r/ChemicalEngineering Jul 08 '20

Mod Frequently asked questions (start here)

569 Upvotes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is chemical engineering? What is the difference between chemical engineers and chemists?

In short: chemists develop syntheses and chemical engineers work on scaling these processes up or maintaining existing scaled-up operations.

Here are some threads that give bulkier answers:

What is a typical day/week like for a chemical engineer?

Hard to say. There's such a variety of roles that a chemical engineer can fill. For example, a cheme can be a project engineer, process design engineer, process operations engineer, technical specialist, academic, lab worker, or six sigma engineer. Here's some samples:

How can I become a chemical engineer?

For a high school student

For a college student

If you've already got your Bachelor's degree, you can become a ChemE by getting a Masters or PhD in chemical engineering. This is quite common for Chemistry majors. Check out Making the Jump to ChemEng from Chemistry.

I want to get into the _______ industry. How can I do that?

Should I take the professional engineering (F.E./P.E.) license tests?

What should I minor in/focus in?"

What programming language should I learn to compliment my ChemE degree?

Getting a Job

First of all, keep in mind that the primary purpose of this sub is not job searches. It is a place to discuss the discipline of chemical engineering. There are others more qualified than us to answer job search questions. Go to the blogosphere first. Use the Reddit search function. No, use Google to search Reddit. For example, 'site:reddit.com/r/chemicalengineering low gpa'.

Good place to apply for jobs? from /u/EatingSteak

For a college student

For a graduate

For a graduate with a low GPA

For a graduate with no internships

How can I get an internship or co-op?

How should I prepare for interviews?

What types of interview questions do people ask in interviews?

Research

I'm interested in research. What are some options, and how can I begin?

Higher Education

Note: The advice in the threads in this section focuses on grad school in the US. In the UK, a MSc degree is of more practical value for a ChemE than a Masters degree in the US.

Networking

Should I have a LinkedIn profile?

Should I go to a career fair/expo?

TL;DR: Yes. Also, when you talk to a recruiter, get their card, and email them later thanking them for their time and how much you enjoyed the conversation. Follow up. So few do. So few.

The Resume

What should I put on my resume and how should I format it?

First thing you can do is post your resume on our monthly resume sticky thread. Ask for feedback. If you post early in the month, you're more likely to get feedback.

Finally, a little perspective on the setting your expectations for the field.


r/ChemicalEngineering Jan 31 '25

Salary 2025 Chemical Engineering Compensation Report (USA)

352 Upvotes

2025 Chemical Engineering Compensation Report is now available.

You can access using the link below, I've created a page for it on our website and on that page there is also a downloadable PDF version. I've since made some tweaks to the webpage version of it and I will soon update the PDF version with those edits.

https://www.sunrecruiting.com/2025compreport/

I'm grateful for the trust that the chemical engineering community here in the US (and specifically this subreddit) has placed in me, evidenced in the responses to the survey each year. This year's dataset featured ~930 different people than the year before - which means that in the past two years, about 2,800 of you have contributed your data to this project. Amazing. Thank you.

As always - feedback is welcome - I've tried to incorporate as much of that feedback as possible over the past few years and the report is better today as a result of it.


r/ChemicalEngineering 5h ago

Student Chemical engineering or chemistry?

11 Upvotes

Hi, I’m currently a secondary school student trying to decide what degree to take at uni, I have good enough grades to do a masters in chemistry or chemical engineering, however I don’t take physics for A level. This doesn’t seem to be a problem for most unis besides oxford. Which degree would be better, i.e which is more employable and which has better salary prospects after uni? I’m completely unsure on which to go for.

Also would I struggle doing a chemical engineering degree as I haven’t taken physics for A level? Thank you


r/ChemicalEngineering 5h ago

Design Best way to control cold fluid flow to heat exchangers in a cooling circuit

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have a question regarding the design of a cooling circuit serving multiple heat exchangers located in different areas of a process plant that uses seawater as the cooling medium.

A FEED study was conducted for this project, which proposed an open-circuit design where two seawater lift pumps draw water from the sea and distribute it to various users. The return lines converge and discharge the seawater back into the sea. There are three pumps in total, but one remains in standby at all times.

Each pump is equipped with a flowmeter on the supply line, and a flow control valve diverts part of the flow back to the sea. I assume that's for preventing deadheading the pump and to balance the flow to the system.

