Process engineer

Description

Process engineers apply engineering concepts in order to improve all kinds of production and manufacturing processes in terms of efficiency and productivity. They evaluate the variables and constraints present in given processes and present engineering solutions to optimise them.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to process engineer:

processing engineer
manufacturing systems engineer
process technology engineering adviser
processes engineer
process engineering adviser
process technology engineer
process engineering specialist
process technology engineering specialist
process technology engineering expert
process engineering consultant
process engineering expert
process technology engineering consultant
industrial quality engineer

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as process engineer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Process engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Process engineer career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to process engineer.

precision engineer
research engineer
equipment engineer
component engineer
contract engineer

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of process engineer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of process engineer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of process engineer.

Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
Manufacturing processes: The steps required through which a material is transformed into a product, its development and full-scale manufacturing.
Technical drawings: Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
Project management: Understand project management and the activities which comprise this area. Know the variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of process engineer.

Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
Apply advanced manufacturing: Improve production rates, efficiencies, yields, costs, and changeovers of products and processes by using relevant advanced, innovative, and cutting edge technology.
Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
Manage engineering project: Manage engineering project resources, budget, deadlines, and human resources, and plan schedules as well as any technical activities pertinent to the project.
Interpret technical requirements: Analyse, understand and apply the information provided regarding technical conditions.
Define technical requirements: Specify technical properties of goods, materials, methods, processes, services, systems, software and functionalities by identifying and responding to the particular needs that are to be satisfied according to customer requirements.
Analyse production processes for improvement: Analyse production processes leading toward improvement. Analyse in order to reduce production losses and overall manufacturing costs.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of process engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Environmental engineering: The application of scientific and engineering theories and principles aimed at improving the environment and sustainability, such as the provision of clean habitation necessities (such as air, water, and land) for humans and other organisms, for environmental remediation in the event of pollution, sustainable energy development, and improved waste management and waste reduction methods.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of process engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Manage budgets: Plan, monitor and report on the budget.
Consult with technical staff: Seek the advice of technical staff concerning the requirements, operation, and use of various products and systems.
Record test data: Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
Adjust engineering designs: Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
Collect samples for analysis: Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Define quality standards: Define, in collaboration with managers and quality experts, a set of quality standards to ensure compliance with regulations and help achieve customers’ requirements.
Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
Maintain test equipment: Maintain equipment used for testing the quality of systems and products.
Read engineering drawings: Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
Use cad software: Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
Conduct performance tests: Conduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditions.
Consult with design team: Discuss the project and design concepts with the design team, finalise proposals and present these to stakeholders.
Perform project management: Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project’s progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.
Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
Assess financial viability: Revise and analyse financial information and requirements of projects such as their budget appraisal, expected turnover, and risk assessment for determining the benefits and costs of the project. Assess if the agreement or project will redeem its investment, and whether the potential profit is worth the financial risk.
Develop test procedures: Develop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of products, systems, and components.
Label samples: Label raw material/ product samples for laboratory checks, according to implemented quality system.

ISCO group and title

2141 – Industrial and production engineers

 

 


 

 

References
  1. Process engineer – ESCO
Last updated on August 8, 2022