CHEMICAL ENGINEER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Published: May 21, 2025 – The Chemical Engineer demonstrates strong safety awareness and compliance with quality standards, with the capability to operate safely in chemical laboratories using hazardous materials. This position applies knowledge of plant design, downstream processing, and code regulations while supporting hazard analysis and process safety documentation. This role communicates effectively in both written and verbal formats, interprets statistical data, and utilizes various software tools to support manufacturing processes and provide insights to executive teams.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Chemical Engineer Resume
- Process optimization
- Process simulation
- Technical transfer
- Validation strategies
- Reactor design
- Scale-up support
- Process development
- Data analysis
- Safety procedures
- Document review
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Project management
- Technical leadership
- Issue resolution
- Cross-functional communication
- Continuous improvement
- Conflict resolution
- Customer communication
- Task delegation
Summary of Chemical Engineer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BS in Chemical Engineering with 4 years of Experience
- Experienced in the operation of ICP equipment and sample preparation
- Hands-on work experience in a wet lab including strong acid handling and sample preparation/digestion
- Excellent written and verbal communication with strong attention to detail
- Ability to organize, summarize, and present results effectively
- Experience and knowledge to command the respect of group members, plant personnel and plant management.
- Experience in front-end process design functions.
- Ability to do heat and material balances.
- Proficient in technical report writing.
- Applied knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques
- Ability to solve highly technical problems
- Experience in the manufacturing process engineering environment
2. BS in Chemistry with 2 years of Experience
- Ability to provide hands-on mechanical aptitude with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work as a team member in a production environment
- Ability to be self-managing and task-focused
- Familiar with Bill of Materials (BOM) and ERP software (SAP, Oracle)
- Experience working on a production floor and/or in a laboratory for chemical production or electro-mechanical product
- Experience/knowledge with mechanical or electrical systems
- Intermediate skills with the Microsoft Suite
- Knowledge/experience in analytical chemistry, methods, principles and laboratory practices, experience in working with multidisciplinary staff
- Proficient in working independently with engineering documents
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate and work well in cross-functional team environments
- In-depth knowledge about the following areas including polymer technology, reaction technology like UV, chemical process technology and thermal process technology/thermodynamics
- Knowledge of nozzle spray technique, protective coatings, and other paint processes
3. BS in Biochemical Engineering with 4 years of Experience
- Experience in a production, research, or design environment
- Ability to use communication skills to build relationships with process operators
- Excellent time management skills with an ability to meet deadlines
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Solid understanding of engineering science/chemical processes
- Understanding of safety and environmental compliance as well as general knowledge of ISO 9001 and 14001 standards
- Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
- Ability to gain trust and commitment from all levels of the organization to effectively run day-to-day operations
- Experience with the use of spreadsheet and database software to compile, analyze, and present data
- Familiarity with process improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, lean manufacturing)
- Ability to execute tasks with minimal oversight
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word and Excel
- Familiarity with CAD and SAP
4. BS in Environmental Engineering with 3 years of Experience
- An understanding of advanced manufacturing techniques, including microfluidics, 3D printing, elastomeric compounding, and polymer processing
- Experience with polymer test methods and mechanical responses
- Experience with various materials synthesis, processing, and characterization techniques
- Familiarity with wet chemistry, bench chemistry, analytical testing methods (FTIR, melt flow, mechanical testing, etc.), polymer compounding, polymer additive manufacturing, and polymer aging
- Experience in a production support role.
- Ability to solve complex problems
- Ability to work independently with little to no supervision on all job responsibilities
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and responsibilities concurrently
- Ability to generate accurate and precise analytical data that may be used in formal reports or presentations or for quality acceptance of components utilized in national defense
- Understand basic electrical and P&ID diagrams.
- Experience in handling teams of 10 persons or more.
5. BS in Materials Science with 5 years of Experience
- Experience working with surface finishing processes such as Anodize, Chromate Conversion Coating, Hard Chromium, Cadmium plating, and other electroplating processes.
- Emphasis on understanding the physical processes and technical requirements of each coating.
