What Do Chemical Engineers Actually Do?

What do chemical engineers actually do? I tried to answer this as best as I could with respect to my job in process development, as well as a very similar one at Tesla. Hope you guys enjoy!
👨🏽‍💻 I'm Shawn, a chemical engineer in training who has been in the industry since May 2020.
Let me know if you have any questions about Chem E down below, I answer all your comments, and make videos based on popular demand.
🕐 Timestamps
(0:00) intro
(0:51) process development vs process engineer
(2:08) conceptual design
(3:27) responsibilities
(8:47) technical skills
(11:51) soft skills
ℹ️ Instagram: shawnsqvl
👷🏽‍♂️ CHEM E RESOURCES
What do chemical engineers do? • What Do Chemical Engin... ​​
The Truth About Chemical Engineering • The Truth About Chemic... ​​
Career Q/A • Chemical Engineering C... ​​
Internship Tips • GET YOUR FIRST ENGINEE... ​
🎈 VLOGS
Chem E Undergrad Vlog • Chemical Engineering a... ​​
Day in the Life #1 • Video ​​
Day in the Life #2 • A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A...
Day in the Life #3 • Video
👨🏽‍💻 CHEM E UNDERGRAD TIPS
Chem E Undergrad Tips • Tips for Chemical Engi...
How I Boosted my GPA • How I Boosted My GPA i...
How To Study Effectively • How to Study Effective...
Productivity Tips • 5 Practical Productivi...
⚡️ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Book Recommendations • 5 Books for STEM Stude...
Imposter Syndrome • Imposter Syndrome in C...
Building Habits • How to Create Unbreaka...
How to Stay Motivated • How to Stay Motivated
❗ UPCOMING VIDEOS (subscribe so you don't miss them!)
- how I stay up to date in the industry
- CO2 capture explained by a chemical engineer
- Is Chem E a viable career choice?
🔊 Music Used
- Trees and Lucy
- Lakey Inspired

[@olisaiweanya7527]

I am a 3rd year student and this video definitely helps. We need more videos like this be those with internships to give more of an idea to those that don't.

[@shawn.builds]

Hmm. What is still unclear about chem E for you?

[@olisaiweanya7527]

@@shawn.builds what do does that work in water treatment facilities do.

[@LeilahLovesYou]

This is super helpful! I just started recruiting for process and process development engineers and this gave me a really great break down of what all is encompassed in the roles. Cheers and thank you! Keep up the great work :-)

[@shawn.builds]

Wow! Would have never expected to be of help to a recruiter! Thanks for watching - hope you snag some good process engineers 😁

[@shawn.builds]

Let me know if you guys have any other questions, or ideas for content you want to see. I know when I was an undergrad I really had no idea what I was getting myself into, so I hope this video helps to clear up some of the confusion around chemical engineering.

[@napoleonchristiandelacruz3513]

Awesome video! I'm a fresh graduate of CHE in PH. To be honest, I'm still confused about what a Chemical Engineer does in the industry, thankfully your video helped me out! Thank you!

[@shawn.builds]

Glad to hear it Napoleon!

[@angelphalane399]

Watched this video twice and I'll probably watch it again. So thorough and well put together. Brilliant!

[@shawn.builds]

Appreciate you, Angel! Thanks for stopping by, I'll be making more informational vids soon so make sure you leave any questions if you have any :)

[@Defiantclient]

12:50 So true for any field. In the office I've learned as a Building Code Consultant to always imagine being in the shoes of the person I am explaining something to, and to imagine what they might think when reading my email or report, as well as to anticipate any possible confusion or questions. We often have to communicate technical ideas to a wide range of clientele including builders, architects, other specialty engineers, and people with zero construction background. It is so important to be as clear and concise as possible, and know that not everyone reading or listening has the same background knowledge as you.

[@shawn.builds]

It's such a struggle honestly, no matter how hard I think I prepare for a presentation, something always comes up 😅😅

[@songgrace675]

Thank you for helping me on my assignment with your videos x)))

[@lumagabriela9315]

This video really helped me get an idea of what do you do in the job, im going to start ChE but wasnt finding useful information about the jobs

[@shawn.builds]

Awesome! I’m gonna be posting another one soon for Chem E roles 😁

[@argus4650]

I’m gonna binge this playlist.

