Chemical Engineering Technician

Also known as
Chemical engineering technologist

Become a “hero of science"

These important roles support chemical engineers to figure out new processes for the manufacturing of everything from dyes and fertilisers to fuels and medicines.

At a glance

What can you expect from this role?
Average salary per year
£25000
Starter
Experienced
£25000
£42000
Typical hours
37 to 42 a week
You could work evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts
Flexible working hours?
Need a lab coat?
Sometimes!

What to expect

Day-to-day tasks

As a chemical engineering technician, you could:

  • help to design, build or install production plant equipment
  • research new products and processes in the laboratory
  • monitor production processes and machinery
  • record data and make adjustments to instruments
  • follow safety procedures and regulations
  • carry out quality control checks

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a chemical engineering technician to be a green job, you could:

  • develop alternative fuels like hydrogen to reduce reliance on petrochemicals
  • investigate ways to reduce waste plastic
  • research more efficient and sustainable ways to manufacture batteries

Working 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.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institution of Chemical Engineers for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in the chemicals industry from the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

Explore the different ways to get into this role

People in these types of job started their career paths after studying courses like the ones below.

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national certificate or degree in: chemistry chemical sciences chemical engineering biochemical engineering Entry…
Learn more

College

You can take a college course before applying to a company for a trainee technician job. Courses include: applied science…
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Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship to get into this job. These include: Laboratory Technician Level 3…
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Discover the skills you need for this role

People in these types of job possess skills like the ones below.

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

University Entry Requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry

College Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship Entry Requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Career progression

Career progression opportunities include

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

You could also work in:

  • materials development and design
  • quality control
  • product sales and marketing

With further training, you could become a chemical engineer.

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