Top 10 Career Opportunities After Chemical Engineering in India

What is Chemical Engineering?

Chemical Engineering Jobs is an engineering field that deals with the study of the operation and design of chemical plants as well as methods of improving production. Chemical engineers are the creative minds of the team. They are in charge of developing and designing processes that transform raw materials into desirable products. Chemical engineers work closely with industrial supply companies to implement their ideas safely. Jobs after chemical engineering is not easy, but surely well paying.

Scope of Chemical Engineering

There are many areas in India where chemical engineers can work and study. The chemical engineering Jobs in India is growing each year. Due to the economy’s expansion and industrialization in recent years, more chemical engineers are needed to process chemicals as required. There are many different branches that chemical engineers can choose from when they decide to join this industry.

Chemical Engineering Jobs can find employment in many different industries, including pharmaceuticals, medicine, or finance, through their knowledge of chemistry and biology. Therefore, selecting chemical engineering as a profession is not just a good choice but also the best decision you can make. This is because jobs after chemical engineering face a relatively low unemployment rate, and it is expected that chemical engineers will continue to be in high demand in the future.

List of Top 10 Chemical Engineering Jobs

There are many types after chemical engineering Jobs one can pursue. Chemical engineers have the opportunity to research and develop materials, processes, and equipment that could be used in the manufacturing industry. In addition, a chemical engineer can work in a laboratory and produce products made from chemicals.

Chemical engineering jobs are available at pharmaceutical, textile, and food processing corporations and research institutions, where they will often focus on one specific area, such as gas production or heat transfer. A career in chemical engineering is the perfect opportunity for someone who wants to use their knowledge of chemistry to change how things are produced or function. There are a lot of top colleges that provide Chemical Engineering degree.

A person who wants to work as a research chemical engineer could work for a company where they could research new compounds for producing new products. Here is a list of areas of employment of Chemical Engineering Jobs:

1. Process Engineer

A process engineer is a chemical engineer who uses their science and engineering knowledge to solve various process problems. For example, they are required to try and create methods that could improve the efficiency of a process. This is something that engineers deal with in different areas of industry.

Exactly how much a process engineer will be paid per year depends on their work, where they are located in the country, and what type of business they work for. However, process engineers are in high demand and have many opportunities for job security as chemical engineering is a growing field. Process engineers earn an average salary of Rs. 4.1 lakh a year.

2. Fire and Explosives Engineer

Fire and explosives engineer is also a critical position that must be handled by a professional who knows how to handle situations that arise due to fire or explosions. If they don’t deal with them properly, it could lead to economic losses for organizations that use their services.

Fire and explosive engineers take into account the type of fire and explosives involved in any particular situation and use knowledge and training to solve problems they are presented with while working in the lab or at production facilities. In India, Fire and explosives engineer can earn an average salary of Rs. 12 lakh per year.

3. Biochemical Engineer

Biochemical engineers work in areas involving the chemical analysis and how chemical products are made. This field is growing due to the demand for new products and chemicals. They try to develop methods that can reduce costs and improve the quality of the product that is being produced.

Biochemical engineers must be trained in science and engineering, to begin with. They must know how to seek information on what they’re researching to develop new products that could be used for medical or research purposes. According to data, biochemical engineers can earn an average salary of Rs. 14.99 lakh per year.

4. Chegg Q&A Expert 

Chegg Q&A expert is a professional responsible for handling any questions that may arise in their respective field. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that their company or facility doesn’t face any difficulties. To become a Q&A expert, one must know about the respective education field along with training.

Q&A specialists must keep up with the latest knowledge in their field to continue providing high-quality service in their industry. The pay scale of Chegg Q&A experts varies on their experience in their respective fields. A Chegg Q&A engineer can earn an average salary of Rs 3.04 lakh annually in India.

5. Food Hygiene Engineer

Food Hygiene engineers work in food processing facilities where they ensure the products are safe for consumers to eat. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that the product’s quality is maintained by following strict procedures to prevent food poisoning.

Food Hygiene engineers must know about chemistry, nutrition, microbiology, and engineering to ensure that anyone who eats any company’s or facility’s products won’t get any illnesses or diseases. They play a huge role in maintaining the health and safety of consumers by ensuring that any food they inspect is free from germs, bacteria, viruses, and other forms of contamination. Food Hygiene engineers can earn an average salary of Rs. 10.45 lakh annually.

6. Pharmaceutical Engineer

A pharmaceutical engineer is a person who will be responsible for the development of new drugs and products. They will work in research and medicine development factories to help improve the chemistry and engineering processes involved in developing drugs.

They must pay attention to detail and know how to use the proper safety procedures to make a specific drug or medicine. To become a pharmaceutical engineer, one must have the knowledge and a degree in pharmacy and medicinal science. A pharmaceutical engineer’s salary depends on experience in the work field, but the average salary is 4.47 lakh per year.

