There are many variants within the wider scope of an engineering career, and one that has seen a growth in awareness recently is that of process engineer. So, what does someone working in a process engineer job actually do on a day-to-day basis?
Within a manufacturing company, the process engineers will be the people most closely involved in the planning, management, on-going co-ordination and control of a manufacturing process, whatever the end product may be. They are the ones who ensure that the manufacturer creates goods efficiently, within its cost parameters, and that those goods are up to the required level of quality.
Process engineer jobs.
When the manufacturing process begins, the process engineer will be the one who takes on the responsibility for the end to end creation of whatever the product is, and who will be there on a day to day basis to ensure that the manufacturing process runs to plan.
They will normally be responsible for setting costs and budgets, determining timescales and employment needs, and supervising this team through the process. They may also be involved in overseeing tenders for new equipment.
The nature of the manufacturing process will, of course, differ between industries. Process engineers could be overseeing the creation of anything from industrial paint and chemicals to our everyday household consumables, but the skills that are required to maintain the required manufacturing discipline and output will be the same.
Problem-solving skills an essential requirement in process engineer jobs.
Process engineers need to be logical thinkers, with the capability to look at a problem from various angles and come up with a practical, cost-effective solution. They will need good negotiating and motivational skills, as well as fine attention to detail.
Typically, they will be working with a range of other engineers across the project, and will also need to be able to liaise with many other employees who have input into the process, such as accountants, construction workers, and human resources. Process engineers must be able to keep a project to time and to budget, and ensure that a wide team of employees also work consistently towards this goal. Over time, process engineers can look to attained incorporated engineer status.
Wide variety of opportunities.
Typical degree subjects for potential process engineers would include various types of engineering, such as chemical, electronic, or production and manufacturing engineering, as well as associated subjects such as materials science, chemistry or biochemistry.
A degree in business or management could also be applicable, if supplemented with proof of engineering aptitude or experience. A wide variety of process engineer jobs can be found in a range of industries, such as chemicals manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals and also scientific research and development.
Essentially, any industry that incorporates a manufacturing process will require process engineers, meaning that there are plenty of opportunities to learn different disciplines within the sector, and skills are largely transferable between industries.
In terms of salary, a graduate upon entering this field might expect to start on around £25,000, whilst a more experienced process engineer, with a few years’ experience and some management exposure, should be able to command a salary in excess of £40,000 per annum. Randstad can be very helpful when searching for jobs in this sector.