[@shawn.builds]

hope you enjoy it :)

[@jamaalramaphane381]

This was very helpful. Thank you

[@shawn.builds]

You're very welcome!!

[@Vybzwithmusic]

Brilliant video thanks much I'm new to chemical engineering - I'm a petroleum engineer graduate but I'm looking into process engineering thanks much for the info

[@shawn.builds]

Hey Zion! That's awesome! Thanks for stopping by!

[@paulketikidis6582]

this was 2 years ago, but thanks for the eye-opener

[@osayomwanboromoregie6140]

Lovely video and very encouraging bro

[@shawn.builds]

thanks bro!

[@mustafawaleed4134]

Well explained ❤️

[@shawn.builds]

Glad to help, Mustafa!

[@AJAYPATEL-bb7so]

Great informative vid bro...!!

[@shawn.builds]

Thanks Ajay!! Appreciate it!

[@AJAYPATEL-bb7so]

@@shawn.builds can you check your dm in Instagram brother, my id is ajaypatel4111998, just need your little help.

[@victorberti4277]

Heey, I really like your videos, so initially thanks for all the useful info !! Besides that, I'm in second year of Chem Eng university in Brazil and I'm a bit confused about the differences about working with process and production. Are these two completely separate areas or are they kind of the same? (Idk if this is something that happens only in Brazil, but that's one doubt I have). Thanks!

[@shawn.builds]

From what I've seen, production and process engineers have almost the same job descriptions, so I'm not really sure about the differences there. I would say a Process Engineer is more of a chemical engineering role, while production can be any engineer or technical person that is focused on Lean Six Sigma principles.

[@andraoktafian1956]

educated vlog 👍 salute from your neighbor Indonesia

[@shawn.builds]

Thanks for watching!

[@luciliacatumbela9014]

Im a first year student,what the hell did I got into 😭.thanks for the video !really informative!!keep going

[@shawn.builds]

Thanks for watching Lucilia! Let me know what you want to see next!

[@liyanc521]

Ayy same

[@mydyyyl9929]

Your videos are great

[@shawn.builds]

Thank you bro!

[@vankarkamlesh292]

can you keep the video of real work of chemical engineer not as another youtubers because i believe you more than other youtubers.Please ,keep that ,not for me only but for other students too.Because i am going to choose my career in chemical engineering.I like chemistry very much and it was my favourite subject.Thanks shawn,May you became very famouse youtuber one day by god's grace and may you have so many subscribers and viewers like the youtube stars.You are also one of them.Cheers for Shawn if all viewers are gentle for his hardwork and for his best for us.Keep it up shawn

[@shawn.builds]

thanks bro, yeah i'll do more vlogs showing what chemical engineers do

[@Selina-fr9wn]

I'm a 3rd year ChemE student and first semester of 3rd year was terrible. It was surely a nightmare for me.. 7 courses.. homeworks, quizzes, projects every single week and of course midterms ahh.. i was trying to solve probs even in my dreams while sleeping.. i was doing nothing except breakfast and dinner in a day.. my mental health is completely gone and the second semester is coming soon (I'm really scared of this semester) Actually i love my major but sometimes i ask why im here. Anyway, i hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks your great vids :)

[@shawn.builds]

Work is definitely better than school!! Hang in there, take it easy and take summer courses if you can! Hope it gets better and thanks for watching, Selina :)

[@Selina-fr9wn]

Ahh I'll try it, thanks so much :)

[@shawn.builds]

@@Selina-fr9wn no problem! Keep me updated on your chem E journey!!

[@thorsingh5019]

Where are you from

[@Selina-fr9wn]

@@thorsingh5019 from Turkey

[@stanleyshaji790]

I am a Chemical Engineering Graduate from India. Can you please make a video on Food Process Engineering and Formulation Engineering and it’s significance in the current market?

[@Quantum3691]

Tesla is a helluva company to work for. They're still a baby in the technological development field and growing.

