Essential Skills - Chemical Engineers

Essential Skills - Chemical Engineers
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Essential Skills
Chemical Engineers
NOC 2134
Introduction
Chemical engineers research, design, and develop chemical processes and equipment,
oversee the operation and maintenance of industrial chemical, plastics, pharmaceutical,
resource, pulp, and food processing plants and perform duties related to chemical quality
control, environmental protection and biochemical or biotechnical engineering. Chemical
engineers are employed in a wide range of manufacturing and processing industries,
consulting firms, government, research and educational institutions.
The most important Essential Skills for Chemical Engineers are:

Numeracy
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Document Sections
Reading Text
Document Use
Writing
Numeracy
Oral Communication
Thinking Skills
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Job Task Planning and Organizing
Significant Use of Memory
Finding Information
Working with Others
Computer Use
Continuous Learning
Notes
A. Reading Text
Tasks
Complexity Level Examples
2 to 4
Chemical Engineers
Typical
5
Most Complex
read e-mails daily, typically from co-workers or

clients confirming meeting arrangements,
responding to questions or enquiring about the
status and content of projects. (2)
may refer to guidelines issued by Health
Canada and by the United States Department of
Health and Human Services to verify that a new
product manufacturing procedure meets the
required standards and, if not, to identify what
needs to be done to meet them. (3)
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read federal and provincial environmental

regulations with respect to liquid and gas
waste, soil contamination and the disposal of
residual materials. They refer to such
regulations to ensure that their chemical
processes and procedures are meeting
applicable standards. (3)
read equipment installation and operating
manuals. They may read operating
specifications in manuals to assess equipment
suitability for tasks and plan for equipment
installation and commissioning. (3)
review reports on manufacturing processes to
identify successes and problems. They use the
information contained in these reports to
decide what further actions are required. For
instance, they may read a validation failure
report outlining a potential problem with a
blending process, resulting in a reduction in
product quality at the end of the batch. (3)
read reports from chemists documenting test
results on chemical products and processes.
For example, they may read a report on using
captisol modified cyclodextrin to improve
solubility and stability of insoluble drugs. They
must review and evaluate the complex data and
analyses contained in each report to decide
whether or not they will support the report's
conclusions or take action on its
recommendations. (4)
read a wide range of academic journals and
trade publications such as Chemical
Engineering, Water Environment Research or
Tablets and Capsules to stay abreast of new
chemical equipment, products and processes.
They select and read relevant articles to study
alternative solutions to particular problems.
They also refer to these articles when creating
test trials, developing theories or searching
supportive evidence for recommendations. (4)
may assess the quality and accuracy of
scientific articles on new chemical products or
processes before they are published in
academic journals. For instance, an engineer
may be asked to review an article on the
advantages of using non-ionic polymers as
precipitants. Each of these assessments
involves carefully reading a dense and complex
article containing specialized terminology
intended for a scientific audience, and making
high-level inferences to provide critique in the
light of industrial and governmental regulations
and concerns. The results of the evaluation are
summarized in a short paper and given to
editorial staff for consideration. (5)
Reading Summary
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The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbols section.
Purpose for Reading

Type of Text
To scan for specific
To skim for overall
To read the full text
To read the full text
information/To
meaning, to get the
to understand or to
to critique or to
locate information
'gist'
learn
evaluate
Forms
Labels
Notes, Letters,
Memos
Manuals,
Specifications,
Regulations
Reports, Books,
Journals
B. Document Use
Tasks
Typical
Most Complex

Chemical Engineers
1 to 4
5
scan container labels to identify enclosed

chemical products, handling instructions and
hazards. (1)
read lists of health or environmental standards
to be met by engineering projects. (1)
interpret a variety of icons to locate and
navigate through manufacturing company,
professional association, university,
governmental and research institute websites.
(2)
may review monthly labour and material
performance tables to identify upward and
downward trending in quality, defects or
efficiency. (2)
scan process schematics to understand the
various chemical processes used in the
manufacturing of products and to identify how
such processes could be improved. For
example, they may refer to a drawing showing
how caustic soda is used in the manufacturing
of shampoo to identify process stages and
chemical reactions. (3)
analyze graphical representations of chemical
test results to identify inconsistencies in data
and potential correlations between variables.
This analysis may lead them to select a certain
variable for inclusion in a determination
process or to further refine the methodological
approach for subsequent test trials. (3)
use information in Material Safety Data Sheets
and technical data sheets for a variety of
purposes. They locate information about the
composition, molecular weights, exposure
limits and handling hazards of chemical
products in order to determine the best
chemical product to use, design environmental
controls, or inform workers about safe chemical
handling practices. Chemical engineers must
often integrate data from several sources. (3)
review the scale drawings for manufacturing or
processing plants to assess the appropriateness
and safety of the design. They take
measurements from structural and mechanical
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system drawings to check that new and existingExamples

