What is Process Engineering?

Process engineering is a complex and continuously changing field – so it

can be quite difficult to understand exactly what a process engineer does
on a day-to-day basis. However, it’s all in the name!

Process engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, control, and
optimisation of industrial processes.  In this article, we’ll take a deep look at
process engineering, and discuss everything you need to know about this
field. From the basics about what process engineering is, to typical industries
served by process engineering companies, job responsibilities, tools used and
much more.

Process engineering, as touched upon above, is a field that’s primarily

interested in processes – especially continuous processes within the chemical,
agricultural, petrochemical, mineral food, and pharmaceutical industries.  

Process engineering is the means by which raw materials are turned into some
kind of end product or commodity. Process engineers are responsible for
designing the processes that allow for the creation of some kind of product –
as well as their optimisation to ensure that there is minimal waste during the
process, and profits are maximised.  

To this end, process engineering is a very complex engineering specialisation.

Process engineers must create and develop product specifications, develop
equipment requirements, implement manufacturing strategies, and monitor all
of the processes they develop – to ensure maximum productivity. 

These processes vary from simple mechanical processes – such as the

stamping of metal or CNC machining of plastic components – to complex
biochemical reactions, and everything in-between. While process engineers do
develop new, innovative processes for new facilities, they are also often
involved in the analysis, upgrading, and modification/optimisation of
equipment and processes that are already being used by a company.
Process engineering is an inherently cross-departmental discipline. Process
engineers usually must work with people from every sector of the
manufacturing industry – including R&D staff, production personnel,
operations personnel, management, and even customers, in some cases.

What Process Engineers Do – Basic Job Responsibilities

Now that the basics of process engineering have been discussed, it’s time to
explore the roles and responsibilities of process engineers in more detail.
The role of the process engineer will differ in each company, so this is not a
comprehensive list – just a general overview of the different areas of expertise
in which an engineer will be expected to work. 

 Research and development – Many process engineers spend a large

portion of their time on research and development; finding new
technologies that can enhance current processes, and stimulate higher
productivity in manufacturing.
 Simulating new processes with software – Because overhauling a
process is a very expensive and risky task, new processes must be simulated
using advanced software that mimics real-world conditions – ensuring that
a potential process improvement is worth the risk.
 Equipment monitoring – Process engineers who are focused on
operations often monitor equipment to ensure that it is functioning
correctly, and running according to the standards they put in place when
designing the process.
 Writing and editing documentation – Documentation for all existing
processes must be written up and edited regularly, to ensure that all new
hires and other personnel can understand the best practices and standards
of each individual process.
 Risk assessments of current equipment/processes – Process
engineers are responsible for assessing current processes and equipment to
determine risk of malfunction/failure, employee/personnel injury, and much
more.
 Continual evaluation of all processes and equipment – Most process
engineers are expected to monitor and evaluate all extant processes and
 equipment, and develop more streamlined, economical processes – if at all
possible.
 New equipment installation – Senior process engineers are often
responsible for overseeing the installation of new equipment, and making
sure that it is installed according to the process specifications.
 Troubleshooting production problems – Engineers often work with
specialist process technicians to resolve issues with production and
processes.
 Overseeing processes and operations personnel – Process engineers
in management roles typically have at least some control over the oversight
and management of operations personnel and floor workers.
 Data collection/interpretation – Process engineers analyse, collect,
interpret, and compile data–based reports based on data from the
manufacturing floor.
 Presentation of data findings – Senior process engineers may be
responsible for presenting and explaining data findings to C-suite executive
and other high-level business personnel.
 Budgeting responsibilities – Process engineers may either have input
on the manufacturing budget, or be solely responsible for stay on-budget,
in some cases.