What Does Chemical Engineer Do? Profession, Salary and Tasks

What Is a Chemical Engineer?

A chemical engineer, also known as a chemical engineering engineer, is the interface between theoretical chemistry and the practical world of engineering. You plan and develop systems for carrying out chemical reactions and supervises their installation. In your job, you are responsible for designing pilot plants and supporting the transfer of these systems to ongoing production operations.

Chemical engineers work in many industries: from plastic production to drug production to the cosmetics and cleaning products industry and raw chemical processing. In doing so, you not only test the plants themselves, but also the chemicals produced for their composition and quality.

In addition, you can work as an expert and prepare reports, expert reports and statements. In sales, you sell specific plants or chemicals and mainly serve commercial customers.

Your tasks in chemical engineering include all chemical processes, which are used together with disciplines such as physics and mathematics in the engineering world. You are responsible for using various processes to produce materials and materials that are required throughout industry, from mechanical engineering to the metal industry.

The importance of your profession is immense in every branch of industry, as chemical engineers are involved in all production processes. You usually specialize in a specific field such as electrochemistry or bioprocess engineering and often work in international research teams on the development of new, innovative products.

Innovation, a deep understanding of scientific disciplines and the ability to develop economical, safe and environmentally friendly processes for material conversion are essential for your work as a chemical engineer. You use mathematical and scientific findings to develop functional technical solutions that are also economically viable and safe.

Chemical engineering, which developed at the beginning of the 20th century as a result of cooperation between chemists and machine manufacturers, is today an essential part of the chemical industry, in which chemical engineers play a leading role.

Tasks — What Does a Chemical Engineer Do?

As a chemical engineer, you play a key role in the interface between chemistry and industry. Your main tasks include development, optimization, and monitoring from chemical processes used in various industries to produce a wide range of products, from medicines to plastics. In doing so, you combine chemical knowledge with engineering skills to develop efficient, safe and economical production processes.

You often start by converting organic and inorganic raw materials, from which you make products such as medicines, cleaning agents or plastics. Your field of work is diverse and ranges from the processing of natural raw materials to the use of intermediate and waste products. Here, you develop and implement manufacturing processes that use chemical, physical and biological processes.

In plant planning, you are responsible for the design and construction of production plants. You start with a smaller scale, check the results and then transfer them to the operating scale. Supervising the assembly and commissioning of these plants is just as much a part of your duties as supporting colleagues, e.g. chemists, during completion.

During operation you do monitor the output of the machines, carrie out measurements and check the composition of the goods produced. Here, you will work with a variety of chemical substances and processes, for example in the development of nanoparticles.

Another important aspect of your work is documentation. You create work regulations, test plans and record the results of your work. In the process optimization you will manage measures to increase efficiency and implement them in accordance with the principles of lean management.

You will also act in an advisory capacity, preparing expert opinions and statements for approval processes or as a basis for management decisions. In sales, you will support and advise customers, in particular on possible expansions to their production facilities.

Your application possibilities are almost unlimited. You can work in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, environmental technology, or food industries. In research you will work on the development of new materials and innovative products and carry out chemical laboratory analyses, simulations and tests.

Overall, you are responsible for the quality assurance, maintenance and compliance with environmental and safety regulations of the production. You can also take on a leadership role by leading a team and overseeing operational processes in a chemical plant.

In addition to all these technical tasks, you will also use your knowledge in marketing one where your scientific and technical knowledge is increasingly in demand. Here you can successfully market products and processes and provide targeted advice to customers.

In summary, as a chemical engineer you will be responsible for the new development and optimization of chemical-based products and processes, control and monitor chemical processes, ensure quality and apply your expertise in a wide range of industrial areas.

Industries — Where Do Chemical Engineers Work?

Chemical engineers work in a wide range of industries and find employment opportunities in almost every sector of industry. Chemical engineers are particularly in demand in the chemical industry, which also includes the pharmaceutical industry. Here you can work for large chemical companies as well as for medium-sized companies. Key industries include:

• Chemical industry: Companies that produce chemicals, paints, building materials, textiles, cosmetics and food. There are numerous companies in this sector in Germany, including five large chemical companies, around 30 large companies and hundreds of medium-sized and small companies that produce chemical products.
• Pharmaceutical industry: Here you work on the development and manufacture of drugs and other pharmaceutical products.
• Food industry: In this sector, you are involved in the development and optimization of foods, where chemical processes play a central role.
• Textile industry: Chemical engineers are involved in the development of textile dyes, fibers and other materials.
• Cosmetics industry: You develop and improve cosmetic products through the use of chemical processes and procedures.

In addition to the chemical industry, chemical engineers are also in demand in other industries:

• Automotive: Here, you can be involved in the development of new materials, fuels or other chemical components.
• Energy and environmental economics: In this area, you will work on the development of sustainable energy sources or technologies for waste treatment and recycling.
• Plant and mechanical engineering: As an interface engineer, you work in process engineering and are involved in the planning, development and optimization of production plants.