equipment can be set up efficiently. (4)
make sketches and hand-drawn
may complete cross-functional evaluation
schematic representations to
forms before signing off quality assurance
illustrate proposed chemical
investigations. When a deviation from the
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been processes.
brought to their attention, they have to identify create tables to analyse data
parameters (up to thirty) for investigation and extracted from test results with
respect to such research issues as
each parameter requires the completion of a
SOP checklist. At each level of each checklist, pH levels in the drinking water, oil
degradation due to fuel
chemical engineers have to review and
integrate information from several supporting contaminates, concentration of
organic compounds in blood
documents. (5)
samples or the loss of a chemical
through the formulations process.
design tables to present information to management on proposed changes to
chemical equipment, including expected costs, throughput times, target dates and
short and long term benefits.
construct graphs to identify trends in test results over time and relationships
between measured parameters such as cost and recovery. They include these
graphs in recommendation reports to justify the development of new operating
procedures for chemical quality control or environmental protection.
Document Use Summary
Read signs, labels or lists.
Complete forms by marking check boxes, recording numerical information or entering

words, phrases, sentences or text of a paragraph or more. The list of specific tasks
varies depending on what was reported.
Read completed forms containing check boxes, numerical entries, phrases, addresses,
sentences or text of a paragraph or more. The list of specific tasks varies depending
on what was reported.
Read tables, schedules or other table-like text (e.g., read work shift schedules).
Create tables, schedules or other table-like text.
Enter information on tables, schedules or other table-like text.
Plot information on graphs (e.g. line, pie, bar).
Obtain specific information from graphs or charts.
Interpret information on graphs or charts.
Construct or draw graphs or charts.
Recognize common angles such as 15, 30, 45 and 90 degrees.
Draw, sketch or form common shapes such as circles, triangles, spheres, rectangles,
squares, etc.
Interpret scale drawings (e.g. blueprints or maps).
Take measurements from scale drawings.
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Read schematic drawings (e.g. electrical schematics).
Create schematic drawings.
Make sketches.
Obtain information from sketches, pictures or icons (e.g., computer toolbars).
C. Writing
Tasks

Chemical Engineers
Typical
Most Complex
2 to 4
5
write e-mail to other engineers, often with

attached files and links to information posted at
Internet sites. (2)
write short memos to staff to give instructions
regarding the operation and maintenance of
chemical equipment. For example, they provide
instructions to supervisors concerning a
shutdown. (2)
write letters to the federal government
justifying why pollution ratings recorded in the
National Pollution Reporting Inventory (NPRI)
have changed by more than ten percent over
the last reading. These letters must use an
established format and contain an explanation
of contributing factors such as excess rain or
new equipment. (3)
update the procedures to be used by
technicians when implementing new mixing
formulas or manufacturing processes for
products. These procedures can be one
paragraph or several pages in length,
depending on the task or process. In large
manufacturing companies, chemical engineers
may have up to one hundred procedures to
keep current, and all or most may need to be
updated when a manufacturing process is
altered. (3)
draft documents recommending the purchase of
new equipment and submit them to
management or clients for approval. These
lengthy documents generally include a cost
analysis for various equipment options,
environmental, health and safety assessments,
a description of all specifications, an evaluation
of several suppliers and a justification of the
supplier chosen. (4)
write detailed reports for various clienteles. For
example, chemical process engineers write
chemical process trial reports for the
operations team and edit summary versions for
management. These reports provide a
description of the trial objectives and testing
procedures, a discussion of test results and a
set of conclusions. Chemical engineering
consultants write preliminary, progress and
final reports for their clients addressing the
specific technical, process, environmental and
resource management issues under study. (4)
may write articles for scientific journals,
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conference proceedings or other research

publications. The articles usually involve
explaining the research protocols, describing
the difficulties encountered in conducting the
investigation and applying scientific principles
to analyze data. The writing must present a
detailed discussion of results obtained and
comment on their statistical significance. For
example, a chemical engineer might report on
series of experiments which explore the use of
hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) as an alternative
blowing agent for extruded polystyrene. (5)
Writing Summary
Purpose for Writing

