Do You Have the Skills Needed for Chemical Engineering Roles Today?

With chemical engineering at the forefront of tackling some of our most urgent and complex problems, talent with the skills, drive and passion to make an impact on global challenges are in high demand.  

Chemical engineering roles and the people within them are vital in projects such as developing sustainable energy solutions, advancing clean water technologies, synthesising innovative materials, and driving breakthroughs in pharmaceutical production. Their unique blend of technical expertise and creative problem-solving not only shapes modern industry but also directly impacts global health, environmental protection, and technological progress. 

As the industry evolves, so too do the skills and qualifications required to thrive in chemical engineering roles. So, if you’re looking to kickstart a career in chemical engineering or experienced and hoping to take the next step in your career, understanding what companies and their projects require are key.  

Exploring the Roles Within Chemical Engineering 

The skills and expertise of Chemical Engineers are applicable across a wide, diverse range of industries. As such, the roles and responsibilities of people within Chemical Engineering reflect this diversity.  

Within workforces and working environments, whether its research laboratories or sprawling industrial plants, chemicals expertise is applied in every stage of a product's lifecycle, from conception and testing through to large-scale manufacturing and quality assurance.  

Chemical Engineers might specialise in design and development, process optimisation, environmental compliance, or even health and safety. Each specialism also has to be adapted to suit the unique demands of the sector, be it chemicals, pharmaceuticals, energy, food production or materials. As technology evolves and global challenges intensify, chemical engineers continuously expand their skillsets, integrating new tools and methodologies to drive innovation and sustainability. 

Some of the most impactful and sought-after roles within the chemical engineering currently include: 

• Process Engineers: Focus on designing, optimising, and troubleshooting industrial processes in sectors like speciality chemicals, oil & gas, food, and pharmaceuticals. 

• Environmental Engineers: Develop solutions to environmental challenges such as pollution control and waste management. 

• Materials Engineers: Innovate and test new materials for industries including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. 

• Pharmaceutical and Bioprocess Engineers: Design and optimise drug manufacturing and biopharmaceutical production systems. 

Discover more about chemical engineering careers and how they’re shaping innovation. 

Essential Chemical Engineering Skills, Experience, and Qualifications 

Success in chemical engineering requires a strong mix of technical and soft skills. 

Technical skills: Proficiency with software and technical tools, such as Aspen Plus, ChemCAD, and HYSYS, is key for process modelling and optimisation, while knowledge of programming languages, such as MATLAB and Python, supports data analysis and system modelling. Experience with industry design software is important for creating effective layouts and safety systems. Practical laboratory and instrumentation skills remain crucial for experimentation, quality control, and scale-up. 

Soft skills: Alongside technical know-how, effective chemical engineers have soft skills that support their technical work. Analytical thinking enables them to systematically break down complex challenges and identify root causes, which is fundamental for process optimisation, product development, and incident investigation. Project management skills are crucial for coordinating timelines, managing resources, and leading cross-functional teams, with familiarity in methodologies like Agile or Lean Six Sigma offering further advantages in productivity and regulatory compliance.  

Communication: Communication and teamwork are equally important, as engineers must convey complex ideas to a range of audiences and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. Attention to detail and sound decision-making is also important, especially when handling hazardous materials and processes in which safety and reliability are paramount.