7. Continuous Improvement Engineer

Continuous improvement engineers (CIEs) also work with companies that design products and ensure they function at optimum levels. Engineers constantly look for ways to improve processes and products and require additional training to do this effectively.

This involves a specialist understanding of manufacturing, engineering, management, and operational information, which is useful for advancing knowledge in their field. CIEs also develop new improvement processes that make changes in a specific area or even a product on a larger scale. A CIE can earn an average salary of Rs 6.4 lakh annually in India.

8. Thermo-Fluid Engineer

Thermo-fluid engineers design physical systems to control heat flow in specific systems. They create designs for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that keep buildings comfortable for the inhabitants. In addition, those who work in this field are responsible for developing heating transfer and cooling technologies.

Thermofluids require knowledge of chemistry, physics, engineering, human resources, management, and other skills to be effective at their job. When it comes to paying scale, it depends on the level of experience and qualifications that one has. A Thermofluid engineer can earn an average salary of Rs 11 lakh annually in India.

9. Design Authority

A Chemical Design Authority is responsible for the product’s chemical design and physical form. They design products that are safe for consumption or use and are safe for the environment in which they are used. Design authorities receive training in chemistry, engineering, and manufacturing to give them the necessary skills to be effective at their job.

They use their creative abilities when designing a product or making sure that it functions properly to improve the efficiency of any process, either in a plant or within an organization. A Design Authority can earn an average salary of Rs 2.52 lakh annually in India.

10. Environmental Engineer

An environmental engineer is a professional who applies engineering aspects to improve and maintain the natural environment. They work on various projects such as protecting ecosystems, managing resources sustainably, and reduce environmental damage caused by human activities.

Their work may include designing systems for water and air pollution control, developing waste management strategies, assessing environmental impacts of construction projects, and implementing renewable energy solutions. An environmental engineer can earn an average salary of ₹4.0 Lakhs.

Related Article – Career in Chemical Engineering: Opportunities to Specialize

Government Jobs After Chemical Engineering

Jobs after Chemical Engineering can be quite diverse, especially in the government sector. These roles often offer stability, competitive salaries, and the chance to contribute to national development. Here are some notable government jobs after chemical engineering:

1. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
   Many public sector enterprises in India offer promising jobs after chemical engineering. Major PSUs like Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and GAIL India Limited seek chemical engineers for positions in operations, management, and research. These jobs after chemical engineering often involve working on large-scale production, refinery operations, and quality control, among other responsibilities.
2. Research and Development (R&D) Institutions
   Government-funded R&D institutions are a great avenue for jobs after chemical engineering. Organizations such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and its various laboratories (e.g., CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT)) employ chemical engineers to conduct cutting-edge research in chemistry, materials science, and chemical processes. These jobs after chemical engineering often involve developing new technologies and innovative solutions to address industrial and environmental challenges.
3. Regulatory Bodies
   Chemical engineers can also explore jobs after chemical engineering in regulatory and policy-making bodies. Organizations such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) require chemical engineers to oversee and enforce safety standards, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with environmental and food safety regulations.
4. Defence and Space Research
   Agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) offer specialized jobs after chemical engineering. Chemical engineers in these roles work on developing materials, propellants, and processes critical to defense and space missions. These jobs after chemical engineering often involve working on advanced technologies and contributing to national security and space exploration projects.
5. State Government Departments
   Various state government departments involved in public health, agriculture, and industrial development also offer jobs after chemical engineering. These positions may include roles in public health laboratories, agricultural research centers, and industrial development agencies, focusing on improving processes, safety, and efficiency in their respective areas.
6. Teaching and Academia
   For those interested in education and research, government colleges and universities offer jobs after chemical engineering as faculty members in chemical engineering departments. These roles involve teaching, guiding research projects, and contributing to academic advancements in the field.
7. Energy Sector
   Government agencies involved in the energy sector, such as the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Power, provide jobs after chemical engineering focused on energy production, distribution, and management. These roles include optimizing energy processes, managing resources, and developing sustainable energy solutions.

Best Jobs for Chemical Engineers

Career opportunities closely linked to the degree include:

• Biotechnologist
• Chemical engineer
• Colour technologist
• Energy engineer
• Geochemist
• Materials engineer
• Metallurgist
• Nuclear engineer
• Petroleum engineer
• Product/process development scientist

