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Job Definition
View MovieDesign chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Interests
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Skills
Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Technology Design - Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Tasks
Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
Design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations.
Design and plan layout of equipment.
Direct activities of workers who operate or who are engaged in constructing and improving absorption, evaporation, or electromagnetic equipment.
Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new product and test proposed process in small scale operation such as a pilot plant.
Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents using controlled chemical processes.
Perform tests throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables, including temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.
Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to on-going chemical reactions.
Determine most effective arrangement of operations such as mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, and drying.
Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $99,200.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $57,590.00 and $137,690.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 2,100 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 2,300 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 20 openings due to growth and about 50 replacement openings for approximately 70 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Chemical Engineering - A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems employing chemical processes, such as chemical reactors, kinetic systems, electrochemical systems, energy conservation processes, heat and mass transfer systems, and separation processes; and the applied analysis of chemical problems such as corrosion, particle abrasion, energy loss, pollution, and fluid mechanics.
Similar Occupations
Engineering Managers - Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Agricultural Engineers - Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.
Product Safety Engineers - Develop and conduct tests to evaluate product safety levels and recommend measures to reduce or eliminate hazards.
Nuclear Engineers - Conduct research on nuclear engineering problems or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and utilization of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
Soil and Water Conservationists - Plan and develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil and water conservation, and sound land use.
Foresters - Manage forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine the best time for harvesting. Develop forest management plans for public and privately-owned forested lands.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers - Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians - Operate equipment used for the release, control, and utilization of nuclear energy to assist scientists in laboratory and production activities.
Notes
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