[@shawn.builds]

Word. No company in the world doing what Tesla's doing!!

[@hoangang9827]

Have you used any softwares like p&id, pfd?. I wanna study it but i have no idea what i should do first. Solid works is difficult too. Can you give me some experiences about them?

[@shawn.builds]

P&ID and PFDs were done on Microsoft Visio in school, and can be done on any 2D cad software. I’ve found that internships are the best way to learn how these works and through your capstone projects. They don’t really have their own formal courses but I assume you could find one online. Same goes for solidworks, I haven’t had a ton of experience but most ppl get their experience from personal projects or work experience. You could also take a design elective at your uni!

[@juanjoserioslopez6874]

Great video Shawn! I have a question to you man, have you considered get a graduate degree? Or at this moment you’re focus on your job.

[@shawn.builds]

Considered it, but at this time I'd like more work experience before figuring out what I could specialize in.

[@juanjoserioslopez6874]

@@shawn.builds Thank you for answer my question bro. Appreciate it!

[@shawn.builds]

@@juanjoserioslopez6874 No problem! Feel free to ask whatever you want. :)

[@djpatil5392]

I am indian and tell me how to get job in other country in graduation of chemical engineering

[@hamasahmed2096]

What softwares do you use for data analysis.? And what are the softwares you use as a whole besides the one you mentioned.?

[@shawn.builds]

I’ve used Excel and R for data analysis. Common process software is aspen plus!

[@leameogilah177]

Hi bro, I love chemE so much, will appreciate if you provide the list of books you used while persuing your undergaduate degree.much luv from liberia bro.

[@shawn.builds]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmalpHt6fax6gJo

[@mrman4279]

On a regular day how much mathematics do you use? Love the vid btw.

[@shawn.builds]

Almost every day. Nothing crazy like calculus though.

[@sasizaza]

I'm a Chemical Engieneering with a degree in Supply Chain, basically I'm the internal consultor for process improvements who involve money savings and it makes me happy 😁

[@shawn.builds]

That's so awesome! Do you mind me asking what industry you work in?

[@sasizaza]

@@shawn.builds at Dow

[@shawn.builds]

@@sasizaza that was one of the companies i always had up on my list, you've got a sweet gig!

[@abdulkarimyahaya1861]

I wanted to ask, as a graduate of chemical engineering, if one decides to do an MSc in Renewable Energy, or MSc Petroleum Engineering, can we say that this person has left chemical engineering for Energy or Oil and Gas or Safety or can we still call such a person a chemical engineer who specializes in Energy? I use to think that someone with MSc Process Engineering is the one that has not deviated from chemical engineering, please clarify.

[@mhatespiritu8481]

Why did the door open itself 😳 but hi! I’m a first year BS ChE student from the PH. Thanks for your videos!

[@shawn.builds]

😂 my dog doesn’t EVER care to knock. thanks for watching Mhat!

[@Quantum3691]

Yeah, that is kinda creepy.

[@thecashkash]

how did you get a job as a process development engineer at such a young age... how big of a team do you work with? Sorry for the many questions!

[@shawn.builds]

No worries at all. It’s an entry level position so it’s not like I have crazy work experience.

[@bushrakamal2873]

What is the best website for learning how to make PFDs and PIDs ? Like, learning from the basics to being a pro ?

[@shawn.builds]

There are some decent classes on Udemy but I haven't tried them. Honestly I wish there was a reliable resource I could share with you. If you find one let me know

[@teixautarlo]

kzbin.info this link you need.

[@crishatibor6153]

Hi! I'm actually planning to take this course so I would like to ask if you have some book recommendations for freshman college like me that could save my life through this journey. I hope you would notice me. TIA ❤️

[@shawn.builds]

I haven't really thought about this, but I'll think about this more and post some of the best resources that helped me throughout this journey. It's a mix of inspiration from books and inspirational people! If you want a starting point, I'd go with Elon Musk's autobiography.

[@carlovencialageno2586]

Hi. I’m a 4th year Chemical Engineering student and I really recommend you to buy or search for a PDF of Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook. Most of the information regarding this field are in there.

