Process engineer

A Process Engineer designs, implements, and optimizes industrial processes used to produce goods and materials efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. They work to improve production methods, reduce waste, and ensure that manufacturing systems operate smoothly and within regulatory standards. Process Engineers play a critical role in industries such as chemicals, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and materials manufacturing, where they contribute to both innovation and continuous improvement.

The main duties of a Process Engineer include:

• Designing and developing new industrial processes or improving existing ones for higher efficiency and product quality.
• Conducting experiments, simulations, and process modeling to test and refine system performance.
• Analyzing production data to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and safety risks.
• Specifying equipment, materials, and control systems for process operations.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to scale processes from laboratory to full production.
• Monitoring daily operations to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Troubleshooting technical problems and developing corrective actions.
• Implementing continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
• Preparing technical reports, documentation, and process flow diagrams.
• Staying updated on advances in manufacturing technology, automation, and sustainability.

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

Process Engineers typically work in industrial environments such as manufacturing plants, refineries, or chemical facilities. Their time is divided between office-based design and analysis work and on-site process monitoring or troubleshooting. The job often requires adherence to strict safety and environmental protocols and may involve shift work or extended hours during system upgrades or troubleshooting periods. Collaboration with engineers, operators, and management is an essential part of the role.

A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field is required to become a Process Engineer. A solid understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and process control systems is essential. Practical experience gained through internships or work placements in industrial or manufacturing settings is highly beneficial. Many employers value additional training in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies, and professional registration as an engineer can support career advancement. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are key to success in this field.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

2141 – Industrial and production engineers

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  References

1. Process engineer – ESCO
2. Featured image: Image by WikimediaImages from Pixabay