Length
To
To keep a
organize/to record/to
remember document
To
To
To present
inform/to persuade/to an analysis

request
justify a
or
information
request
comparison
To
present
an
evaluation
To
entertain
or critique
Text
requiring
less than
one
paragraph
of new
text
Text
rarely
requiring
more than
one
paragraph
Longer
text
D. Numeracy
Task

2
Chemical Engineers
Money Math
Scheduling,
Budgeting &
Accounting Math
1 to 5
Measurement and
Calculation Math
1 to 5
Data Analysis
Math
1 to 4
prepare expense reports for out of town business

travel, taking into account the number of days and
kilometres travelled, a per kilometre rate, the
chargeable unit costs for the room and meals and
the applicable taxes. (Money Math), (2)
establish and monitor schedules and budgets for
short and long term projects involving the testing
and approval of chemical products and processes.
They ensure that expenses incurred for human
resources, materials and equipment are fully
covered by the budget and that projects are
progressing within timelines. They frequently have
to adjust schedules and budgets because of
unexpected events or unforeseen problems.
(Scheduling, Budgeting & Accounting Math), (4)
time processes, such as the process of formulating
Math
Skills
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Numerical
Estimation
and injecting a compound, to ensure that it can be

accomplished within certain time limits.
(Measurement and Calculation Math), (1)
calculate and measure out the liquid volumes that
need to be added when preparing chemical mixtures
or solutions. They perform these calculations using
ratios, rates and percentages. (Measurement and
Calculation Math), (2)
plan the placement of new equipment using scale
drawings. This involves measuring scale distances,
converting them to actual distances and calculating
areas, volumes and perimeters. (Measurement and
Calculation Math), (3)
use specialized measuring instruments and methods
to monitor the values of one or more parameters
during lab experiments and trial production runs.
For example, a chemical engineer may calculate the
percentage of solid contaminants in fluids by
conducting a gravimetric analysis. (Measurement
and Calculation Math), (4)
use advanced mathematical methods and control
algorithms to model chemical reactions and
chemical processing equipment. For instance, they
may set the parameters of a proportional-integralderivative (PID) controller using the Laplace
Transform or compute the convolution of a
time-delayed signal using the Fast Fourier
Transform (FFT). (Measurement and Calculation
Math), (5)
compare readings of such variables as temperature
or chlorine concentration to acceptable ranges.
(Data Analysis Math), (1)
analyse monthly data on labour and material
performance to identify problem areas which
deserve further investigation and to depict trends
over time in quality, defects or efficiency. (Data
Analysis Math), (2)
analyse data on the composition of chemical
feedstocks to determine the best product for each
process or operation. For example, they may
compare the percentage by weight of calcium
hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, dolomite,
magnesium oxide and crystalline silica in Dolomitic
Hydrated Lime to similar data found for several
alternative products. (Data Analysis Math), (3)
may choose a number of variables related to a
process and evaluate the relative effect of each
variable through an analysis of variance. For
example, for the injection molding process, they
may identify the main variables that affect the
density of an extrusion foamed polystyrene
amongst the blowing agent composition, the
temperature of the molten polymer and the resin
grade. (Data Analysis Math), (4)
identify optimal measurements and testing
strategies, potential sources of bias and
methodological techniques to detect the presence of
chemicals. For example, they may use the flash
point technique to detect the presence of fuel
contaminants in lubricating oil or develop a test to
measure the concentration of organic compounds in
blood samples. Once test results have been
collected, they have to perform statistical testing to
measure the confidence level of results. (Data
Analysis Math), (5)
estimate the time required to prepare a presentation
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for management or clients, based on experience.

