Chemical and Materials Engineers (ANZSCO 2331) are professionals who design and prepare specifications for chemical process systems and the construction and operation of commercial-scale chemical plants. They supervise industrial processing and fabrication of products undergoing physical and chemical change, as well as investigate the properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and other materials to assess and develop their engineering and commercial applications.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor's degree or higher qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). Registration or licensing may also be required.

Tasks Include:

• Preparing designs for chemical process systems and planning control systems for processes such as those used to remove and separate components, effect chemical changes, test and evaluate fuels, transfer heat, and control the storing and handling of solids, liquids and gases.
• Monitoring the operation and maintenance of equipment to achieve maximum efficiency under safe operating conditions.
• Ensuring correct materials and equipment are used and that they conform to specifications.
• Diagnosing malfunctions in chemical plants and instituting remedial action.
• Studying product utilization and pollution control problems.
• Reviewing plans for new products and submitting material selection recommendations in accordance with design specifications and factors such as strength, weight, and cost.
• Planning and implementing laboratory operations to develop new materials and fabrication procedures for new materials to fulfill production cost and performance standards.
• Confering with producers of materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, cements, and elastomers, during the investigation and evaluation of materials suitable for specific product applications.
• Reviewing product failure data and implementing laboratory tests to establish or reject possible causes, and advising on ways to overcome any problems.

Occupations:

• 233111 Chemical Engineer
• 233112 Materials Engineer

233111 Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers in this occupation design and prepare specifications for chemical process systems and the construction and operation of commercial-scale chemical plants. They also supervise industrial processing and fabrication of products undergoing physical and chemical changes. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 1

233112 Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers in this occupation investigate the properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and other materials. They assess and develop the engineering and commercial applications of these materials. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 1