"As a chemical engineer, I focus on mixing the ingredients that go into tires and refining new compounds. A big part of my work involves testing and assessing to improve its efficiency. We are always striving to create tires that are safer, run longer, have advanced materials and treads, and can adapt to new and old roads as well as the evolution of cars. Every project challenges me to build new skills and learn more about the performance and safety of each type of tire we build. The job has its peak seasons, but I love the variety it brings! Looking back, I understand now why I had to enroll in all of the math, chemistry, and physics classes and study for long periods of time - but it was all worth it!"

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Job Description

SOC Code: 17-2041

Chemical Engineers design 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.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Provide technical support
• Ability to share knowledge
• Record keeping
• Troubleshoot production issues
• Troubleshoot computer hardware

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Troubleshoot problems
  • Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments
• Interacting With Others
  • Direct activities of workers
• Information Input
  • Design and plan layout of equipment
  • Estimate production costs
  • Perform tests and monitor performance of processes
  • Design measuremen and control systems for chemical plants
  • Develop process flow diagrams or pipe and instrumentation diagrams
• Work Output
  • Develop safety procedures
  • Identify ways to optimize performance or ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations
  • Develop computer models of chemical processes

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

• Pee Dee
• Santee-Lynches
• Trident
• Greenville
• Catawba
• Upstate

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• Huntsman International, LLC
• Robert Bosch, LLC
• Thompson Construction Group, Inc.
• AFL
• AESC Group
• Burns & McDonnell

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Chemists
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Materials Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Nuclear Engineers
• Materials Scientists

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.