Chemical Engineering Technician

Job Description:

Chemical engineering technicians help to research, develop and manufacture plastics, medicines, foods, textiles and fuel.

Job Category:
Chemicals

What you will do:

In this role you could:

  • help to design, build or install production plant equipment
  • carry out laboratory experiments to develop new products
  • monitor production processes
  • record data and make adjustments to machinery
  • carry out maintenance checks and make repairs
  • make sure safety procedures are followed
  • carry out quality control checks

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

  • complex problem-solving skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • design skills and knowledge (creative skills)
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University
You can do a foundation degree in chemistry or higher national certificate in applied science chemistry or chemical engineering.

College
You can take a college course before applying to a company for a trainee job. Relevant courses include the following courses – or equivalent if not in the UK:

  • Level 2 Certificate In Applied Science and Technology
  • Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills
  • Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
  • Chemistry A level

Apprenticeship
You can complete a laboratory technician or science manufacturing technician advanced apprenticeship.

Working Hours and Environment:

You could work at a manufacturing plant, in an office or in a laboratory.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could become a shift supervisor, eventually moving into maintenance or production management.

You could also move into materials development and design, quality control or sales and marketing.