Chemical Equipment Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of technological advancements, the role of chemical equipment engineers is critically significant.

As the industrial landscape evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can design, maintain, and optimize chemical equipment is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a chemical equipment engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the complexities of chemical equipment engineering,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a comprehensive chemical equipment engineer job description template, ready to be customized and posted on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Chemical Equipment Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Chemical Equipment Engineers work with industrial machinery and equipment used in the chemical process industry.

They are responsible for designing, testing, and implementing chemical processing equipment, and ensuring it operates efficiently and safely.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Design and develop new chemical manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate existing chemical processing equipment for performance and safety.
• Create design specifications and documentation for chemical processing equipment.
• Collaborate with other engineers and scientists to create optimal designs.
• Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of chemical processing equipment.
• Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems and implement effective solutions.
• Ensure all chemical processing equipment adheres to industry standards and safety regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments and propose improvements to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Work closely with project managers and other engineering teams to successfully complete projects within deadlines and budgets.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in chemical equipment engineering and apply them to improve existing systems.

 

Chemical Equipment Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Chemical Equipment Engineer to design, develop and maintain chemical processing equipment.

Chemical Equipment Engineer responsibilities include understanding the requirements of the chemical process, designing equipment appropriately, collaborating with other engineers and scientists, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of equipment.

Our ideal candidates are familiar with the principles of chemical engineering and have a thorough understanding of chemical processing equipment.

Ultimately, the role of the Chemical Equipment Engineer is to ensure that all equipment used in the chemical process is running efficiently and safely, while adhering to all regulations and standards.

 

Responsibilities

• Designing, developing and maintaining chemical processing equipment
• Working closely with process chemists and control engineers to ensure the process plant is set up to provide maximum output levels and efficient running of the production facility
• Designing plant and equipment configuration so that they can be readily adapted to suit the product range and the process technologies involved
• Assessing options for plant expansion or reconfiguration by developing and testing process simulation models
• Ensuring that potential safety issues related to the project operator, the environment, the process and the product are considered at all stages
• Performing risk assessments
• Ensuring the process works at the optimum level, to the right rate and quality of output, in order to meet supply needs

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Chemical Equipment Engineer or similar role
• Understanding of chemical processing and industrial equipment
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with safety and environmental regulations in chemical processing
• Proficiency in using design and calculation software
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Chemical Equipment Engineer
• Work Environment: Industrial setting. Some travel may be required for team meetings or site visits.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Chemical Engineer or Production Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Chemical Equipment Engineer Do?

Chemical Equipment Engineers work across industries, primarily in chemical plants, manufacturing industries, oil refineries, and pharmaceutical companies.

They can also work as consultants or part of engineering firms.

Their primary role is to design, develop, and manage the operation of industrial chemical equipment, ensuring the equipment runs efficiently and safely.

They are often involved in the selection and installation of new equipment, as well as making modifications to existing equipment to improve performance.

Chemical Equipment Engineers troubleshoot and resolve issues related to equipment malfunctions.

They also conduct regular checks and audits to ensure that all equipment meets safety regulations and industry standards.

They work closely with other professionals such as Chemical Engineers, Process Engineers, and Maintenance Engineers to optimize chemical processes and ensure the overall reliability of the production system.

Their job also involves preparing technical documentation, reports, and operating instructions for chemical process equipment.

They also supervise and train other technical staff on the use of chemical equipment.

Finally, Chemical Equipment Engineers often take part in research and development projects aimed at inventing new equipment or refining existing equipment for improved chemical processing.

 

Chemical Equipment Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Chemical Equipment Engineers combine technical skills, scientific knowledge, and problem-solving abilities to design, develop, and test various chemical processing equipment.

Here are some essential skills and qualifications for this role:

• Proficiency in chemical processing and manufacturing equipment design to develop efficient, safe, and effective machinery.
• Excellent understanding of chemical engineering principles to apply in the design and optimization of chemical processes and equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and rectify issues that may arise in the development, testing and operation of chemical equipment.
• Excellent knowledge of safety protocols and regulations in the chemical industry to ensure the design of safe and compliant machinery and processes.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively relay technical information to teams, clients and stakeholders, and to understand project requirements.
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills to collaborate with other engineers, technicians and professionals in the planning and execution of projects.
• Strong proficiency in the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software and other engineering software tools for modeling, simulation, and analysis of chemical processes.
• Attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of designs, calculations and testing results.
• Project management skills to oversee projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

 

Chemical Equipment Engineer Experience Requirements

Chemical Equipment Engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, environmental science, or a related field to get started in the industry.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through an internship or part-time role in chemical plant operations, process engineering, or research and development labs.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Chemical Analyst, Environmental Engineer, or Process Engineer.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level Chemical Equipment Engineer roles.