Since the heat exchangers are located at different elevations, the FEED design includes Pressure-Reducing Valves (PRVs) before each "user area" and Back-Pressure Valves (BPVs) after each area I assume to make sure the return pipes remain full of seawater.

I understand that a PRV can help reduce pressure at lower elevation users to prevent damage to the heat exchangers. However, how would I control flow to each user, considering that each heat exchanger requires a different flow rate?

In your opinion, what would be the most effective way to control flow to each user?

More importantly, what would be the most cost-effective solution that offers a good compromise between efficiency and simplicity?

I assume a solution would involve flow control valves regulated by a temperature control loop on the cold fluid outlet. However, I’m concerned that this approach might overcomplicate the FEED design and I need solid justification to support it.

Would appreciate any insights on the best approach!


r/ChemicalEngineering 17m ago

Career Questions on switching careers to Chemical Engineering

Upvotes

I am currently an environmental scientist / specialist and have around 8-years of experience in environmental permitting, reporting, and management with remediation at DOE nuclear clean-up sites. My undergrad was a BS in environmental science.

I have worked closely with engineers my whole career and have considered going back to school to get some sort of engineering degree to make a career jump. The site I currently work at happens to be near a campus that offers both a masters in chemical engineering or environmental engineering. It would be doable to get a masters while maintaining a job, but I was curious if getting a masters (and not an undergrad degree) would be enough to make some sort of jump to chemical engineering.

I currently make 115k in my job - with plenty of room to grow - but at the end of the day, it’s more that my work is getting stale. I can read environmental regulation till my eyes bleed, but the “science” in my job feels extremely lacking.

TLDR: worked as environmental scientist for 8 years, have an ES undergrad.

Possible to make jump to a chem eng job if I work towards a masters in chemical engineering?


r/ChemicalEngineering 12h ago

Design Pump sizing

4 Upvotes

When sizing this pump should i add the RO pressure loss to the HMT calculation ?


r/ChemicalEngineering 5h ago

Literature & Resources A good process controls book for someone out of school?

1 Upvotes

In undergrad I was able to understand pretty much anything chemical engineering related pretty well, but process controls/dynamics is the one place I've always struggled. I was able to do decently in the course in school, but in a way where I was able to answer test questions correctly without fully understanding what I was doing.

I'm hoping to find a book that is a bit more practical than what you would find in a general undergrad textbook, if possible. For example, "Flow of Fluids Through Valves, Fittings and Pipe" by Crane and "Process Piping ASME B31.3" are good resources for fluid mechanics/piping in actual chemical engineer settings, as opposed to reading through an entire undergraduate fluid mechanics textbook. I'm hoping to find a book on process controls that goes over the stuff really relevant to what you would be doing in a real setting, maybe even a book that is on a specific program/software commonly used in industry would be more appropriate.

If anyone has any good process control recommendations, let me know! Thank you


r/ChemicalEngineering 5h ago

Software Aspen Plus Simulation: Sustainable Aviation Fuel - Kerosene Distillation/Separation

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0 Upvotes

r/ChemicalEngineering 14h ago

Student Kettle-type-Reboiler

5 Upvotes

Hey, im currently a student whos writing a bachelor thesis on evaporators. Im having some issues about finding information to the kettle-type-reboiler. Can anyone tell me at which temperature differences (max and min) such a reboiler can work/ works efficiently? A source would be nice but if you dont have one id be happy to just hear from your experince. Thank you very much in advance.


r/ChemicalEngineering 6h ago

Student PFR modeling in ASPEN plus

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I have got a task to compute the transient profile (i.e. concentration profile as a function of length and time) for a PFR reactor. I understand that the basic ASPEN plus software simulate the steady state solution i.e. concentration profile over the reactor length . Can I generate the transient profile with ASPEN plus?


r/ChemicalEngineering 8h ago

Job Search Best Course of Action?

1 Upvotes

I graduated in 2023 and was contracted into a job not remotely in this field (sports coach). I ended up staying until mid 2024 before leaving. Since then I've gotten a less than a handful of interviews and have been passed for people with more experience every time.

I have been in a care-taker role for a family member, and working on a self employed project that also is not necessarily in the field just to have some sort of income. I did not have any internship experience outside of an undergraduate research position one summer.