(Numerical Estimation), (1)
estimate their quarterly budgets for site or plant
maintenance based on past requirements. Most
information is known however there must be an
allowance given for unexpected equipment
breakdowns. (Numerical Estimation), (2)
estimate the number of extended trial runs required
to obtain a valid statistical correlation between
various data. Many factors are involved in the
estimate and a fair degree of precision is required
to ensure the scientific validity of results.
(Numerical Estimation), (3)
estimate the potential costs and benefits of
proposed industrial processes. For example, they
may estimate the cost of building and operating a
facility for composting the sludge from waste water
treatment as part of an economic feasibility study.
Estimating operating costs can be a challenge due
to the unknown quantity and characteristics of the
sludge to be treated by the facility. (Numerical
Estimation), (4)
Summary
a. Mathematical Foundations Used
Number Concepts
Whole Numbers
Integers
Rational Numbers Fractions
Rational Numbers Decimals
Rational Numbers Percent
Equivalent Rational
Numbers
Other Real Numbers
Read and write, count, round off, add or subtract,

multiply or divide whole numbers.
For example, writing days travelled on an expense
report; counting the number of control valves
required for a process; multiplying trial runs when
preparing budgets.
Read and write, add or subtract, multiply or divide
integers.
For example, monitoring budget deviations.
Read and write, add or subtract fractions, multiply or
divide by a fraction, multiply or divide fractions.
For example, reading floor plan measurements in
fractions of an inch from scale drawings; subtracting
the dimensions of new equipment from floor plan
dimensions to ensure sufficient clearance.
Read and write, round off, add or subtract decimals,
multiply or divide by a decimal, multiply or divide
decimals.
For example, reading molecular weights on Material
Safety Data Sheets; calculating labour costs for site
maintenance using hourly rates.
Read and write percents, calculate the percent one
number is of another, calculate a percent of a
number.
For example, reading and writing the percentage by
weight of calcium hydroxide in chemical feedstock;
calculating the percentage of active ingredients in a
tablet.
Convert between fractions and decimals or
percentages.
Convert between decimals and percentages.
expressing component vapour pressure as a fraction
or percentage of total pressure.
Use powers and roots, scientific notation, significant
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digits.
For example, reading the exposure limits of chemical
components expressed in mg/m3; reporting only
hundreds of micrograms in chemical analysis reports.
Patterns and
Relations
Equations and
Formulae
Solve problems by constructing and solving equations

with one unknown.
Use formulae by inserting quantities for variables and
solving.
Write, simplify and solve two variable algebraic
problems.
Write, simplify and solve quadratic equations.
For example, constructing a formula to calculate the
required volume for the precipitation of a solute as a
function of its molecular weight; resolving a system
of differential equations to simulate the injection
cycle of a moulding process; solving systems of
equations with multiple unknowns using numerical or
computational methods.
Use of Rate, Ratio and Use a rate showing comparison between two
Proportion
quantities with different units.
Use a ratio showing comparison between two
quantities with the same units.
Use a proportion showing comparison between two
ratios or rates in order to solve problems.
For example, mixing chemical solutions to an mg/ml
concentration; comparing the duration of two
processes using a ratio; scaling chemical components
for different production volumes.
Using scale drawings.
Shape and Spatial

Sense
Measurement
Conversions
Areas, Perimeters,
Volumes
Geometry
Trigonometry
Perform measurement conversions.

For example, converting foreign product and
equipment dimensions and capacities from Imperial
to SI measuring units.
Calculate areas.
Calculate perimeters.
Calculate volumes.
For example, calculating the available floor space for
new equipment; calculating the liquid volume when
mixing solutions.
Use geometry.
For example, calculating the slope angle from field
measurements to ascertain optimum drainage.
Use trigonometry.
For example, using trigonometry to decompose the
response of a fluid to a deformation into real and
imaginary components.
Recognizing common angles.
Drawing, sketching and forming common forms and

figures.
Statistics and
Probability
Summary Calculations Calculate averages.
Calculate rates other than percentages.
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Calculate proportions or ratios.

