Engineering School of Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering

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chemical engineering career

Chemical engineers are known as ‘universal engineers’. They design and manufacture everyday products on a large, industrial scale, striving to achieve the best results at the lowest cost while minimising environmental impact. 

As a chemical engineer, you could find yourself engaged in a variety of exciting and impactful activities, such as: 

  • Designing and developing innovative chemical processes and equipment 
  • Optimising and controlling industrial operations for maximum efficiency 
  • Managing and operating large-scale industrial plants 
  • Conducting groundbreaking research from the molecular level to full industrial scale 
  • Leading efforts in environmental management, monitoring, and pollution control

Chemical engineering has long been key in scaling technologies for industries like refineries, chemical manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Today, it’s equally critical for start-ups and emerging industries. Many companies with innovative ideas struggle to scale up to large-scale, cost-effective production, often leading to failure.

Chemical engineers bridge this gap, ensuring that innovations can be scaled for commercial success. Whether in traditional or new sectors, chemical engineering remains essential for transforming ideas into viable, market-ready solutions.

  • Chemical engineers design, create and optimise the systems and equipment used in chemical, industrial, biological and environmental processes. They produce a range of materials, from fuels and fertilisers to processed foods, beer and wine, polymers and pharmaceuticals. They also design and operate large-scale chemical process equipment and factories, and play an important role in making industries safer, more efficient and more sustainable.

    Consumers have high expectations for the products they purchase, expecting a consistent experience every time. Chemical engineering ensures that customers receive identical end products while minimizing waste, especially in an era of growing environmental concerns.

  • Chemical engineers work in laboratories, processing plants, engineering design offices, corporate head offices and research institutions.

    Companies that employ chemical engineers include those that produce food, plastics, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, metals, and glass. Chemical engineers also work in environmental protection organisations, managing contaminated sites, or in water treatment. They can be found in research laboratories, chemical plants, and petroleum refineries, as well as in iron and steel product manufacturing, organic chemical production, and the mining and minerals processing industries.

    Potential career paths for chemical engineers include:

    • Process Engineer: Focus on designing, implementing, and optimizing industrial processes.
    • Research Scientist: Conduct research to develop new products and improve existing ones.
    • Plant Manager: Oversee the daily operations of manufacturing plants.
    • Environmental Engineer: Develop solutions to environmental problems and ensure compliance with regulations.
    • Quality Control Engineer: Ensure products meet quality and safety standards.
    • Technical Sales Engineer: Provide technical support and solutions to customers, helping them choose the right products and services.
    • Consultant: Offer expert advice to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency across various industries.

  • A chemical engineer could use their knowledge in science and math to find employment in many different industries, doing many different things. Here are some example areas you could find yourself working in.  

    • Bio-processes: Innovating in the pharmaceuticals, food, and beverage industries to create sustainable and health-conscious products. 
    • Chemical Processes: Developing eco-friendly solutions in industries such as fertilizers, specialty chemicals, and glass production.
    • Combustion: Enhancing energy efficiency in industrial furnaces for steel manufacturing, power generation, and waste-to-energy recovery. 
    • Environmental: Leading initiatives in waste and water treatment, recycling, and environmental compliance to minimise ecological footprints.
    • Minerals: Advancing technologies in the extraction and processing of essential minerals like aluminum, steel, copper, lead, and gold. 
    • Petrochemicals: Transforming oil and gas into versatile materials like plastics and synthetic rubber, with a focus on sustainability.
    • Process Control: Implementing advanced instrumentation and control systems to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient manufacturing processes. 
    • Petroleum: Producing oil, gas, and LPG from both onshore and offshore fields, with an emphasis on reducing environmental impact.
    • Project Delivery: Converting innovative process plant designs into efficient, safe, and operational facilities. 
    • Our UNSW graduates have been employed within these companies and industries:  
    • Caltex/Shell (Petroleum)  
    • ANSTO (Nuclear science and technology) 
    • DuPont (Waterpurification technology)  
    • Lion - Tooheys (Beverages) 
    • Sydney Water (Water utility) 
    • MasterFoods (Food)
    • Pfizer (Pharmaceutical) 
    • Veolia (Consulting)
    • Orica (Mining and Explosives)  
    • BOC (Gases) 

    Chemical engineers are some of the most flexible and highly employable graduates from UNSW, working across many industries. This degree not only provides students with valuable technical skills, but also the necessary analytical and problem-solving abilities to help them work effectively as part of any team. Take this degree alone or you can combine it with a second degree.

  • When you are studying chemical engineering, you will focus on ways to put chemicals to work and improve outcomes. You will learn skills in: 

    • Engineering and technology
    • Chemistry
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Production and processing
    • Computers and electronics
    • Machines and mechanics
    • Strong problem-solving abilities: Tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions. 
    • Passion for mathematics and chemistry: Enjoy working with numbers and chemical principles. 
    • Logical and analytical thinking: Approach problems with clear reasoning and critical thinking. 
    • Technical and practical aptitude: Hands-on skills and technical know-how. 
    • Analytical mindset: Understand and dissect how things work. 
    • Attention to detail: Maintain accuracy and precision in your work. 
    • Commitment to safety: Adhere to strict safety standards and protocols. 
    • Drive and determination: Work hard and strive for success.