Wednesday, 15 August 2012

Career in Chemical Engineering


Introduction

                        Over the years with the great expansion of scientific knowledge, the basis of applying science particularly chemistry to develop technology has increased tremendously. This has lead to the development of the profession of chemical Engineering. It combines knowledge of Chemistry and Engineering for the production of chemicals and related by-products. This branch of engineering is a varied field, covering areas from biotechnology and nanotechnology to mineral processing. 

 

Job Prospects

Chemical Engineering is the apt career for those who have an aptitude and interest to work with chemicals.
These engineers manufacture better plastics, paints, fuels, fibers, medicines, fertilizers, semiconductors, paper, and all other kinds of chemicals, by carrying out chemical reactions and purifications. They also play an important role in protecting the environment by inventing cleaner technologies. Some of these engineers are engaged in the work of finding ways to recycle the waste products. Some Chemical Engineers work in factories and some find jobs in laboratories. Some find employment in universities, consulting firms, engineering firms, mineral based industries, petrochemical plants, synthetic fiber industry, food processing units, explosive manufacturing industry, fertilizer industry, plastic industry, petroleum refining plants, pharmaceuticals, law offices, government agencies, and many other types of jobs. So we can see that these engineers have a varied amount of job options. Those who have an additional management degree are sought by private industries. In process industries they could work in positions such as a supervisor or manager, technical specialist, project manager or project engineers. They are also employed in a variety of manufacturing industries other than chemical manufacturing, such as those producing electronics, photographic equipment, clothing, pulp and paper and even in the development of aircrafts.
For holding of a gazetted post in government one needs to clear the Engineering Service Examinations, which are held annually by the U.P.S.C or S.P.S.C.
In the public sector they may be employed in defense establishment and atomic power plants, waste and water treatment department, environment regulation and recycling department, health related research projects, energy conservation projects. They are also employed in service industries such as scientific research and development services, particularly in energy and the developing fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology.

 

Professional Courses

To become a chemical engineer one needs to have a B.E/B.Tech degree in Chemical Engineering or an M.E degree in Chemical Engineering. There are both, degree as well as diploma courses. One can go for the 3-year diploma course after the 10th standard (SSC). One can also think of doing an integrated 5-year course offered by IITs that leads to M.Tech Biochemistry Engineering.
The academic program of chemical engineering lays stress on the subjects like Industrial Chemistry, Polymer Technology, Polymer Processing, Polymer Testing, Polymer Synthesis etc. The ME level course specialized training is given in the areas like computer aided plant design, petroleum refining, fertilizer technology, processing of food and agricultural products, synthetic food, petrochemicals, synthetic fibers, coal and mineral based industries etc.

 

Specialization

The specialized areas include research and studies in fluid mechanics, solid particle technologies, polymers, nonstructural materials, protein engineering, bio-catalysis, and biomedical devices. Another branch of specialization is Ceramic and Material engineering. Some of the other areas of specialization are Pollution control, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Metals, Fertilizers and pesticides, Automotive, Plastics, Manufacturing, Forensics, Thermodynamics, Food sciences, Cosmetics, Chemical safety, Education and training, Missile and space, Minerals and metals, Plastics and resins, Waste management.

 

Remuneration

Chemical engineering is one of the highest paying degrees for entry level jobs, with even higher payscales for experienced chemical engineers. Here's a look at typical salary ranges for chemical engineers. Chemical engineers can earn good salaries straight out of school, but years of experience or higher education can double the salary rate.

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