Chemical Engineering Jobs Recruiters

Leading Employers for Chemical Engineering Careers in India

1. Reliance Industries: Renowned for recruiting chemical engineers in its petrochemical and refining sectors, this company offers attractive salaries and ample growth potential.
2. Aditya Birla Group: This organization provides a variety of positions within its chemical and cement manufacturing divisions, catering to a wide array of chemical engineering roles.
3. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL): Actively seeks chemical engineers for its refining and petrochemical operations, prioritizing innovation and sustainable practices.
4. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL): Offers career opportunities in refining, petrochemicals, and research, with a strong emphasis on professional development and training.
5. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL): Engages chemical engineers in its refining and petrochemical divisions, recognized for its comprehensive employee benefits and career advancement prospects.
6. Larsen & Toubro (L&T): Recruits for various engineering, procurement, and construction projects, providing challenging positions along with extensive training initiatives.
7. ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation): Hires for both upstream and downstream operations, ensuring excellent career opportunities and job security.
8. GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited): Offers positions in gas processing and petrochemicals, focusing on innovation and sustainable development.
9. Tata Chemicals: Provides roles in chemical manufacturing and research, known for its supportive employee policies and opportunities for career progression.
10. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories: Recruits for roles in pharmaceutical manufacturing and research, offering competitive compensation and a vibrant work atmosphere.

These companies stand out as leading employers for chemical engineers in India, presenting a diverse range of opportunities across multiple sectors.

Chemical Engineering Scope in India

The demand for Chemical engineers is expected to be high in the years to come with the increasing use of chemicals in industry, agriculture, healthcare, and research. Therefore, not only will the number of jobs created be high, but also there would be a need for more candidates with expertise in different skills.

Therefore, there is a constant demand for trained manpower in chemical fields. With industries and companies using new techniques to make products and increase efficiency, there would be a demand for trained manpower and expertise with the latest techniques and technologies. Jobs after chemical engineering are one of the most sought-after fields, as new developments in the sector are being made continuously.

With the growing need for using new chemicals during manufacturing and creating different materials with multiple properties, there would be a requirement for trained engineers who could use these materials, along with leading-edge technologies, to help them develop safer and better products.

One needs training and knowledge of the relevant education field to become a Q&A expert. Chegg is hiring Q&A experts as part-time/ freelance/ online opportunities and subject matter experts. Hurry up to check out the opportunities.

How to Apply for Jobs After Chemical Engineering

• Identify Employers & Roles: Research organizations like PSUs, research institutions, and government agencies. Align roles with your career goals.
• Understand Eligibility: Check educational qualifications, work experience, and certifications (e.g., GATE exam for PSUs).
• Prepare for Exams: Prepare for competitive exams like GATE, UPSC, or state exams by studying the syllabus and practicing past papers.
• Craft Resume & Cover Letter: Highlight your qualifications, skills, and relevant projects. Tailor your resume to each job.
• Gather Documents: Organize certificates, experience letters, and identification proof for easy submission.
• Apply: Submit your application through the official channels (website or recruitment portal).
• Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions, research the company, and focus on showcasing your expertise.
• Follow Up: Politely check on your application status if no response is received after a reasonable time.
• Keep Updating Skills: Continue learning through workshops and certifications to stay competitive.

Chemical Engineering Jobs Salary

Chemical engineering stands out as a highly rewarding profession in India, with salaries influenced by factors such as experience, geographical location, and the specific industry. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Average Salary
• Overall Average: ₹488,077 annually.

Entry-Level Positions
• Average Salary: ₹435,553 per year.
• Typical Range: ₹350,000 to ₹450,000 annually.

Mid-Level Positions
• Average Salary: ₹515,700 per year.
• Typical Range: ₹400,000 to ₹600,000 annually.

Experienced Professionals
• Average Salary: ₹1,000,000 or more per year.
• Typical Range: ₹685,000 to ₹1,200,000 annually.

Leading Industries for Chemical Engineers

1. Oil and Gas
2. Pharmaceuticals
3. FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods)
4. Chemical Manufacturing
5. Research and Development

Salary Influencers
• Location: Salary levels can differ greatly depending on the city or region, with major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi generally offering higher compensation.
• Industry: Various sectors present different salary scales, with the oil and gas industry often providing the most lucrative pay.
• Experience and Skills: Greater experience and specialized skills, particularly in areas such as process engineering, project management, and safety management, are associated with higher earnings.

Benefits and Perks
• Health Insurance: Approximately 73% of chemical engineers enjoy medical coverage.
• Bonuses and Profit Sharing: Bonuses can range from ₹10,000 to ₹108,000, while profit sharing may reach up to ₹499,000.

Conclusion

Graduates holding a degree in Chemical Engineering enjoy a vast spectrum of career paths. They can step into conventional positions such as chemical engineers, process engineers, and production managers within sectors like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and manufacturing. Beyond these roles, they have the opportunity to become environmental consultants, biotechnologists, or materials scientists. The expertise of chemical engineers also positions them well for careers in research and development, project management, and quality assurance. Their adaptable skill set enables them to explore various industries, including energy, healthcare, and even finance. This extensive array of possibilities makes chemical engineering an exceptionally fulfilling and versatile career option.

Frequently Asked Questions