[@powder67]

How hard is ChemE I need to know to be ready because I'm still a Gr9 student

[@shawn.builds]

It’s pretty hard but it’s not like it’s impossible. As long as you build up good study habits. Make sure you build up your foundation in math and science early and try to get advanced in HS math. If you want to make the transition to university less difficult, try taking calculus or AP calculus in grade 12 so that you aren’t taken too off guard in university

[@carloseduardolermasima353]

Hey bro can you pass the link of that tesla page if its possible, thanks a lot

[@shawn.builds]

It's not up anymore. Google "process development engineer tesla"

[@benrobinson7937]

At what point in your education/working life did you feel comfortable in applying your knowledge? (when did you know what you were doing 😅)

[@shawn.builds]

It's not until I entered the work force that I realized I had barely scratched the surface in my undergrad. I feel comfortable in applying my knowledge but still feel like I know nothing sometimes 😂 I have to constantly go back to the fundamentals I learned in school, but now I get to apply those things to real world problems. For example, with a heat loss problem, I can get immediate feedback using test data on whether or not my predictive analysis was correct. I also get to explain my results to smarter, more experienced engineers who can give me feedback. So in summary, I feel comfortable applying my knowledge, but I definitely don't have it all figured out yet! Thanks for watching, Ben!

[@benrobinson7937]

@@shawn.builds Okay that’s great! I’m in my 2nd year of study and still feel like I can’t apply my knowledge off the top of my head, which makes me worry when I eventually enter a work place. But I guess most learning is on the job and that’s when you become more confident? Thanks!

[@shawn.builds]

@@benrobinson7937 I'd say don't worry about it too much in your undergrad since there's like a million equations they tell you are important. What's more important is to be able to look at a problem and ask yourself if you'd be able to apply the problem solving methodology to find an answer. Everything can be googled, so work is more about critical thinking. As I mentioned, I can always ring up smarter people to get their opinions on things when I'm really stuck.

[@angelivanramirezacuna6916]

How much of a chemical engeneer job its something you do phisycali or you are all thee day sit on a office?

[@shawn.builds]

if you work at a plant, it's about 50-50 sitting and walking around the plant

[@Icecreamcon3]

How does research look in this field? I’m wanting to work at a national lab and research green tech, would that be a viable path in ChemE? A lot of the job postings mention ChemE but I’m curious what someone in the field would say.

[@shawn.builds]

Yes definitely! Lots of Chem E’s working in green tech!!

[@Icecreamcon3]

@@shawn.builds Awesome! Thanks for replying so fast. Any tips for any tips for a first year aspiring ChemE researcher? Keep up the good work man!

[@shawn.builds]

@@Icecreamcon3 also wanted to mention the MITACS global internship which is in canada. If you're applying to do research, check out the research your profs are doing and try to network with them as soon as possible. positions fill up fast and it's first come first serve. best is in person after class or in office hours, or an email also works :D

[@jennysmid8427]

I gave him a 10 out of 10

[@francinemordeno4225]

Some vids are saying that most chem engineers work in plants. What if I would like to work in pharmaceutical industry, will everything matter to me as to where would I apply? Or it is really needed to work in plants? Ps. I'm still in senior high school, planning to take chem e in my college - hope to get ur answer🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@francinemordeno4225]

Also, do you really need to be good in math if you're a chemical engineering? Thx.

[@shawn.builds]

i think pharm roles can be in labs for R&D

[@shawn.builds]

you have to be pretty good at math/science, I would say having 80-100% in math in highschool is a solid foundation

[@Anirudh0630]

I'm interested in both biotechnology and chemical engineering. Which one would you recommend?

[@shawn.builds]

I honestly don’t know a lot about biotech but it seems like an interesting field! I think chemical engineering has more options since you can also work in pharmaceutical industries with a chem E degree.

[@Anirudh0630]

Thanks mate

[@michaelconstant1610]

I am too! I am trying to combine both and become a Biochemical Engineer as a career!

[@shawn.builds]

@@michaelconstant1610 that’s awesome! What are some companies you want to work at?

