Chemical Engineers

Chemical Engineer

Development Engineer

Engineer

Engineering Scientist

Process Control Engineer

Process Engineer

Project Engineer

Refinery Process Engineer

Research Chemical Engineer

Scientist

What is a Chemical Engineer?

Chemical engineers are professionals who apply principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to solve problems related to the production or use of chemicals, materials, and energy. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods, and oversee the optimization of various chemical processes in different industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food and beverage, and materials manufacturing. These engineers work to improve process efficiency, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and enhance product quality while minimizing costs. Their expertise extends to developing new materials, designing sustainable processes, and addressing the challenges of energy production and environmental impact, making them vital contributors to technology and innovation in various sectors.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$75650.0 - $176420.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.
Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Technology Skills

Analytical or scientific software
- Aspen HYSYS
- Minitab
- Statistical software
- MATLAB
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Computer aided design CAD software
Data base user interface and query software
- G&P Engineering Software PhysProps
- Microsoft Access
- Relational database software
- Structured query language SQL
Development environment software
- C
- Visual Basic .NET
- LabVIEW

Tools Used

Laboratory mixers
Robotic or automated liquid handling systems
- Vial handling systems
Ultrafiltration equipment
- Plate filter presses
Catalytic combustion analyzers
- Catalytic reactors
Chromatographic scanners
- Chromatographic scanning equipment

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

428 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R54,176pm

How to Know if You Are Ready to be a Chemical Engineer in South Africa

Choosing a career in Chemical Engineering is a commitment to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges, from sustainable energy to food security. In the current South African market, the profession remains highly lucrative and in demand, with 418 active job openings currently available. Financial prospects are equally encouraging; data from 2024 shows a steady upward trajectory in remuneration. Average monthly salaries began the year at approximately R47,674 in January and are projected to climb to roughly R59,593 by December, reflecting the high value placed on technical expertise in our industrial sectors.

Is Chemical Engineering Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to the years of rigorous study required, it is essential to assess whether your natural inclinations align with the demands of the profession. Ask yourself if you possess the following traits:

Analytical Rigour: Do you enjoy breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable components to find a logical solution?
Mathematical Proficiency: Are you comfortable using advanced mathematics and physics to model real-world chemical processes?
Safety-First Mindset: Can you maintain a high level of attention to detail and a strict adherence to protocols in high-risk environments?
Spatial Awareness: Are you able to visualise how large-scale machinery and piping systems integrate within a manufacturing plant?
Environmental Consciousness: Do you have a passion for "Green Engineering" and reducing the carbon footprint of industrial operations?
Collaborative Spirit: Can you effectively communicate technical data to multidisciplinary teams, including technicians, project managers, and stakeholders?

A Day in the Life of a South African Chemical Engineer

In the South African context, your daily environment can vary significantly depending on your sector. You might find yourself at a synthetic fuels plant in Secunda, a mineral processing facility in the North West, or a pharmaceutical laboratory in Gauteng. Your morning might begin with a "toolbox talk" to ensure all safety standards are met, followed by a review of the previous 24 hours of production data.

The afternoon often involves troubleshooting process inefficiencies—perhaps a heat exchanger isn't performing at peak capacity or a distillation column is producing off-spec product. You will spend time "on the plant" inspecting equipment and time in the office using simulation software to optimise a "programme" for better yield. It is a high-pressure but deeply rewarding role where your decisions directly impact the company’s bottom line and the country's industrial output.

Education & Upskilling: The Path to Professional Status

To practice as a professional engineer in South Africa, you must follow a structured educational path. This typically begins with a BEng or BSc(Eng) in Chemical Engineering from an ECSA-accredited university. Alternatively, you can pursue an Advanced Diploma or BTech via a University of Technology or a TVET college pathway, focusing on the practical application of engineering principles.

However, a degree is merely the starting point. To remain competitive in a landscape that is rapidly adopting "Industry 4.0" technologies, you must embrace continuous learning. This includes:

Short Courses: Specialising in HAZOP (Hazard and Operability) studies or Project Management (PMP).
Certifications: Gaining proficiency in simulation software like Aspen HYSYS or AutoCAD.
Professional Registration: Working towards becoming a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

The most successful engineers are those who recognise that their education never truly ends; they constantly seek to refine their skills and stay abreast of global technological shifts.

Next Steps

Are you ready to transform your aptitude for science and maths into a prestigious career that powers the South African economy? The journey to becoming a Chemical Engineer is demanding, but for those with the right mindset, it offers unparalleled rewards and stability. Do not leave your future to chance—take the first step toward clarity today. Test your readiness now by completing our comprehensive professional assessment.

Skills

Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.

Abilities

Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

82 %
Master's degree

9 %
Doctoral degree

9 %

Work Activities

Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Research engineering aspects of biological or chemical processes.
Develop safety standards, policies, or procedures.
Develop technical methods or processes.
Determine causes of operational problems or failures.
Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.

Work Interests

Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.