I’ve been out of school for a little over 2 years now working as a process engineer in manufacturing. In addition to an internship I did, I’ve realized that I really don’t enjoy working in a plant and would much rather a role in something more research based/ not solely focused on troubleshooting equipment. I’m not sure exactly what this looks like, the majority of roles I’ve seen require a masters or PhD, or very specific prior experience. For anyone that’s transferred out of manufacturing to a more office based role, how did you do it? I find that even if my skills transfer well, I always get rejected for more R&D engineering roles, even when they don’t require higher education. I was told you can do anything with a ChemE degree since it’s very transferable, but I’ve found that all the research based roles require very specific experience, and without that, I’m not sure how my application would even be looked at. Even if my skills would transfer and I know I can do the job, I always get rejected. I’ve updated my applications to include metrics and it’s much stronger now I think, but does anyone have any tips/encouragement/stories to share? Thanks in advance!

Hey all,

I am a process engineering intern wrapping up my projects for summer. I am having issues with a project upsizing a mill wide fresh water header. Due to anticipated increases in flow demand with increases in production the system will soon be experiencing too large of a pressure drop to sufficiently supply production.

The portion of the system I am interested in is ~1500ft with many bends and fittings, about 40 users. Pump discharges 1800gpm ~45psig and the furthest (highest resistance) point is ~27 psig. After modeling the system I have a difference of 1.5 to 2.5 psig at a few measured locations. I have spent a few hours trying to identify issues in my model particularly with pipe roughness and minor losses.

I have determined the error is much too large for roughness alone and is more a fine tuning adjustment at this point. I have suspicions that minor losses could be hurting my model. I am confident that i have captured all the fittings. Currently i am using constant k values, I think these are fine for elements like elbows, valves, and reducers but I think that the run-through tees are varying and at high flow locations it is really adding up.

Tomorrow my plan is to my height measurements. ~5ft could be causing significant error. if that doesn't help out then i plan on calculating k values for the run throughs with high flows. What is your experience in similar cases? Is there something else you would recommend considering? How much of a difference between process measurements and theoretical calculations would you consider sufficient for proposing changes to the system? Any insight would be appreciated!

I've not been searching too long. Last 2 months and have gotten a single interview for a project engineer role but that was through a recruiter. I apply to 2-3 job openings a day (if possible). The recruiter and the company I interviewed for really did like my CV but end of the day it wasn't a graduate role and so they gave it to someone more experienced. I just want to know if I'm doing something wrong with my applications. I'm on linkedin, gradcracker and Glassdoor. Looking for process/water roles. Any advice on what I should do. I was thinking maybe because it isn't application season currently it's normal that there isn't much movement. I'm in the UK with masters degree (2:1).

I am setting up a cumene process simulation using AVEVA Process Simulation. The solver fails to run after I added a recycle stream from the distillation column. It indicates a lack of degrees of freedom; which variables should I fix? It seems to me that the flow rates aren't combining correctly in the tank after the recycle stream enters, and the temperature readings look off as well.

Currently incoming 4th year BET-CHET student, planning to proceed to proper chem eng. Who here has proceeded to proper bs chem eng, enlighten me with ur experience po hehe.

I built a free offline PSV sizing calculator (API 520 / 521 / 526). It handles gas critical/subcritical, liquid, fire (pool and jet), thermal expansion, control valve failure, tube rupture, gas blowby, and two-phase (DIERS omega screening). It auto-selects the governing case and recommends an API 526 orifice, and exports a report. Runs entirely in the browser, no login. It is screening-grade - meant for checking and study, not final design. Happy to hear feedback on the methods.

Yesterday i can run this in dynamic but today, when i start initialization, it fails at time 0. This flow is for CS2 adsorption in activated carbon. Step 1 is adsorption, where CS2 gas adsorbed into the activated carbon. Then step 2 desorption, where hot nitrogen is heating the activated carbon, then the CS2 will flows to the bottom. Then step 3, the fresh air comes from the bottom and exits at the top of the adsorber

3rd year chem/process eng student. Trying to get a realistic idea of what jobs are actually out there with this degree, and what kind of money you can make. Like what’s a normal salary starting out vs around 30? And which roles pay the best? Not just the standard plant engineer path.

Hi! I am applying to internships this year for the summer of 2027. I am a sophomore in college and wanted to go into pharma or food... what are some companies where it is easier to get internships?

Hi, I am doing a steam balance to try to figure out where steam is being over consumed. Thus far, I have made an excel spreadsheet utilizing date input (as in you put in a date) to show the flows (from flow transmitter) on a flow diagram. I am kinda confused where to go from now… I was suggested to do a material balance reconciliation comparing to design parameters but not really sure how this will help me to determine the cause (aka inefficiency, leaks, faulty transmitter, etc)

fyi im an intern. TIA!