[@michaelconstant1610]

@@shawn.builds Thanks so much! I'm currently thinking of companies like Tesla, Exxon, and Novo Nordisk but I am still exploring👌

[@TechVHD]

do you study chem eng in california? which school?

[@shawn.builds]

Naw bro Vancouver, BC! University of British Columbia

[@ayyappansundaram7819]

i am joining chem eng btech today

[@shawn.builds]

Congrats!! Hope you absolutely crush it :)

[@fahadww2357]

Is it easy to get a job as a chemical engineer in Canada? I am from Saudi Arabia

[@shawn.builds]

unfortunately i don't know much about that

[@Lach2114]

im not trying to be rude, but is it ok to ask what your yearly salary is?

[@shawn.builds]

It’s around the industry average for new grad engineers in Canada!

[@czarinanillo1799]

Is ur work very busy or flexible?

[@shawn.builds]

It’s pretty busy but right now I’m working from home currently so I can choose when to start working which is nice.

[@TK_MuhammadAdafaKenyo]

the door was creepy 1:30

[@shawn.builds]

my dog does waht she wants :P

[@vankarkamlesh292]

hiiii shawn

[@shawn.builds]

hi vankar!

[@jaishriram7573]

Is there any scope in chemical engineering

[@shawn.builds]

not sure what you mean by "scope" - can you clarify what you mean?

[@jaishriram7573]

@@shawn.builds scope means placement.... Either I say jobs

[@shawn.builds]

@@jaishriram7573 i mean, yes there are jobs, it differs from country to country though so do your own research

[@vankarkamlesh292]

sorry for letter "e" in my comment

[@shawn.builds]

no worries

[@amakaodoh1605]

Can average student study chemE

[@shawn.builds]

if they work hard, yes!

[@thoughtofrelationship6836]

How much you paid by your company Means salary

[@shawn.builds]

Around the industry standard for a new grad in Vancouver, Canada, $50-70K.

[@ama2901]

@@shawn.builds yearly or monthly

[@mortenandersen6108]

@@ama2901 I'm gonna bet my unborn child its yearly.

[@ama2901]

@@mortenandersen6108 Lol.. Okay

[@alexlanyi2329]

@@ama2901 lol monthly 🤣

[@Engineersofchemicalworld]

Where are you from 😊

[@shawn.builds]

Canada!

[@tomhunter91]

7+ year process engr here.... I'm not sure why I'm here.

[@shawn.builds]

Aye! Was my video accurate? Did I miss anything? You would know better than me!!

[@tomhunter91]

@@shawn.builds It was very good. I'm honestly not too familiar process development engineer but it sounds interesting. I've been in the plant since I started. I wish there was something or someone like this when I was in college so thank you for doing this. Sometimes I recruit now and college students seem to have no idea what process engineers do. Luckily I had 3 great coops at dupont that I learned a lot of this before getting too far into it. It's a shame more schools don't do more coops. When you mentioned technical skills and CAD I kept thinking about how many aspects of a plant there are and how much you need to know about them ... from mechanical (rotating and fixed) to electrical and controls (DCS, PLCs, automation) and of course the processing of chemicals haha. There's so many different aspects of the plant and chemical engineers are at the core of it all.

[@paulgirard3093]

The ruling class destroys humanity

[@mohamedabdillahi2124]

I am a student at a university in China. I study the faculty of chemical engineering and technology. I ask you if this faculty has a bright future. Bro Answer me please.

[@shawn.builds]

yes bro! idk about the chem E industry in china but I feel like there are a lot of plants open there!

[@mohamedabdillahi2124]

@@shawn.builds faculty of chemical engineering working on how many types bro. I am in my first year. where do you contact bro, i want to help thank you very much.🙏

[@kiranpun08]

Is chemical engineer paid well?

[@shawn.builds]

paid similarly to other engineers, sometimes higher if you work in the field

[@alif479]

dabelyutief

[@shawn.builds]

sorry?

[@JamesVestal-dz5qm]

Is electing donald trump a safe process?

[@JamesVestal-dz5qm]

Why is Donald trump the favorite president of police?