- Experience working with aluminum, magnesium, and ferrous alloys, and corrosion mechanisms and products.
- Experience communicating with Suppliers and Customers on a technical level.
- Experience in other related industries like tires, polyurethane, plastics manufacturing, etc
- Fluent in written and verbal English
- Strong problem-solving, data analysis and communication skills
- Ability to be part of complex initiatives and project teams
- Experience with data analysis tools such as JMP, Minitab, Statistical, or Excel and familiar with the design of experiments
- Good plant troubleshooting/optimisation skills
- Knowledge of HAZOP / ENVOP principles
- Basic understanding of SWOT analysis
- Basic understanding of GPS principles
6. BS in Process Engineering with 4 years of Experience
- Ability to monitor all aspects of the facility including buildings and grounds, utilities, and equipment, to ensure they are properly designed and operational in a safe and compliant manner
- Ability to manage equipment/system remediation, Design, Budgeting, Procurement, MOC, PHA, Scheduling, Construction management, Commissioning/validation, Equipment file, Turnover package, etc.
- Ability to establish and maintain systems for preventive maintenance, calibration, and spare parts programs
- Ability to inspect existing systems to generate as-built P&IDs, Loop/electrical schematics, Tag equipment and instruments
- Familiarity with automation and operating control systems for facilities (BAS) and equipment (PLCs / HMIs) to operate, troubleshoot, and support design for new systems
- Ability to maintain equipment files on existing equipment including As-built P&ID's and Loop/electrical schematics, Installation and maintenance manuals, Major purchase orders
- Ability to maintain the major equipment list for existing and new equipment/systems
- Ability to maintain the instrument list for existing and new equipment/systems
- Ability to develop and support equipment and system commissioning and validation efforts including Protocol development and/or review, Protocol execution, Final report development and/or review
- Ability to develop SOPs and work instructions to support existing and new equipment/system installations
- Ability to support construction activities including Hot work permit support, Day-to-day technical support, Daily construction meeting support
- Ability to manage the change support for documents and equipment including Document initiation, Pre-approval support, and Post-approval support
7. BS in Mechanical Engineering with 3 years of Experience
- Experience in the chemical industry with special attention given to including methane reforming, syngas processing, combustion chemistry, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
- Experience with the design and operation of chemical reactors and other process equipment
- Experience with safety reviews of chemical processes
- Experience with the typical skill sets of the chemical process engineering domain including P&IDs, Mass & Energy balances, Process Safety reviews and documentation efforts, process equipment design, selection, and troubleshooting
- Hands-on skills in a laboratory or with chemical plant equipment
- Experience with gas analysis and data acquisition equipment for the field and/or lab environments
- Experience with biogas and/or CO2 utilization processes
- Experience with atmospheric plasma development
- Experience with CFD chemistry modeling with Ansys Fluent
- Experience working in IECEx and ATEX environments
- Able to share knowledge, lead the team, and support other groups in a cross-functional manner
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
8. BS in Industrial Engineering with 4 years of Experience
- Experience in industrial and laboratory settings with the ability to demonstrate equivalency in lieu of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field will be considered.
- Strong safety awareness with adherence to company quality standards and ethics policies.
- Possess adequate visual acuity to read and understand chemical container labels and to safely work in a chemical laboratory with hazardous chemicals.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Ability to apply basic statistics and interpret and communicate results.
- Ability to utilize computerized equipment and computer software packages including but not limited to Microsoft Excel, Word, JMP/Minitab and SAP.
- Good plant design and operations skills
- Ability to process Hazard Analysis (PHA) support, Process Safety Information (PSI) gathering, PHA team member, PHA recommendation remediation support
- Knowledge of Code Regulations (NFPA, IFC, IBC, etc.)