For example, calculating averages across sets of
readings of variables such as temperature, pH or
chlorine concentration; determining specific gravity
or bulk density by calculating the mass/volume ratio;
calculating cost in dollars per unit; calculating the
proportions of budget amounts assigned to labour,
materials and equipment.
Statistics and
Use descriptive statistics (e.g. collecting, classifying,
Probability
analyzing and interpreting data).
For example, calculating medians, means, standard
deviations and confidence intervals when analysing
the results of tests to detect the presence of
chemicals; using linear regression to derive a simple
mathematical model between two variables, such as
temperature and pressure, monitored during a
chemical reaction; designing experiments using
accepted practices such as the analysis of variance to
provide the required information while minimizing the
number of trials.
Using tables, schedules or other table-like text.
Using graphical presentations.
b. How Calculations are Performed

In their heads.
Using a pen and paper.
Using a calculator.
Using a computer.
c. Measurement Instruments Used

Time. For example, using a clock, a watch, a stopwatch or an instrument timer.
Weight or mass. For example, using a scale.
Distance or dimension. For example, using a tape measure, a ruler or a micrometer.
Liquid volume. For example, using a test tube, a graduated cylinder, a syringe or a
flow meter.
Temperature. For example, using a thermometer, an infrared sensor or a

thermocouple.
Pressure. For example, using a gauge or a transducer.
Angles. For example, using a protractor or calliper.
pH, surface tension or viscosity. For example, using a wide range of specialized
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measuring equipment.
Resistance and amperage. For example, using an ammeter or multimeter.
Use the SI (metric) measurement system.
Using the imperial measurement system.
E. Oral Communication
Tasks
Typical
Most Complex

Chemical Engineers
1 to 4
4
talk to suppliers to obtain quotes and specification

sheets on raw materials. (1)
speak to technicians, technologists, tradespeople,
maintenance workers and process operators to
give routine instructions and exchange information
about site operation and maintenance. (1)
interact with other engineers and scientists to
share information on testing equipment, materials
and data, or to discuss budget, staffing
requirements, scheduling and deadlines for
common projects. (2)
communicate with chemists and other laboratory
workers to monitor the progress in testing
operations, to clarify test results and to ensure
that everyone is staying within established testing
parameters so as to generate useable data. (3)
participate in regular meetings with staff to discuss
a wide range of topics including environment,
health, safety, production and quality. At these
meetings, they may present information on
increases or decreases in yields, process or
production incidents, and quality control results.
(3)
facilitate meetings to review technical reports
proposing changes to chemical processes,
equipment or products to resolve issues related to
environmental protection. They present their
findings and recommendations in a concise and
persuasive manner and then open the floor to
questions. There may be a variety of stakeholders
involved in the meeting such as clients, plant
managers and chemical engineers from partner
organizations, research institutes, educational
institutions, consulting firms, professional
associations or government departments. (4)
lead problem-solving and process improvement
sessions with small and large groups of
employees. The chemical engineer's role is to
monitor and support the group, through a variety
of exercises and settings, in discovering and
analyzing problems and developing solutions. At
the end of each session, the engineer facilitates
the synthesis of information and guides the group
in the development of a series of process
improvement recommendations which can be
presented to clients, plant managers and
co-workers. The engineer's team building and
management skills may be evaluated based on the
success of these meetings. (4)
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Modes of Communication Used
In person.
Using a telephone.
Others e.g. video conferencing, public address system.
Environmental Factors Affecting Communication
Some of the equipment used in processing plants can be quite noisy creating difficult
environments for oral communication.
Oral Communication Summary

Purpose for Oral Communication (Part I)

To
Type
To greet
To take
messages
provide/receive
information,
explanation,
To seek, obtain
information
To co-ordinate To
work with that reassure,
of others
comfort
direction
Listening (little or no
interaction)
Speaking (little or no
interaction)
Interact with
co-workers
Interact with those

you supervise or
direct
Interact with
supervisor/manager
Interact with peers
and colleagues from
other organization
Interact with
customers/clients/
public
Interact with
suppliers, servicers
Participate in group
discussion
Present information
to a small group
Present information
to a large group
Purpose for Oral Communication (Part II)

To discuss
Type
(exchange
information,
opinions)
To instruct,
To persuade
To facilitate,
instill
animate
understanding, resolve conflict entertain
To negotiate,
To
knowledge
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Listening (little or no
interaction)
Speaking (little or no
interaction)
Interact with
co-workers
Interact with those

you supervise or
direct
Interact with
supervisor/manager
Interact with peers
and colleagues from
other organization
Interact with
customers/clients/
public
Interact with
suppliers, servicers
Participate in group
discussion
Present information
to a small group
Present information
to a large group
Other Information
Chemical Engineers in bilingual communities may be required to speak in both official languages.
F. Thinking Skills
1. Problem Solving
Tasks
Typical
Most Complex