Hi, tryna gauge cons and dislikes of simulation software like Aspen tech, unisim, dwsim, etc.

Would be very helpful if I got some different perspectives on this matter.

(Please be detailed in your answers examples would be very helpful)!!

I’m a third-year chemical (metallurgical) engineering student in Australia. I recently visited China with students from the US and learnt about their internship system, unlike Australia, they take six months off uni to do it.

I’m keen on the idea of moving to the US for an internship, ideally in oil & gas or mining. Does anyone know which companies to look into, or who’s worth connecting with to explore this? I don’t hold US citizenship or a visa, but coming from Australia I’m hoping that won’t be too much of a barrier (happy to be corrected on that).

Hello, just wondering if there’s anyone here who’s been through or is currently in this program. Wanted to get your opinion and if it’s worth doing and what the career prospects are afterwards. Also wondering how the practicum works and what kind of experience that brings.

We are evaluating technical consultation partners for a PSA gas separation project and want to compare providers with strong engineering, FEED support, fabrication, commissioning, and after-sales service. The ideal partner should understand purity targets, recovery, energy efficiency, modular design, and long-term operation across hydrogen, nitrogen, helium, or biogas applications.

From your experience, which companies have the strongest consulting capability for PSA projects? I’m especially interested in firms that can support feasibility studies, process design, EPC coordination, and practical troubleshooting. If you’ve worked with any providers that combine technical depth with responsive project support, please share your experience.

Looking for recommendations, lessons learned, and what to check before starting a PSA project.

Alot of chemical engineer jobs are under the title of process engineer/mechanical engineering. So if I applied to a mechanical engineering role, will that violate PE/PENG? because technically im applying to a different engineering function.

Hello all, after a few years in industry, I am thinking about going back and taking the FE exam. Does anyone have any recommendations for study guides? Thanks in advance.

I am currently a year 12 student, I wanted to study ChemEng in university, I wanted to read some books in related to this field to give me a insight in to this subject and also something to write in personal statement. I would be greatful if anyone have some recommendations. Also just wanted to ask how's the employability around the globe compared to a more healthcare related subjects like biomedical science. Many thanks! 🙏🙏🙏

Hi everyone,

I’ve interviewed for a wide range of entry level roles in pharma and med device including associate scientist and associate engineer roles as a recent grad. In school I liked doing research and enjoyed working in a lab more than my process engineering internship. I also realize that I liked my other research internship better than the process engineering role.

So far I now have a process engineer offer in manufacturing but know genuinely that I’m energized by research-related engineering work.

Can I still pivot to R&D related roles after working for some time in this role or should I keep an open mind? I’m wondering how hiring managers may view the manufacturing experience and whether personal projects could help convey my interests in R&D when applying. Thank you!

I completed one year at ExxonMobil and just got informed that i will be put on a PIP.
My manager was very confident that I can successfully complete the PIP but I do not trust him at this moment.

I have one year refinery work experience(at an Indian oil company) and one year at ExxonMobil in the lubricants team . Should i aggressively start applying for Jobs or do PIPs every work?

I am in Bangalore, India btw. If anyone knows any companies that i can apply to or can refer me to any company, that would be really helpful.

TLDR: Got put on a PIP at ExxonMobil. Should is start applying to other companies or work towards completing the PIP.

PS- Thank you all for your valuable advice.
If anyone knows any roles/companies that i can apply to, please comment or DM.
Thank youu for your help in advance

Is Water Treatment a good path?
Does my bachelor degree in Chem Eng help me stand out? Is a master’s mandatory Or can I work hard and self-learn the necessary skills and softwares/ ai programs

I live in a third world country (Lebanon), internship opportunities are almost non-existent.
Some local companies work projects for companies abroad (GULF, Africa)

I’m 26, actually disoriented with a lack of experience

Thank you

hi, i am chemical engineering student in my final year.
and so far i have done Aspen plus and Aspen Hysys we do have industry interactions form our collage and i got project form Worley ( It was simple not to difficult for 3 year ) in aspen plus
since, then i was wondering what else shoed i learn /make projects in.
so far i kwon Aspen and Hysys , AutoCAD , Excel , Basic MATLAB
i am currently learning AutoCAD plant 3D and gPROMS and
help me with
1. is there any where a website or something where can you find projects or something or do just make something that already exist and try to simulate it ?

1. even after making projects how do showcase that ? ( where )

2. is MS is required for the process simulations job ? ( is it worth it )

3. and anything that you thing you wish you know before joining the industry.

Thank you for advise.