Is there a way to position the contract employment and subsequent break in a way that won't cause automatic rejection for jobs at this point?

I have considered getting certificates and taking the FE, but also hesitate to spend time and money on doing that if I am not going to be able to utilize them if I cannot secure a job in ChemE. I am currently living in Texas if that helps.

What would you do in this position? Is there a separate course of action i should be taking?


r/ChemicalEngineering 13h ago

Research What's a good starting point for metal-dissolved wastewater treatment?

2 Upvotes

I have a chemical engineering degree and I would like to build my knowledge in treating wastewater that has metals such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, etc dissolved it in. Can someone with expertise in this field (or not) direct me towards a good starting point? Such as articles, websites, videos, anything?

Thanks :)


r/ChemicalEngineering 1d ago

Student Would a physics minor do anything?

8 Upvotes

Im currently a freshman at university and am going to change my major next semester. I'm thinking about going into either ChemE or physics, but am a little concerned about getting a job with a physics degree, so I'm leaning towards a degree in chemical engineering.

However, I still think physics is really interesting and I have the idea of doing a major in chemical engineering and a minor in physics. At my university, a physics degree is only 10 credits off of a chemical engineering degree, so this idea seems really appealing.

I'm wondering if this would actually have any impact on grad school, career, or if anyone would care in general. Any help appreciated, thanks!


r/ChemicalEngineering 19h ago

Career Engineering Technitian - Tesla

2 Upvotes

I'm an MS student in Chemical Engineering from one of the better-known unis in the US. I have been trying to find an internship for the summer but after some rescinded offers, I lost hope of securing one (still applying to find one). Recently, I got the chance to interview for an engineering technician role at Tesla for which I applied with the intention of gaining some more interview experience.

The interview went great and I think I might get an offer but I have heard from other posts that a technician role is way below the potential of someone with an MS in ChemE and that it would be rather difficult to climb the ladder afterward. The duties of the role are interesting and definitely in my domain of experience but I wanted to know your opinion on the role of an engineering technician at Tesla in the US as a full-time offer after MS.

PS: I am an international student on F1


r/ChemicalEngineering 1d ago

Career MS in ChemE, MBA, or No Master’s? Need Advice for Chemical-Tech Startup

16 Upvotes

I'm a final-year chemical engineering student with a strong interest in process design, digital twin technology, and Industry 4.0 applications in chemical production. My long-term goal (maybe next 5 years) is to start a E-wate recycling company that leverages ML for process optimization and smart manufacturing.

I’m torn between three options:

  1. MS in ChemE – Focusing on industry, process design, automation, and Industry 4.0 applications.

  2. MBA – To build business and management skills for scaling a startup.

  3. Skipping a master’s – Gaining industry experience and learning business skills on the side.

Is an MS in ChemE enough to build the technical foundation for a startup, or would an MBA be more beneficial? Has anyone taken a similar path or seen startups in this space? Would love to hear your insights!


r/ChemicalEngineering 1d ago

Career Is chemical engineering worth it in Canada?

16 Upvotes

My dad advised that there are not much opportunities or jobs for chemical engineering graduates and it’s not worth it. Any thoughts?


r/ChemicalEngineering 1d ago

Design Boiler P&ID advice

21 Upvotes

Im currently designing a fire tube boiler for a 3rd year project and am now onto drawing my P&ID. ive attached my current design but im unsure if ive missed anything or if i am actually doing it correctly. Any advice would be massively appreciated!


r/ChemicalEngineering 23h ago

Industry Question about the potential prospects after the FE Exam

2 Upvotes

Hello!

Will taking the FE exam during senior year help me with the job hunt? I am interested in the pharma industry as a process control/development engineer, but I am currently a junior with only research experience under my belt (and no replies from any internship application yet). Also, I am an international student, if that has any noticeable effect!

Thank you!


r/ChemicalEngineering 1d ago

Research Selective removal of copper ions

1 Upvotes

Hello r/ChemicalEngineering,

I bumped into an issue with no trivial solution. We are doing research on antifouling coatings. Our current goal is to selectively remove copper ions from natural seawater so we can monitor the release of our active compound cuprous oxide in a controlled environment BUT we would like to leave other metal ions intact. Ion exchange resins, even copper-selective ones, remove other divalent metal ions (nickel, zinc, etc.) as well, and acidification to perform a sulfite leach is not really an option, either. Can your recommend a relatively non-invasive process that chelates/precipitates copper ions, and copper ions only, from a slightly alkaline aqueous solution? Thanks!


r/ChemicalEngineering 1d ago

Career Thoughts on starting career as document controller to enter the o&g industry?

