced composites for various applications.
• Design Cutting-Edge Chemical Processes
  • Innovate and optimise chemical processes to increase efficiency and reduce waste in manufacturing plants.
• Work on High-Tech Lab Equipment
  • Operate and troubleshoot state-of-the-art equipment used in research and production, like mass spectrometers or chromatographs.
• Conduct Groundbreaking Research
  • Engage in research to develop new pharmaceuticals or improve existing ones, contributing to advancements in medicine.
• Implement Safety Innovations
  • Design and enforce safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure safe handling of chemicals in industrial settings.
• Collaborate with Diverse Teams
  • Partner with engineers, scientists, and business professionals to solve complex problems and bring new products to market.

• Dr. Sarah Stewart
  • A leading chemical engineer at CSIRO, where she focuses on developing sustainable processes for resource recovery and recycling. Her work has significantly advanced Australia’s capabilities in environmental engineering.
• Dr. Jane McAuliffe
  • A senior chemical engineer at Orica, known for her innovative work in developing safer and more efficient explosive materials used in mining. Her contributions have been vital in enhancing industry safety standards.
• Dr. Emily Turner
  • Based at the University of Melbourne, is renowned for her research in chemical engineering, particularly in the field of energy storage technologies. Her pioneering work is shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions.
• Dr. Fiona Mackenzie
  • A researcher at Monash University, has made significant strides in the field of bioengineering, focusing on developing new materials for medical applications. Her research is paving the way for breakthroughs in healthcare.

• Creative
• Analytical
• Inquisitive
• Persistent
• Adaptable
• Detail-oriented

• Bachelor of Chemical Engineering
  • This degree provides a comprehensive foundation in chemical engineering principles, including process design, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering. It typically includes practical lab work and industry placements. The University of Western Australia offers a highly regarded Bachelor of Chemical Engineering.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
  • This degree focuses on the fundamentals of chemistry, preparing you for a career in chemical engineering by providing a strong understanding of chemical reactions, materials, and analytical techniques. It’s often complemented by additional studies or a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Bachelor of Engineering with a Specialisation in Chemical Engineering
  • Combining general engineering principles with a focus on chemical processes, this degree offers a broad engineering education with specific training in chemical engineering. Curtin University offers such specialisations within their engineering programs.
• Bachelor of Applied Science
  • This degree provides a practical approach to science and technology, with the option to specialise in chemical engineering. It includes hands-on experience and is ideal for those looking to apply scientific principles in real-world scenarios.
• Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering
  • These qualifications can provide entry-level opportunities in the field and may lead to further studies or advanced degrees.

• Combining Fields
  • Chemical Engineering doesn’t stand alone. Imagine pairing it with Environmental Science. You could be at the forefront of developing sustainable technologies! Or think about combining it with Business Studies. Knowing how businesses run could help you lead projects or even start your own company focusing on innovative engineering solutions.
• Interdisciplinary Learning
  • Universities now offer programs that blend areas like Biotechnology, Materials Science, or Renewable Energy with Chemical Engineering. This means you can tailor your studies to be as broad or specialised as you want, making you a highly versatile professional ready for challenges in cutting-edge industries.
• Degrees and Other Learning
  • Besides your degree, consider short courses or workshops in areas like software engineering, project management, or even artificial intelligence. These skills complement your chemical engineering expertise, making you not just a scientist, but a well-rounded innovator who understands multiple aspects of modern industry challenges.

During your studies, you’ll delve into core subjects like thermodynamics, process engineering, and material science. You’ll learn how to design equipment and processes to manufacture chemicals on a large scale safely and economically. Moreover, expect to get hands-on experience through lab sessions and team projects, preparing you to tackle real-world problems from day one of your career.

Some universities offer placement years or you could explore work experience programs with engineering companies.

This not only gives you a taste of what it’s like working in the field but also improves your employability. You’ll learn to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-life scenarios, work with experienced engineers, and perhaps even contribute to innovations in the making!

• Graduate Certificates or Diplomas
  • For those with a related undergraduate degree, pursuing a graduate qualification in chemical engineering can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the field.
• Industry Certifications
  • Obtaining certifications from professional bodies, such as Engineers Australia, can enhance career prospects and provide additional expertise.
• Microlearning
  • Online platforms offer courses in areas like process simulation, safety management, and environmental technology. These can be completed at your own pace and provide specific skills that enhance your capabilities.

• Opportunities in Western Australia
  • Western Australia, rich in natural resources, is a hotspot for Chemical Engineers in the mining and energy sectors. Opportunities abound in natural gas processing and mining operations, where engineers help to refine and develop extraction and processing techniques.
• Opportunities in Australia
  • Across Australia, the biotechnology, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors are growing, offering Chemical Engineers a chance to work in varied environments from labs to large production facilities. The focus here is on innovation and sustainability, driving demand for skilled engineers.
• Opportunities Around the World
  • Globally, Chemical Engineers are in demand in industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, and renewable energy. Countries like the USA, Germany, and Japan are leaders in high-tech chemical engineering applications, providing careers in cutting-edge research and global-scale production engineering.