They usually have a strong background in chemical process design, equipment troubleshooting, and process safety management.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a supervisory or managerial position, overseeing a team of engineers and technicians.

In this industry, continuous learning is crucial due to the advancement in technologies and changes in regulations.

Hence, chemical equipment engineers are expected to undertake professional development courses throughout their career.

 

Chemical Equipment Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Chemical Equipment Engineers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

This academic training provides them with the necessary knowledge in areas such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and organic chemistry.

In addition, these engineers should have a strong foundation in mathematics and physics to help them understand and solve complex engineering problems.

Chemical Equipment Engineers often need to know how to use computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Therefore, familiarity with this or similar software can be beneficial.

While not always required, obtaining a master’s degree in chemical or mechanical engineering can provide advanced knowledge and may improve employment opportunities.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which requires passing two intensive competency exams.

Ongoing training and keeping up-to-date with the latest industry developments are essential aspects of this profession.

Therefore, many Chemical Equipment Engineers pursue additional courses or certifications in areas like process control, safety systems, or materials science.

Additionally, these professionals need practical experience, which can be gained through internships or cooperative engineering programs.

These provide the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world industrial settings.

 

Chemical Equipment Engineer Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Chemical Equipment Engineer is approximately $81,458 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income may differ based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, educational qualifications, geographical location, and the specific company of employment.

 

Chemical Equipment Engineer Job Description FAQs

What educational qualifications does a Chemical Equipment Engineer need?

A Chemical Equipment Engineer typically needs a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field.

Some roles may require a Master’s degree or a Ph.D., particularly for complex or research-oriented positions.

In addition, some positions may require specific certifications or ongoing education to stay up-to-date with the latest chemical engineering advancements.

 

What are the daily duties of a Chemical Equipment Engineer?

The daily duties of a Chemical Equipment Engineer often involve overseeing the design, fabrication, and testing of chemical processing equipment.

They may also perform analyses to identify and correct potential equipment problems.

This can involve regular collaboration with production personnel, equipment vendors, and other engineers to ensure optimal equipment operation.

Some Chemical Equipment Engineers also contribute to research and development initiatives, including the development of new equipment technologies.

 

What skills does a Chemical Equipment Engineer need?

A Chemical Equipment Engineer needs a thorough understanding of chemical processes and equipment design principles.

They also need strong problem-solving skills to identify and correct equipment issues.

Additionally, good communication skills are essential for working with team members, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Analytical skills are also crucial to evaluate equipment performance and identify areas for improvement.

 

What qualities make a good Chemical Equipment Engineer?

A good Chemical Equipment Engineer is meticulous, ensuring every detail is considered when designing and evaluating chemical equipment.

They are innovative, able to develop new solutions to complex engineering problems.

They’re also excellent team players, willing to collaborate with others to achieve project goals.

Finally, they are dedicated to safety, ensuring all equipment designs and modifications meet stringent safety standards.

 

Is a Chemical Equipment Engineer the same as a Process Engineer?

While both Chemical Equipment Engineers and Process Engineers work in the same industry and may collaborate on similar projects, their roles are distinct.

A Chemical Equipment Engineer focuses on the design, fabrication, and testing of equipment used in chemical processes.

In contrast, a Process Engineer focuses more broadly on designing and optimizing entire chemical or manufacturing processes, which includes but is not limited to the equipment used.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve uncovered the truth about being a Chemical Equipment Engineer.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about chemical reactions and lab tests.

It’s about molding the future of the chemical industry, one piece of equipment at a time.

With our ready-to-use Chemical Equipment Engineer job description template and practical examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why halt your progress?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating meticulously detailed listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Keep this in mind:

Each piece of equipment is a key element in the broader spectrum of the industry.

Let’s design that future. Together.

How to Become a Chemical Equipment Engineer (Complete Guide)

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