- Knowledge of manufacturing scale processes such as fractional distillation, extraction, and other downstream processing
- Ability to provide costing information for new site business opportunities to Business Development
- Ability to provide written and verbal updates to the Executive Management Team upon request
9. BS in Polymer Science with 2 years of Experience
- In-depth knowledge of gas conversion and separation processes as well as knowledge in process engineering for gas separations, purification, and upgrading
- Familiarity with fluidizable catalysts, metal oxides, and support selection
- Knowledge of new and novel synthesis techniques
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Ability to develop proposals and write reports
- Experience with technoeconomic analysis and process simulation using AspenTech programs such as Aspen Plus HYSYS, and other process simulators
- Experience with online analytic equipment
- Experience with Aspen Custom Modeler
- Knowledge of practical and theoretical material science, chemistry, process technology, materials and components (especially in the field of food/feed applications).
- Experience in the field of micro-encapsulation and granulation with extrusion/vibrating nozzle processes
- Ability to maintain a clean and hygienic environment
- Basic computer and keyboarding skills
- Ability to train, teach and motivate
10. BS in Biotechnology with 3 years of Experience
- Experience in the water and wastewater industry.
- Clear understanding and competency with the design procedure.
- Good problem-solving skills under pressure.
- Experience with using Microsoft Word and Excel (including Visual Basic).
- Experience with using CAD software (for Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams).
- Experience with an additional programming language (Python, C, etc)
- Familiarity with manufacturing technologies and methods such as organic synthesis
- Good communication skills with superiors, peers, and subordinates
- Experience working in a matrix organizational structure
- Experience in Process and Equipment qualification/validation
- Ability to prioritize deliverables based on project criticality
11. BA in Chemistry with 4 years of Experience
- Experience in design and/or manufacturing environment
- Experience with the design of chemical processes and supporting process utilities
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment on fast-track projects
- Strong work ethic, interpersonal, listening, questioning, and written/verbal communication skills
- Ability to learn hands-on, multi-task, work cross-functionally as well as strong attention to detail
- Understanding of AutoCAD and Aspen/Hysys
- Basic understanding of control platforms (i.e. ABB, Allen Bradley, Siemens, etc.)
- Ability to represent EPIC in a professional, ethical, and socially responsible manner
- Ability to properly balance cost, schedule, and quality of the delivered project
- Ability to work on several projects simultaneously with varying scope and effectively prioritize workload to ensure deliverables are met
12. BA in Physics with 5 years of Experience
- Experience in oil refining or renewable fuels
- Experience in the design and/or operation of diesel hydrotreaters.
- Experience in the development of HMBs, PFDs, and P&IDs.
- Knowledge of applicable codes and standards, including ANSI, ASME, and API.
- Experience with performing pump hydraulics, line sizing, and pump curve evaluation.
- Ability to size control valves and relief valves.
- Experience developing equipment specifications for equipment such as pumps, vessels, and heat exchangers, and experience evaluating quotations.
- Experience with Process Safety Management.
- Perform normal chemical engineering calculations such as fluid dynamics and heat transfer.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Experience with CADD
13. BS in Applied Chemistry with 4 years of Experience
- Excellent use of the English language
- Experience in the AutoCAD programming language
- Expressed organizational skills, teamwork and under pressure, ability to perform work tasks under short deadlines
- Able to read and follow safety instructions
- Intermediate MS Office and MS Project skills.
- Skills with process design and engineering operations
- Skills with the design, set-up, and execution of experiments
- Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values including Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork
- Ability to cooperate and communicate with others, especially those without a technical background
- Experience in a large corporate and professional services environment
- Strong technical knowledge of international aspects of tax (CFC, CFI, TOFA, treaties, franking, etc)
14. BS in Chemical Technology with 3 years of Experience
- Knowledge in the areas of polymer science and polymer reaction engineering
- Basic knowledge of polymer synthesis techniques and manufacturing technologies
- Ability to work and contribute in a team environment
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Effective written and oral communication
- Knowledge of designed experimentation and statistical data analysis
- Experience in mathematical modeling.
- Experience in industrial plants or designing industrial processes and support systems.
- Experience in designing and architecting high-temperature exhaust and pollution control systems
- Experience with high-temperature processes >1000°C
- Experience working in small teams & a start-up atmosphere