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.

The occupation of Chemical Engineers has an automation risk assessed at 50.9%, closely mirroring its base automation risk of 51.9%. This moderate probability indicates that while many areas of the role are susceptible to automation, several core responsibilities remain difficult to automate in the foreseeable future. The tasks most amenable to automation are those centered around routine monitoring, data analysis, and standardized process development. For example, monitoring and analyzing data from processes and experiments can be efficiently handled by AI-driven software and sensor arrays, streamlining data interpretation and reporting. Similarly, the development of safety procedures and standardized chemical processes often follows regulations and established protocols, making them suitable for algorithmic approaches that minimize human intervention. Despite these vulnerabilities, several essential functions of chemical engineers remain resistant to automation due to their complexity and the requirement for specialized human judgment. Designing and planning the layout of equipment, for instance, entails spatial reasoning, creativity, and integration of unique project requirements—skills that are not easily replicated by machines. Additionally, conducting tests and monitoring process performance throughout various production stages often requires on-the-spot troubleshooting and adjustments that rely on experience and intuition, further limiting automation’s efficacy. Directing the activities of workers, especially in environments involving hazardous materials and complex machinery, also involves nuanced decision-making, leadership, and interpersonal communication, which remain challenging for current automation technologies. The bottleneck skills impeding full automation of chemical engineering roles emphasize the importance of human creativity. Major bottlenecks are associated with the skill of Originality, at levels of 3.8% and 4.1%. While relatively low, these values reflect the significance of novel problem-solving and innovative thinking within the profession, especially in scenarios requiring the customization of processes or invention of new methods and equipment. Originality enables chemical engineers to address unique challenges, adapt to evolving technological and regulatory landscapes, and devise solutions where standard algorithms may fall short. Thus, while automation continues to encroach on standardized and data-driven aspects of chemical engineering, the field’s reliance on creative expertise ensures that human professionals remain indispensable for the foreseeable future.