There are also various career opportunities available to you away from manufacturing companies:

• Consultancies: You advise companies on chemical issues and process optimization.
• Engineering service provider: You work on a project-based basis for various industrial customers.
• Research institutes: Here you will work on the development and improvement of technical processes.
• Expert: You can act as an expert and contribute your expertise in judicial or regulatory matters.

Chemical engineers typically work in engineering offices, in laboratories or production halls, where they carry out monitoring activities. You can also often be found in meeting rooms to report on the progress or results of a project.

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Working Hours of a Chemical Engineer

The working hours of a chemical engineer vary depending on the area of application. In production monitoring you often work in shift work, which can include weekend work. In research and development on the other hand, you usually have normal working hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., excluding weekend work.

The average weekly working time is around 40 hours. For challenging projects, these working hours may be temporarily higher, but time off in lieu or additional remuneration is usually granted.

As a chemical engineer, you can also work part-time. Several engineers often share responsibility for a production area, which enables you to better balance work and leisure time. The work-life balance is generally balanced, but overtime may be necessary for large projects at times.

Specializations for Chemical Engineers

As a chemical engineer, you can specialize in a variety of fields and industries. These specializations enable you to work specifically in specific industries or research areas and contribute your expertise there. The following sections describe key specializations in chemical engineering in more detail.

Chemical Engineer in Process Development and Execution

As a chemical engineer with a specialization in process development and execution, you optimize industrial production processes. Your main goal is to increase efficiency and profitability while ensuring the quality of the end product. You analyse existing processes, carry out simulations and develop new methods to improve production processes.

Chemical Engineer in Quality Assurance and Quality Management

When you focus on quality assurance and quality management, you ensure that production processes and end products meet the highest quality standards. You develop and implement quality control procedures, monitor production processes and ensure that all requirements and specifications are met. This specialization is particularly important in heavily regulated industries such as the pharmaceutical industry.

Chemical Engineer in Product Development

In product development, you use your chemical-technical knowledge to develop new products or improve existing products. You work on an interdisciplinary basis and can work in various industries, from cosmetics to the automotive sector. Your focus is on creating innovative and marketable solutions.

Chemical Engineer in Electrochemistry

As a chemical engineer in electrochemistry, you study the interactions between chemical and electrical processes. For example, you are working on optimising batteries, fuel cells or electrolysis processes. This specialization is particularly important in the energy sector and the development of sustainable technologies.

Chemical Engineer in Process Engineering

In process engineering, you are responsible for developing and optimizing processes for converting raw materials into end products. You work in the chemical, food or pharmaceutical industries and focus on making processes more efficient and sustainable. Your knowledge of chemical reactions and physical processes helps you improve industrial processes.

Chemical Engineer in Reactor Development

As a specialist in reactor development, you will be involved in construction, development and safety of reactors, in particular nuclear reactors. You work in the energy industry or in research facilities that deal with the use of nuclear energy. Your tasks include the planning, monitoring and optimization of reactor systems.

Chemical Engineer in Bioprocess Engineering

In bioprocess engineering, you develop and optimize biotechnological processes that use natural materials such as enzymes or microorganisms to produce products. This specialization is particularly in demand in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and food industries. You are working on making biological processes usable for industrial applications.

Chemical Engineer in Catalyst Development

As an expert in catalyst development, you develop new catalysts that speed up chemical reactions or make them more efficient. You work with materials such as platinum or rhodium and optimize industrial processes in the chemical and petrochemical industries. Your goal is to increase productivity while reducing energy consumption.

Chemical Engineer in Food Technology

In food technology, you develop processes to make food last longer, safer and of higher quality. You are concerned with the question of how products such as yogurt stay fresh over a longer period of time or how food packaging can be improved. This specialization is of great importance in food production and processing.

Chemical Engineer in Materials Technology

As a chemical engineer in materials engineering, you work on the development and production of new materials such as plastics, metals or composite materials. These materials are reused in various industries, such as the automotive industry, aviation or the construction industry. Your goal is to develop materials with specific properties such as strength, lightness or durability.

Chemical Engineer in Paint Chemistry

In paint chemistry, you specialize in developing paints with special properties such as water resistance, heat protection or scratch resistance. You work in particular in the automotive industry, but also in other areas where protective and decorative layers are required. Your task is to develop innovative paints that meet the requirements of modern industries.

Further Specializations: Experimental Physics, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Heat Transfer Phenomena or Service Providers

Depending on the university, you can specialize in other areas, including experimental physics, molecular biology, chemical engineering or research into heat transport phenomena. These specializations open up additional career paths in research and development.