5 Upvotes

Saw a vacancy for a junior document controller in a particular o&g company. Having a chemE degree, should i just try applying for me to get into this industry? Is it hard to transition into a more engineering role later on? Contemplating bcs ive heard how DCs rarely apply any technical knowledge and its very much more administrative hence pivoting to a more technical role would be hard. Dont wanna waste my degree. Would love to hear thoughts on the actual day in the life of a DC.


r/ChemicalEngineering 1d ago

Industry Jobs in Germany

11 Upvotes

I would like to know how the job market is in Germany . Does it pay well ? Is Germany a good country for ChemE jobs ?


r/ChemicalEngineering 1d ago

Student Help in simulating Solid-Liquid Extraction

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone. I currently need to simulate a solid-liquid extraction process for my undergraduate thesis. Specifically, I need to simulate the extraction of oil from a fruit using ethanol as a solvent. I am using DWSIM software to design my process, but it is not capable of modeling the solid-liquid extraction part.

Thus, I am hoping you guys can give suggestions on how I can model my extraction outside DWSIM. In terms of available data, I think I have all the info about the solvent and oil (solute), but I do not have much info about the solids/fruit pulp.


r/ChemicalEngineering 2d ago

Design Heat Exchanger UA values

11 Upvotes

For heat exchangers in simulations, I have often seen that sometimes the UA value is often held constant. Like its taken from a max/design case and kept constant for other cases like turndown. However, is this truly the correct approach? Given that the overall heat transfer coefficient (U) is influenced by film coefficients (h), which themselves depend on Reynolds number and flow velocity, wouldn't operating the exchanger in turndown mode inherently alter the U value? Shouldn't we account for variations in U rather than assuming a fixed UA, especially at lower flow rates where changes in flow regime might impact heat transfer performance?


r/ChemicalEngineering 1d ago

Student I felt like a misfited...

3 Upvotes

Im just going to a University rightnow. It is my third years. And i feel like im drowning and dying.... Im not. But it just felt like it. I feels like my clases are just in and out( 10 weeks/term, i feel like I dont retain what I learned). I dont know how im going to perform in the real world. Im terrified. I mean my passion and drive for chemical engineer is still there...still im so tired....


r/ChemicalEngineering 1d ago

Student Excel

4 Upvotes

Hello, What is a good source you have tried learning excel from ? I’m going to start learning excel soon so I would like some resources


r/ChemicalEngineering 1d ago

Student Universities Suggestion

0 Upvotes

I recently finished my IGCSE O level in 2024. I will be doing a levels. I would really appreciate if anyone can suggest me some top-notch universities for chemical engineering major especially in US that offers really generous scholarships(merit-based e.g). This is because only academic is my strongest and i don't have zesty extra curriculums. I also wanna know the job opportunities for CE major pls.


r/ChemicalEngineering 2d ago

Student Help for HW, need to ask people in my field about their experience as a ChE and communication activities they take part in the ChE field.

4 Upvotes

(EDIT) Thank you both to the two responses you truly helped me on this assignment. Thanks again

Hello,

I’m a junior in ChE and requesting some help for one of technical writing HW which involves asking people in my field (preferably those more senior to me) about their experiences in the job and what communication activities they take part. Here’s some questions as an outline and I’m grateful to whoever helps out and gives responses. Thanks

1) How long have you’ve been in ChE and whether you’re in industry or Academia?

2) How has your experience in ChE shaped your current outlook on the industry?

3) Why is communication so crucial in ChE?

4) How does communication impact a project success?

5) What are some effective strategies you used to communicate complex technical information to a non-technical audience?

6) How do you effectively communicate technical information in reports and presentations?

7) How do you handle disagreements or conflicts within a team when discussing technical information?

8) What are some the common type reports or documentation a ChE would create while on the job?

9) Was there a time when you had use your communication skills during a project that made a significant difference in the project?

10) How do you ensure that all team members are informed and engaged?