17-2041.00

Chemical Engineers

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Career Cluster:Agriculture
Job Family:Architecture and Engineering
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
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Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCADCC#C++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectRMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WordSAP softwareStructured query language SQLThe MathWorks MATLAB

Key Tasks

  • Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
  • Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
  • Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
  • Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
  • Design and plan layout of equipment.
  • Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management.
  • Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
  • Perform tests and monitor performance of processes throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.
  • Determine most effective arrangement of operations such as mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, and drying.
  • Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.
  • Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant.
  • Design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations.
  • Develop computer models of chemical processes.
  • Direct activities of workers who operate or are engaged in constructing and improving absorption, evaporation, or electromagnetic equipment.
  • Adapt processes to convert from small-scale laboratory operations to large-scale commercial production.
  • Develop process flow diagrams or pipe and instrumentation diagrams.

Skills

Science
78%
Critical Thinking
78%
Reading Comprehension
75%
Complex Problem Solving
75%
Systems Analysis
72%
Active Learning
72%
Systems Evaluation
72%
Judgment and Decision Making
72%
Mathematics
69%
Operations Analysis
66%
Speaking
63%
Active Listening
56%
Writing
53%
Monitoring
53%
Coordination
50%
Instructing
50%
Time Management
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Operations Monitoring
50%
Quality Control Analysis
50%
Troubleshooting
47%
Persuasion
47%
Negotiation
47%
Learning Strategies
47%
Technology Design
47%
Management of Personnel Resources
44%
Service Orientation
44%
Management of Material Resources
38%
Management of Financial Resources
35%
Programming
31%
Operation and Control
25%
Equipment Selection
22%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
95%
Chemistry
91%
Mathematics
82%
Design
75%
Production and Processing
74%
Physics
74%
English Language
69%
Computers and Electronics
54%
Mechanical
51%
Administration and Management
46%
Public Safety and Security
45%
Education and Training
43%
Building and Construction
40%
Economics and Accounting
39%
Law and Government
33%
Customer and Personal Service
29%
Communications and Media
26%
Biology
24%
Administrative
23%
Sales and Marketing
23%
Personnel and Human Resources
22%
Transportation
18%
Telecommunications
16%
Geography
13%
Food Production
13%
Psychology
12%
Foreign Language
9%
Sociology and Anthropology
7%
History and Archeology
4%
Philosophy and Theology
2%
Medicine and Dentistry
2%
Therapy and Counseling
2%
Fine Arts
1%

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Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
75%
Problem Sensitivity
75%
Category Flexibility
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Information Ordering
75%
Mathematical Reasoning
72%
Near Vision
69%
Number Facility
66%
Fluency of Ideas
63%
Flexibility of Closure
63%
Originality
63%
Written Expression
56%
Perceptual Speed
53%
Speech Recognition
53%
Visualization
53%
Speech Clarity
53%
Far Vision
50%
Speed of Closure
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
47%
Memorization
41%
Auditory Attention
41%
Time Sharing
38%
Hearing Sensitivity
25%
Depth Perception
25%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
22%
Trunk Strength
22%
Reaction Time
19%
Control Precision
19%
Wrist-Finger Speed
19%
Finger Dexterity
16%
Rate Control
13%
Manual Dexterity
3%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
93%
Working with Computers
88%
Getting Information
85%
Analyzing Data or Information
84%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
83%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
80%
Processing Information
79%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
78%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
71%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
70%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
69%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
68%
Documenting/Recording Information
68%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
68%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
66%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
65%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
63%
Thinking Creatively
62%
Developing and Building Teams
61%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
61%
Scheduling Work and Activities
59%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
57%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
56%
Coaching and Developing Others
54%
Training and Teaching Others
54%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
51%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
50%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
48%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
46%
Controlling Machines and Processes
39%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
35%
Selling or Influencing Others
33%
Staffing Organizational Units
33%
Performing Administrative Activities
28%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
26%
Assisting and Caring for Others
26%
Handling and Moving Objects
21%
Performing General Physical Activities
21%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
21%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
16%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
10%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

100%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

96%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

95%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

88%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

85%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

84%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

78%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

76%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

76%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

75%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

75%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

74%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

74%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

72%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

66%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

64%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

60%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

60%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

58%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

56%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

49%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

48%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

47%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

45%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

44%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

44%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

43%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

40%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

37%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

37%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

36%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

35%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

34%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

33%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

33%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

31%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

26%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

26%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

25%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

25%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

23%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

22%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

22%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

16%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

16%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

15%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

14%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

13%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

10%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

9%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

8%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

7%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

7%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

4%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

4%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

3%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

0%

Education

Bachelor's degree

91%

Post-baccalaureate certificate

4%

Post-master's certificate

4%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

88

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

79

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

60

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

14

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

13

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

1

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
89%
Cautiousness
87%
Dependability
86%
Innovation
81%
Intellectual Curiosity
79%
Achievement Orientation
71%
Integrity
70%
Adaptability
61%
Stress Tolerance
57%
Perseverance
54%
Self-Confidence
52%
Initiative
48%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
48%
Self-Control
44%
Cooperation
40%
Leadership Orientation
40%
Sincerity
21%
Social Orientation
16%
Optimism
8%
Empathy
3%
Humility
3%

Work Values

Recognition
78%
Achievement
72%
Independence
72%
Working Conditions
72%
Relationships
50%
Support
50%

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