Graduate chemical engineering positions will most likely be in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, plastics, nuclear or the cosmetic and toiletries sectors of manufacturing, as well as in nanotechnology, biomedical and fuel cell sectors. The position involves the development of industrial production processes of new and diverse products based on research into their structures. Chemical engineers may follow new products from trial to release onto the market, improve existing product lines, modify the industrial plant involved in the production or design new plant.
The nuclear industry is a good source of chemical engineering jobs for graduates, with jobs involving the environmental and safety aspects at present facing the industry as a whole. Key tasks include working with process chemists, control engineers and other specialists in designing plant capable of efficient and safe running under diverse conditions. Troubleshooting is a key skill, as is the application of new technologies and excellent computer skills. Graduate qualifications are BEng and MEng on a degree course accredited by the Institute of Chemical Engineers, with some experience an advantage.
Graduate entry-level salaries start from £26,000, dependent on the sector and company.