what is a process engineer?
As a process engineer, you are responsible for developing, implementing, controlling and optimising industrial processes. You design the processes that allow the conversion of raw materials into finished products. You implement and optimise the processes to ensure the manufacturing process has minimal waste.
Process engineering is a complex specialism since you create and develop the product specification and match them to equipment requirements. You also implement manufacturing strategies and monitor them to ensure maximum productivity. The processes you supervise range from simple machining processes like CNC machining plastics to biochemical reactions.
As a process engineer, you work in every manufacturing industry sector. While your primary role is developing new production plant processes, you also analyse and upgrade existing manufacturing facilities. Your job is to modify the equipment or the manufacturing processes to improve productivity. Your input is required in research and development, production, operations and management.
You could work in the chemical, pharmaceutical and biochemical industries as a process engineer. Some process engineers work in food and consumer goods manufacturing plants. The role requires extensive mathematical skills for calculating output. Analytical and critical thinking skills are also valuable for optimising manufacturing processes.
Would working as a process engineer suit your mathematical skills and interest in machines? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a process engineer role.
view rolesaverage process engineer salary
According to our Salary Guide, entry-level salaries for process engineer jobs tend to be between $60,000 and $75,000 in most markets across Canada. That said, the average process engineer salary in Canada hovers around $80,000. With the right education, skills and experience, you will find you can make as high as six figures.
As is the case with many engineering jobs, the demand for process engineers in highest in cities with a strong manufacturing presence. Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver all offer a wealth of opportunities and competitive salaries to match.
factors that affect the salary of a process engineer
The compensation package of a process engineer depends on educational qualifications and the complexity of responsibilities. The earnings of process engineers with degrees are higher than those with apprenticeships. Additional certifications significantly improve your salary prospects since you can negotiate a higher compensation package.
The industry you work in also influences your earnings. Some business sectors involve more complex duties and pay higher salaries. For instance, working as a process engineer in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries requires a high level of expertise and pays more. Business sectors like consumer goods manufacturing may pay less due to lower requirements for expertise.
Your skill level and competency could increase or reduce your earnings as a process engineer. In an entry-level position, you have minimal experience. However, as you gain experience and competency, you can perform complex duties and earn more.
types of process engineers
Process engineering has varied specialisations focused on specific areas. Some of the types of process engineers include:
- process production engineers: as a process production engineer, you streamline and improve existing manufacturing processes. You optimise manufacturing systems to save money on production costs.
- project and process engineers: as a project and process engineer, you supervise a group of engineers on a large-scale project. You combine the responsibilities of a process engineer and a project manager to ensure the whole manufacturing process runs smoothly.
- lean process engineers: your job is to implement a lean manufacturing methodology. That means you focus on reducing waste and improving the manufacturing processes.
- process automation engineers: as a process engineer, you develop complex automation systems for manufacturing. The automation programmes streamline manufacturing processes.
working as a process engineer
Working as a process engineer allows you to make a real impact in people's lives since you develop processes that influence the production and manufacture of goods. Let's explore a process engineer's duties, specific tasks, work environment and schedules.
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process engineer job description
The role of a process engineer differs depending on the business sector. Some of the tasks include:
- research and development: as a process engineer, you spend significant time on research and development. Your job is to discover new technologies and find better industrial processes. Research and development are methods of stimulating higher productivity in manufacturing.
- testing new industrial processes: before overhauling the current processes and implementing new ones, you test the new software. You simulate the process using advanced software that mimics real-world conditions to help you determine if the process improvement is worth the outlay and potential risks.
- equipment monitoring: as a process engineer, you focus on industrial equipment operations. You regularly monitor the equipment to ensure optimal performance. You ensure the equipment is functioning correctly and running according to the specifications. Monitoring equipment during production helps you meet manufacturing standards.
- writing process documentation: you are responsible for writing the process documentation, and you edit the existing documentation when you make changes to production methods. The edited documentation ensures all new hires understand the best practices for each manufacturing process.
- assessing the risks of current processes and equipment: you are responsible for evaluating existing processes to determine the potential risks. You also assess the equipment to ascertain the risk of malfunction or failure. Regularly assessing risks helps you avoid injuries.
- installing new equipment: as a process engineer, you oversee the installation of new equipment. You supervise and guide the installation team to ensure equipment meets the process specifications.
