Chemical engineers work mostly in offices or laboratories.

They may spend time at industrial plants,

refineries, and other locations, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Nearly
all chemical engineers work full time.

Chemical engineers translate processes developed in the lab into practical applications for the
commercial production of products, and then work to maintain and improve those processes. They rely
on the main foundations of engineering: math, physics, and chemistry. Biology also plays an increasingly
important role.

Chemical engineers have been improving our well-being for more than a century. From the
development of smaller, faster computer chips to innovations in recycling, treating disease, cleaning
water, and generating energy, the processes and products that chemical engineers have helped create
touch every aspect of our lives. Browse the pages below to learn about the many significant
advancements that chemical engineers have made to our world.

As a chemical engineer, you'll be involved in the design and development of a range of products. Your
work will focus on changing the chemical, biochemical and physical state of a substance to turn it into
something else, such as making plastic from oil.