Chemical Engineers
2 to 4
4
encounter human resource problems in their

project teams such as skill shortages. They meet
with senior management to outline the issue and
find solutions. For example, they may discuss
whether funding can be made available to recruit
team members with the expertise needed. (2)
discover that projects as designed do not meet
their objectives. For example, they may realize
near the end of a process validation project that
the number of trials left will not be sufficient to
create a statistically valid analysis. They estimate
the number of extended trial runs required to
obtain a valid correlation between the data and ask
management or clients to extend the life of the
project. If they cannot obtain a project extension,
they have to find ways of extrapolating existing
data to increase their validity. (3)
may receive complaints that governmental
regulations are not being met. For example, plant
employees may complain that specific chemical
processes do not respect current health and safety
regulations. In such instances, engineers promptly
meet with the workers, the union stewards and
supervisors. They listen carefully to the workers'
complaints and to the other parties' points of view
on the matter. They guide the group in coming up
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with a workable solution that will satisfy health

Typical
and safety regulations. (3)
may observe in processing plants that batch
quality is decreasing or has reached unacceptable Most Complex
levels that will result in batch failure. They review
all inputs to the process, check schematic
diagrams of the plant's piping, discuss processes
with operators and co-workers and review
maintenance records. They identify the source of
the failure and determine protocols required to test
the validity of any changes made. They ensure that
all operating and maintenance protocols requiring
revision are updated and that appropriate training
occurs. (4)
Chemical Engineers
2 to 3
3
Complexity Level
select software to simulate chemical reactions or

processing conditions, predict potential problems
and test solutions. For each available option, they
have to review underlying hypotheses prior to
making their decision. (2)
decide which jobs to assign to the various
engineers, technicians and technologists on staff.
They make their decisions based on individual
strengths and weaknesses, experiences and
abilities to meet deadlines. (2)
choose types of graphs to use to display
information relevant to chemical processes or
products. They consider the strengths and
limitations of each graph for expressing particular
types of data, the message they want to emphasize
and the level of technical expertise of their
audience. (2)
decide which chemical product to use for various
projects. Their decisions are based on a review of
information found in Material Safety Data Sheets
and technical data sheets relating to the
composition, molecular weights, exposure limits,
handling hazards and other characteristics of
chemical products. A selection error may have
significant cost implications. (3)
decide how end users and maintenance employees
will be trained to use new equipment safely and
efficiently. Before making their decisions, they
have to study several options for training
resources, location, duration and delivery based on
cost and availability. They may have to take into
account employee overtime needs in terms of
off-shift training or replacement. Past training
decisions provide only limited guidance since they
do not relate to the same equipment. (3)
Description
2. Decision Making
Tasks
3. Critical Thinking
Tasks
Typical

Chemical Engineers
2 to 4
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Most Complex
4
evaluate the conformity of a chemical product

with specifications submitted to the supplier.
They review quality control reports and perform
statistical analyses of data to verify aspects
such as the colour, viscosity and purity of the
product. They may refuse a product as a result
of their evaluation. (2)
evaluate the performance of salaried employees
using pre-established evaluation grids. As part
of the assessment, they determine the extent to
which employees have met their various project
objectives and respected health, safety and
environmental policies and procedures. Their
conclusions may lead to recommendations for
new job assignments, further training or salary
increases. (2)
assess the appropriateness of the installation
and configuration of new equipment. Their
assessments are based on a review of drawings
representing the equipment layout; estimation
of expected downtime; and a detailed analysis
of how the changes will affect equipment users
and maintenance employees. (3)
assess the adverse health, personnel safety and
environmental effects of proposed process
technologies. They have to review all the laws,
regulations, standards and industry codes
relevant to this process technology. They have
to estimate the increased or reduced emissions
which this technology would generate. They
then have to determine if adequate measures
could be designed to address the noise level,
dust and heat generation, physical exertion and
ergonomic issues resulting from the
implementation of this process technology. (4)
evaluate the adequacy of measures proposed to
remedy a decrease in the quality of chemical
products. When a deviation from acceptable
ranges has been brought to their attention,
they identify several parameters and request
that each of them be investigated by their staff.
Once the investigation has been conducted,
they review all supporting documents to ensure
that all factors have been evaluated, that the
source of the problem has been identified and
that plans have been designed to provide
corrective actions and preventative measures
for the future. (4)
may be asked to judge the quality and
completeness of articles for publication in
journals and trade magazines. For instance, a
chemical engineer may be asked by a peer to
review an article on the advantages of using
non-ionic polymers as precipitants. The
engineer evaluates the article based on the
soundness of the methodological approach, the
validity of research outcomes, the consistency
of explanations and results obtained, the clarity
of text and the appropriateness of conclusions
made in the light of health, safety and
environmental regulations. (4)
4. Job Task Planning and Organizing
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Complexity Level Description