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work environment
Process engineers work in various industries, including the food and beverage, plastics, chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors. Hence, the work environment differs depending on the manufacturing sector. The work environment is mostly indoors. You are likely to work in a climate-controlled factory environment. You require protective clothing since you work with machines. In a factory setting, you spend most of the time standing, but you may also work in office settings to complete documentation. A process engineer role involves occasional travelling to the site to monitor equipment. You cannot work remotely or from home.
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who are your colleagues?
Your colleagues as process engineers include program managers, product managers, chemical engineers, product designers and project engineers. You may also work with data engineers, product engineers, factory managers, and other specialists, including maintenance managers, design engineers and operations managers.
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work schedule
A process engineer works a full-time schedule in most organisations. That means you work regular office hours and sometimes early mornings or late nights to inspect manufacturing equipment. Sometimes, you work at weekends to complete equipment testing or maintenance tasks. You can find part-time opportunities and short-term contracts.
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job outlook
You begin your role as a process engineer in a junior-level position or as a graduate trainee. You progress to middle and senior process engineer positions when you learn the trade. A process engineer can progress to manufacturing engineering roles or specialise in design engineering. Some process engineers become operations managers or factory managers after years of experience.
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advantages of finding a process engineer job through Randstad
Finding your process engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a process engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
process engineer skills and education
A process engineer requires the following educational qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline is usually the minimum educational requirement. Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field could be suitable choices.
- Co-op or Internship: Many engineering programs offer co-op or internship opportunities, which allow you to gain practical experience in real-world engineering environments.
- Master's Degree: While not always required, having a master's degree (MEng or MSc) can give you a competitive edge in the job market, especially if you're interested in more specialized or research-oriented roles.
- As engineering is a regulated field in Canada, you must also be licensed in the province or territory you're working in. In most provinces, this is a P.Eng. To obtain it you must complete an undergraduate degree in your field of choice, complete several years of on-the-job work and pass an official licensing exam.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills that are useful in a process engineer role include:
- mathematical skills: as a process engineer, you require extensive mathematical abilities when calibrating equipment. Your maths skills are also useful for gathering data and calculating optimal output for the manufacturing processes.
- analytical skills: manufacturing systems and processes require constant reviewing to meet the desired standards. As a process engineer, you rely on your analytical skills to evaluate industrial processes and ensure optimisation. Analytical skills help you identify flaws and risks that could arise.
- familiarity with machinery: as a process engineer, you oversee the use of large and complex equipment daily. Therefore, familiarity with the functions of various machinery simplifies your tasks.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a process engineer
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what is the role of a process engineer?
As a process engineer, you are responsible for the processes involved in manufacturing or producing finished goods. You supervise the equipment and the production systems. You also recommend the best methods for transforming raw materials into finished products. Sometimes, you redesign the process flows in factory plants to improve efficiency and product quality.
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what skills do you require to be a process engineer?
As a process engineer, it is essential to be proficient with information technology and computers to recalibrate equipment during manufacturing. Having exceptional problem-solving skills helps you identify and resolve issues. Strong attention to detail enables you to identify mistakes during the manufacturing process and come up with solutions.
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is process engineering a good career?
Becoming a process engineer is a great career if you enjoy working with machines. You assist with the manufacturing and production of goods essential to society. You also enjoy an attractive compensation package and benefits. Process engineering is an in-demand role with excellent career prospects.
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how do I become a process engineer?
To become a process engineer, you must have a bachelor's degree in chemical or another engineering discipline related to the field you plan to work in. A masters or PhD degree is often required or preferred by many employers, as well. Depending on the role, co-op placement or entry-level work is also often required.
In Canada, engineering is a regulated sector, requiring provincial or territorial licensing for practitioners. In most regions, this is known as a P.Eng. To attain it, individuals must finish a relevant bachelor's degree, gain work experience, and pass a licensing exam.
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what is the future of process engineers?
The minimum entry-level requirement for customer service representatives is secondary-level education. However, completing a diploma or a degree in business administration increases your employment prospects.Process engineering is a highly-valued role in the manufacturing industry. However, process engineers who focus on developing robots and automation systems for industrial processes are the industry's future.
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how do I apply for a process engineer vacancy?
Finding a job near you as an process engineer is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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