These specializations offer chemical engineers the opportunity to excel in a wide range of industries and areas of research. Each specialization opens up specific career paths for you and allows you to use your knowledge in a targeted manner to develop innovative solutions in chemistry and related disciplines.

As a chemical engineer, you can also work as service provider and advise companies on the selection of production plants, the optimization of processes or on environmental protection issues.

Salary of Chemical Engineers

As a chemical engineer, you will earn above-average wages in most cases. Even as a career starter, your salary will be significantly higher than that of engineers in other specialist areas. On average, your starting salary as a chemical engineer is around €53,530 gross per year. The average monthly starting salary can be €3,200 and can reach up to €3,800 gross. With a few years of professional experience, your salary will rise to between €3,600 and €5,500 gross per month.

The amount of your salary depends on various factors, such as the industry, the size of the company and your level of education. You can expect a particularly high salary in the pharmaceutical or automotive industry. Here, the starting salary is around €4,400 gross per month. With around 10 years of professional experience, you can earn up to €5,800 gross per month.

Large companies often pay according to collective agreements, where the salary can be between €5,071 and €6,021 gross per month. In small or medium-sized companies that are not bound by collective agreements, your salary may also be lower. For particularly responsible positions, however, a salary above the collectively agreed salary is possible.

Net earnings depend on personal factors such as tax class and marital status. For example, a single chemical engineer with gross earnings of € 5,000 in Baden-Württemberg receives around € 3,000 net. A married chemical engineer with two children can expect to earn around €3,500 net with the same gross salary.

Education — How Do You Become a Chemical Engineer?

Popular Dtudy Programs

If you are interested in chemical engineering, you can choose between various popular courses of study in Germany. Chemical engineering is a demanding and diverse field, and the courses offered differ in their orientation and depth depending on the university.

Here are a few of most popular degree programs for chemical engineers:

• University of Stuttgart: Here you can study chemical engineering in a 6-semester degree program. This degree program is 100% recommended and is considered particularly practical and innovative.
• Esslingen University: At Esslingen University, the course lasts 7 semesters and also has a 100% recommendation rate. The university is known for its close connection to industry and offers many practical insights.
• TU Dortmund: Dortmund University of Technology offers a 7-semester course in chemical engineering, which has a recommendation rate of 90%. Here, there is a strong focus on research and technology, which gives you deep insights into the scientific basics.
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT): KIT offers both a 6-semester bachelor's and a 4-semester master's program in chemical engineering. The bachelor's degree has a recommendation rate of 89%, while the master's program is rated very high at 96%. KIT is one of the most renowned technical universities in Germany and is known for its strong research orientation.

What Requirements Do I Have to Meet?

To study chemical engineering, you must meet certain requirements:

1. School qualification: You need the general university entrance qualification (Abitur) or the subject-specific university entrance qualification. At universities of applied sciences, the technical college entrance qualification is usually sufficient.
2. Clausus number (NC): Some universities and colleges restrict access through a numerus clausus (NC). This means that your Abitur grade can be decisive for getting a place at university if there are more applicants than places to study.
3. Other selection criteria: In addition to the Abitur grade, other factors can be taken into account, such as practical experience, awards, social or political commitment and sporting activities. These can help you increase your chances of getting a place at university.
4. Understanding natural sciences: A strong understanding of scientific relationships, particularly in chemistry, is essential. Profound knowledge of physics is also important.
5. Math skills: A strong interest and understanding of mathematics and calculation processes is crucial, as they play a central role in many areas of chemical engineering.
6. Spatial thinking: You should be able to think spatially, as this is important for planning and constructing systems.
7. English language skills: Good English language skills are an advantage, as many technical texts are written in English and you may be working in an international environment.

These requirements are essential to successfully complete a degree in chemical engineering.

What Skills Do I Need to Have?

To become a chemical engineer you do need to have a number of specific skills that will make you successful in this demanding job.

• Scientific understanding and affinity for technology: A strong understanding of natural sciences, in particular chemistry, mathematics and physics, is essential. Mathematical and physical models as well as the ability to understand and apply complex chemical processes are basic requirements.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills: As a chemical engineer, you are often confronted with complex issues. You must be able to think analytically and develop creative solutions. Abstract thinking and a high level of problem-solving skills are essential here.
• Enthusiasm for experimentation and practical work: You should enjoy trying out new things and working in practice. Chemical engineers often work in laboratories and technical facilities, so a practical understanding and willingness to test innovative approaches is important.
• Ability to communicate and work in a team: In this job, you will often work in teams and manage projects. Good communication skills and teamwork are therefore essential. You should also have some leadership and organizational talent, as you are often responsible for teams and projects in management positions.
• English language skills and intercultural skills: The chemical industry is internationally oriented. Good written and spoken English skills are therefore important to communicate effectively with international colleagues and partners. Intercultural competence also makes it easier for you to work together in global teams.
• Conscientiousness and sense of responsibility: Careful and responsible work is of great importance in chemical engineering. You will often work in areas where precision is crucial, for example when planning and constructing systems.
• Resilience and discipline: The job of a chemical engineer requires discipline and resilience, particularly when working on demanding projects and in stressful phases when deadlines must be met.
• IT skills: Basic computer skills make it easier for you to get started, as there are many processes in engineering that are controlled and monitored digitally.
• Results-oriented working style: You should have a strong focus on results and be able to work on projects efficiently and in a goal-oriented manner, even when setbacks occur.