4
Own job planning and organizing
Chemical engineers work in a dynamic environment with many
conflicting demands on their time. Their work is team-oriented
so that they must integrate their own tasks and work
schedules with those of a team of engineers and scientists to
develop and monitor action plans, processes and procedures
to optimize production, maintain or improve quality and
address health, safety and environmental protection issues.
Their ability to work on several projects at the same time and
determine priorities is critical to their jobs. Breakdowns,
emergencies and changing corporate priorities can affect their
work resulting in their re-prioritizing and re-sequencing of job
tasks.
Planning and organizing for others
Chemical engineers may contribute expertise to long-term and
strategic planning for their organizations and play a central
role in organizing, planning and scheduling day to day
operations in chemical processing units or plants. They are
also responsible for training and assigning tasks to technicians
and technologists assisting them with the operation and
maintenance of such facilities.
5. Significant Use of Memory

Examples
remember security codes to access several computers.
remember formulations to prepare regularly used chemical mixtures.
remember toxic properties of chemicals to take precautionary steps.
recall the names of the many engineers, scientists, technicians and technologists
working with them to facilitate communication.
remember the acceptable range of values for each parameter to be controlled
during process experiments.
6. Finding Information
Tasks
Typical
Most Complex

Chemical Engineers
1 to 4
4
refer to textbooks to find formulas such as

evaporation and heat transfer formulas. (1)
refer to chemical abstracts, Material Safety
Data Sheets and manufacturers' data sheets to
find technical information about chemical
products. They may refer to several sources
when selecting a product for a project. (3)
find solutions to manufacturing and chemical
processing problems by reading research
papers and technical reports. They need to
critically evaluate, analyse, synthesize and
integrate information from a wide range of
sources, including the Internet, to develop
innovative solutions. (4)
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G. Working with Others

3
Chemical engineers perform some tasks independently but more

generally work with a team of technicians, technologists, engineers,
chemists and other scientists. They may work independently when
simulating changes to a process or analyzing test data, but their
other tasks are carried out with team members. They work closely
with management to realize corporate objectives. They collaborate
with process operators and maintenance personnel to enhance
processes, improve operating parameters and complete shutdown
maintenance. They coordinate their own work with that of other
engineers and scientists to perform experiments and trials on
chemical materials, engineering processes and equipment and to
find solutions to problems related to optimization, quality control,
health, safety or environmental protection. They consult and
collaborate with a variety of stakeholders such as manufacturers,
research institutes, educational institutions, consulting firms, law
firms, national and provincial professional associations or guilds and
government departments to ascertain that chemical products,
equipment and processes are safe and in conformity with standards.
They supervise technicians and technologists in the operation and
maintenance of chemical, plastics, pharmaceutical, resource, pulp,
and food or other processing units or plants. They may also mentor
engineering students and junior engineers in internship programs
and cooperative initiatives as well as on work teams.
Participation in Supervisory or Leadership Activities

Participate in formal discussions about work processes or product improvement.
Have opportunities to make suggestions on improving work processes.
Monitor the work performance of others.
Inform other workers or demonstrate to them how tasks are performed.
Orient new employees.
Make hiring recommendations.
Make hiring decisions.
Select contractors and suppliers.
Assign routine tasks to other workers.
Assign new or unusual tasks to other workers.
Identify training that is required by, or would be useful for, other workers.
Deal with other workers' grievances or complaints.
H. Computer Use
Tasks
Typical

