ADD ADVICE TO FAVProcess engineer
Process engineers design, install and commission a plant to manufacture a new product on a large scale. The product may be anything from drugs to detergent, or food to fertiliser, depending on the company.
What process engineers do
- make calculations and drawing designs
- visit sites to supervise plant installation and maintenance
- safety inspections
- product testing
- financial management.
Many process engineers work in hazardous environments with potentially hazardous substances where leakages could be very serious. Attention to health, safety and the environment is important.
Key skills
- problem-solving
- communication
- teamwork
- flexibility.
How to become a process engineer
Graduate training programmes combine internal and external training courses, mentoring and a range of experience. It can take up to four years to achieve chartership.
Rigorous and appropriate health and safety training is mandatory. For those in a more senior role, many companies sponsor staff through higher degrees and encourage professional development.
Graduate salaries
Starting salaries are usually in the region of £23,000.