With these skills, you are well equipped to be successful in chemical engineering.

Course Content, Process and Degree in Chemical Engineering

If you choose to study chemical engineering, you can expect exciting and challenging content, a clearly structured course of study and a wide range of degrees.

What Course Content Can I Expect?

When studying chemical engineering, you combine natural sciences with engineering sciences. You'll learn how chemical processes are used to produce everyday products such as fuel, food, medicines, and cosmetics. A central aspect is the environmentally and resource-saving transformation of natural raw materials into industrial products.

The course content consists of several disciplines:

• Chemistry
• Maths
• Physics
• Process engineering
• Materials engineering
• Biology
• Electrical engineering and information technology
• Mechanical engineering

In the undergraduate course, you will acquire the principles of mathematics, science and technology, which you will deepen through laboratory internships. Courses include lectures, exercises and chemical internships. The course content covers topics such as inorganic and organic chemistry, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, automation technology and chemicals law.

What Does the Process Look Like?

The bachelor's degree in chemical engineering usually takes 6 to 8 semesters. At many universities, you can only start your studies in the winter semester. During your studies, you will gain theoretical and practical experience. You will develop the theoretical principles in lectures, which are usually concluded with exams. The practical application of the learned content is carried out in intensive laboratory internships, which take a lot of time.

In addition to regular courses, you will also prepare performance records, such as final reports or minutes. Many universities require an internship in which you can gain initial work experience and establish contacts. It is also possible to spend a semester abroad to gain international experience.

A dual degree in chemical engineering offers you a combination of study and practical training in the company. In this model, your week is divided into study days and working days. After 7 to 8 semesters, in addition to an academic degree, you will also have gained valuable practical experience, which will make your career start easier.

Which Degree Will I Get?

You will either complete your studies with the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or the Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.). The degree depends on the orientation of the university. Universities usually award the Bachelor of Science because that is where the focus is on research, while universities of applied sciences award the Bachelor of Engineering, which is more practice-oriented.

For a successful career in chemical engineering, it is recommended to obtain a master's degree after completing a bachelor's degree. The master's degree usually takes 2 to 4 semesters and allows you to specialize in specific areas of chemical engineering. A master's degree gives you better career prospects and is often a prerequisite for management positions in industry.

If you are interested in practical and interdisciplinary education and have a passion for science and technology, the chemical engineering degree is just the right thing for you.

Continuing Education as a Chemical Engineer

After completing your studies, there are various continuing education options available to you:

• Master's degree: Specialization in specific fields such as environmental technology, process engineering or chemical engineering.
• Promotion: For a scientific career or management positions in industry. A doctorate significantly improves the chances of taking up positions of responsibility.
• Habilitation: For an academic career at universities.
• Consulting engineer: Membership in a state engineering chamber, requires several years of professional experience.
• Professional development: Regular participation in seminars and workshops to stay up to date with the latest technology.

FAQ — Our Engineers Explain

What Does a Chemical Engineer Do?

A chemical engineer develops, optimizes and monitors processes for the production of chemicals, materials and energy. In doing so, you combine knowledge of chemistry with engineering principles. Typical tasks include planning and improving production facilities, researching and developing new processes, and compliance with environmental and safety standards. You often work in industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food production or environmental protection.

How Much Does a Chemical Engineer Earn?

The salary of a chemical engineer varies depending on professional experience, industry and location. Beginners in Germany earn between 45,000 and 55,000 euros gross annually on average. With growing experience, the salary can rise to over 70,000 euros. Salaries of over 100,000 euros are also possible in management positions. Your earnings depend heavily on your area of activity and the size of the company.

How Do You Become a Chemical Engineer?

To become a chemical engineer, you need a degree in chemical engineering or a related field. The course usually takes 6 to 7 semesters for the Bachelor and a further 3 to 4 semesters for the Master. The course includes chemistry, physics, mathematics, thermodynamics and process engineering. Internships in industry are often part of your studies and prepare you for professional practice. After graduation, you can go straight into industry or specialize further.

How Many Chemical Engineers Are There?

There are around 50,000 to 60,000 working chemical engineers in Germany. This figure may vary depending on the source and definition. Chemical engineering is a sought-after discipline, particularly in industries such as chemistry, pharmacy, environmental technology and energy management. The demand for qualified chemical engineers remains high.