Chemical and Materials Engineers

What the job involves

• Preparing designs for chemical process systems and planning control systems for processes such as those used to remove and separate components, effect chemical changes, test and evaluate fuels, transfer heat, and control the storing and handling of solids,liquids and gases
• Monitoring the operation and maintenance of equipment to achieve maximum efficiency under safe operating conditions
• Ensuring correct materials and equipment are used and that they conform to specifications
• Diagnosing malfunctions in chemical plants and instituting remedial action
• Studying product utilisation and pollution control problems
• Reviewing plans for new products and submitting material selection recommendations in accordance with design specifications and factors such as strength, weight and cost
• Planning and implementing laboratory operations to develop new materials and fabrication procedures for new materials to fulfil production cost and performance standards
• Conferring with producers of materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, cements and elastomers, during the investigation and evaluation of materials suitable for specific product applications
• Reviewing product failure data and implementing laboratory tests to establish or reject possible causes, and advising on ways to overcome any problems

Key values of workers in Chemical and Materials Engineers

• Achievement

  Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

• Working Conditions

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

• Independence

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

• Relationships

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

• Support

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Top skills required for workers in Chemical and Materials Engineers

• Complex Problem Solving

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Mathematics

  Using mathematics to solve problems.

• Judgment and Decision Making

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.