Chemical engineering technician jobs

Technicians in chemical engineering assist chemical engineers with research, development, and production while operating under the direction of their superiors. They are engaged in the production of a vast assortment of materials that are based on chemistry. These include petrochemicals, medicines, dyes and fertilizers, as well as fuels and fuel additives.

They are also known as technicians in the field of process engineering.

The Work Being Done

You might be:

assisting in the planning, building, and setting up of the equipment for the plant and machinery

running, maintaining, and inspecting equipment and machinery, as well as identifying and repairing problems as they arise.

the process of collecting and testing raw materials while also ensuring that records are kept up to current

ensuring that all of the manufacturing processes are running well, modifying the controls as necessary, and collecting any relevant data

is charge of maintaining quality standards and conducting final product inspections

working in a laboratory to assist in the development of new goods based on a variety of different chemicals or basic materials

analyzing and translating mathematical concepts into larger-scale processes via the use of computer models

establishing and carrying out operational safety procedures

investigating strategies to improve production's efficacy and economic effectiveness while also lowering its environmental impact.

Pay

The National Minimum Wage is often used as a benchmark for determining starting pay. The following numbers should only be used as a reference. The actual pay rates may vary based on the following factors

where you make a living

the magnitude of the business or organization that you are employed by

the level of competition for the job.

The National Minimum Wage is often used as a benchmark for determining starting pay. Those who are under the age of 19 or who are 19 or older but are still in the first year of their apprenticeship are eligible to receive the apprentice rate of £4.81 per hour (1 April 2022).

The average starting salary for chemical engineering technicians is around £18,000 per year, with potential growth to approximately $25,000 per year. Those who hold senior jobs might potentially earn up to around £35,000 per year. You have the opportunity to earn more money via shift premiums and overtime.

Conditions

You may find employment at a design office or laboratory, the control room of a chemical plant, or the processing facility itself, among other possible settings. Conditions on the job are not always consistent.

In most cases, you will be working with other individuals, such as chemical engineers, technicians, and operators.

When working in a processing plant or laboratory, it is customary to wear overalls. Additionally, you may be required to wear safety glasses, protective headgear, and protective footwear.

If you work in the oil and gas sector, you could find yourself spending some of your time working on a rig or platform out in the ocean.

You might be required to work rotating shifts, put in extra hours, or be on call outside of typical business hours.

There are severe protocols for health and safety that must be followed.

Getting In

There is a possibility that you might join the field by way of a Modern Apprenticeship, such as Process Manufacturing at SCQF Level 6/7. The qualifications that employers want might vary, but in general, they are looking for a number of topics at the National 4 or 5 level. Some companies can need one or more Highers from its applicants.

You also have the option of obtaining a qualification in chemical engineering or a topic that is closely connected to it. Suitable courses are an HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8). The minimum prerequisites for entry are often two Highers, one of which must be in mathematics or a scientific topic, or an appropriate Access course or NQ (SCQF Level 6).

If you are in the fifth or sixth year of high school, you may be able to get admission to an HNC or HND program in an engineering specialty by completing the requirements for a Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering (SCQF Level 6). It's possible that you'll be allowed to continue your Modern Apprenticeship into the following year. The prerequisites for entry into colleges might vary, but in general, you need three courses with a National 5 rating, including English and Mathematics. By the conclusion of the sixth year, it is expected that you will have completed Higher Math.

You may be able to qualify by taking one of the other available training paths.

It's possible that people with certain color vision disorders won't be accepted into this particular branch of engineering.

The majority of chemical engineering specialists find employment in processing and manufacturing facilities as well as other big companies that make extensive use of chemicals. These include makers of fertilizers, plastics, food, and artificial fibers, as well as enterprises that operate in the petrochemical, paper, water, natural gas, and electrical power sectors. There are career chances both in the United Kingdom and in other countries.

What are the Prerequisites?

You are going to need to have:

a passion for and a natural ability in both mathematics and chemistry

a comprehension of engineering concepts and ideas

capabilities in the real world

understanding of computer-aided design and proficiency in information technology (CAD)

talents in verbal and nonverbal communication

good problem solving abilities.

You are required to have:

You are very meticulous and precise in your approach.

capable of paying minute attention to every little aspect

cognizant of the relevant health and safety regulations

capable of taking the initiative

capable of working both alone and cooperatively as part of a group

capable of meeting all types of deadlines.

Training

If you participate in a Modern Apprenticeship, you will get appropriate SVQs at either Level 6 or Level 7 of the SCQF via a mix of on-the-job and off-the-job training.

After completing a course at the college level, the next step is to get employment with an organization so that you may continue your education and work on obtaining SVQs.

You may begin the process of registering with the Engineering Council as an engineering technician (EngTech) after you have completed your apprenticeship or college course and any further training that your company has provided for you.

Even if you do not pursue either of the training paths described above, it is possible that you will still be able to get your EngTech certification via one of the other recognized pathways. You may get further information about these alternate paths from the Engineering Council or from the professional engineering organization that is most appropriate to your situation.

Getting On

After gaining sufficient experience, you can be considered for a supervisory role. After some time, you could move up into management.

You may further your career by moving into marketing and sales, providing after-sale assistance, or working in quality control.

You may further your career as a chemical engineer by completing more coursework and gaining additional training, which will allow you to achieve the higher degrees of Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng). Please see the profile for the position of Chemical Engineer.

Because engineering degrees from the UK are highly regarded in other countries, graduates may find employment prospects in other countries.