While it is a given that a chemical engineer will work with chemical compounds in some capacity, the actual scope of duties that make up the work of chemical engineers is much broader. In fact, dealing with chemicals is only one part of the task of chemical engineering.

A chemical engineer often is involved in the research and development of new products that involve the interaction of chemical compounds with a number of different types of materials. It is possible for a chemical engineer to work within a number of different industries, with aerospace, electronic, textile, and environmental companies benefiting from the efforts of chemical engineers. Many of the products on the market today were first envisioned and refined by chemical engineers who worked closely with product designers to achieve an effect that is sturdy, functional, and attractive.

The chemical engineer is also often involved in the process developed at the manufacturing level. This often means helping to design the actual layout of the manufacturing plant. A chemical engineer may assist in the selection and calibration of the machinery used in mixing compounds and producing parts or sections for the finished products. Along with the layout of the plant floor and the creation of the components, a chemical engineer can be helpful in setting the quality control measures and standards that govern the overall process.

The work of a chemical engineer is often intertwined with the efforts of other professionals in the manufacturing process. The engineer will work with lab chemists on the use of various chemical compounds, often setting up testing perimeters and running experiments on the results. This union of engineer and chemist can help determine the ideal combination of compounds required to achieve the desired result. A chemical engineer often works with marketing personnel when it comes to formulating a new product that is envisioned for the company, helping the sales end of the business grasp the applications that can reasonably be anticipated for the product.

When it comes to ensuring the company is operating within legal standards that apply to the work of the company, the chemical engineer will often work with managers, officers of the company, and the legal team of the corporation. This alliance often aids in the task of ensuring that the use of chemicals in processing and finishing of end products complies fully with governmental and industry standards.