Chemical Engineers
2 to 4
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Most
Complex
use Internet exploration software. For example,

they use Internet Explorer or Netscape to locate
chemical manufacturer websites and search
scientific articles on chemical engineering
topics. (2)
use communications software. For example,
they use Outlook or WebMail to send e-mail
messages with attached documents to project
team members on their distribution list. (2)
use word processing software. For example,
they use Word to write lengthy operating,
maintenance and investigation reports. To
create these reports, they import tables and
graphics from other applications and use
formatting features such as page numbering,
heading levels, indices, columns and footnotes.
(3)
use database management software. For
example, they use Access or FoxPro to create
data entry forms, enter and retrieve data from
trial test runs and run data queries, interfacing
the database with a spreadsheet to observe
trending. (3)
use spreadsheet software. For example, they
use Excel to create scheduling and budgeting
spreadsheets, establish project timelines,
monitor the progress of project activities and
tasks and track project expenditures. (3)
use graphics software. For example, they use
PowerPoint to design presentations for
management or clients which outline process
changes and analyze production data. To create
these presentations, they import process
layouts drawn with Visio, photographs
prepared with Photoshop, as well as word
processing files and spreadsheet tables
generated with other software. (4)
may use statistical analysis software. For
example, they may use KaleidaGraph or
SigmaPlot to analyse trial or test results, plot
linear functions, calculate means, medians,
standard deviations, confidence intervals and
perform linear regressions. (4)
may use specialized and industry-specific
simulation and modeling software. For
example, they may use software to simulate
specific processes, such as the biological
treatment of waste water, to predict potential
problems and to test solutions. (4)
I. Continuous Learning
Complexity Level Description
4
Chemical engineers are required to continually update their skills
and knowledge of chemical products, equipment and processes to
keep up with technological progress and changes in health, safety
For
and environmental regulations. On a day-to-day basis, they acquire information
new learning by discussing with co-workers and colleagues and by on research,
reading information found in scientific journals, newsletters,
definitions,
magazines, textbooks, CD-ROMs and websites, as well as in researchand scaling
reports and governmental publications. Chemical engineers are
processes of
governed by the engineering society or guild of the province in
Essential
which they practice. They may be required to develop their own
Skills
learning plan and attend conferences, seminars, workshops or
Profiles,
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university courses.
How Learning Occurs
please
consult the
Readers'
Guide to
Essential
Skills
Profiles.
Learning may be acquired:

As part of regular work activity.
From co-workers.
Through training offered in the workplace.
Through reading or other forms of self-study

at work.
on worker's own time.
using materials available through work.
using materials obtained through a professional association or
union.
using materials obtained on worker's own initiative.
Through off-site training

during working hours at no cost to the worker.
partially subsidized.
with costs paid by the worker.
J. Other Information
In addition to collecting information for this Essential Skills Profile, our
interviews with job incumbents also asked about the following topics.
Physical Aspects
Chemical Engineers are required to sit and analyse data for a portion of
their time. They stand, walk, bend and crouch to observe machinery or
testing equipment. Chemical Engineers use upper limb coordination to
enter data onto computers, operate cameras and video equipment and
move testing materials in and out of machines. Chemical Engineers
require medium strength to move and lift various pieces of equipment.
Depending on product, manufacturing process, or field of practice,
chemical engineers may depend on colour, smell or touch to carry out
chemical assays or complete quality control tests.
Attitudes
In order to find solutions to problems related to the optimization of
chemical processes and to the safety of chemical products, chemical
engineers must be detail-oriented, mathematically inclined and creative
team players who are able to capitalize on co-workers' skills and
knowledge and to synthesize information from a wide range of sources.
Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills

Computer software programs are increasingly used by chemical
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engineers to simulate chemical processes, predict potential problems

and test solutions. The constant evolution in automation will place an
increasing demand on them to continue to develop high-level computer
skills, while maintaining the necessary critical analysis skills required to
evaluate simulation results. Moreover, as chemical engineers become
more involved in multi-disciplinary teams with physicians, chemists and
other scientists, they will need enhanced skills in oral communication,
writing and working with others.
K. Notes
This profile is based on interviews with job incumbents across Canada and validated
through consultation with industry experts across the country.
Date Modified: 2012-09-20
11/7/2013 10:15 AM

Essential Skills - Chemical Engineers

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Essential Skills - Chemical Engineers

The most important Essential Skills for Chemical Engineers are:

Complexity Level Examples

read e-mails daily, typically from co-workers or