Chemical engineer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices, factories and laboratories
- May work in hazardous conditions
- Need to be methodical, safety conscious and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Research and develop chemical process engineering
- Design chemical plant equipment
- Test equipment and processes
- Design control systems for mechanical equipment
- Monitor equipment and systems
- Develop technical methods and processes
- Create budgets
- Write operational reports
- Research industrial systems and processes
Outlook
Chemical engineering is closely linked to industries focused on sustainability, advanced manufacturing, energy, food production and environmental management. In New Zealand and internationally, there is growing attention on reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency and developing cleaner technologies. Advances in automation, data analysis and process optimisation are also influencing how products and industrial systems are designed and improved.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Good understanding of science and mathematics
- Ability to apply engineering principles in practice
- Attention to safety and quality standards
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Interest in innovation and continuous improvement
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.