How to Write a Chemical Engineering Resume (With Template)

Updated August 18, 2023

A compelling resume is essential when applying for a position in chemical engineering. An effective resume details your credentials, education, work experience, and accomplishments. Understanding how to write an effective resume can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a position in chemical engineering. In this article, we discover what a chemical engineer is, explore how to create a chemical engineering resume, examine related skills, and review a resume template with an example.

What is a chemical engineering resume?

A chemical engineering resume is an essential document for any job application in this field. Chemical engineers design and develop chemical manufacturing processes by applying the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. They typically solve problems in the production or use of various products, such as chemicals, fuels, and food. In the chemical engineering field, the work of an engineer ranges from the application of nanomaterials and nanotechnology to large-scale processes. A chemical engineer commonly converts raw materials, raw energy, and chemicals into useful products or forms.

A chemical engineer's job is to develop new commercial processes for industries and upgrade existing ones to increase the quality and quantity of production. They also manage resources, protect the environment, and ensure health and safety. Chemical engineers typically have a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in chemical engineering. They may also earn certification and accreditation as members of a professional organization. Here are a few additional responsibilities of a chemical engineer:

Planning and preparing budgets and estimates
Developing technical reports for customers
Conducting engineering experiments
Designing projects according to specifications
Communicating analysis results with colleagues and clients
Improving processes and solving problems using mathematical, engineering, and scientific principles
Researching and observing production processes to identify ways of improving quality and efficiency
Gathering and analyzing data
Travelling to project locations to assess project requirements
Assessing ongoing processes and equipment to identify problems

How to write a chemical engineering resume

The following are a few steps to help you create a chemical engineering resume:

1. Look for keywords in the job description

Employers use keywords and phrases in the job description to determine the qualifiers for the position. Keywords on a resume help employers distinguish one chemical engineering candidate from another. Keywords refer to specific skills that employers are seeking in potential employees, such as analytical skills and critical thinking skills. If you include keywords in your resume, employers can determine if you have the skills necessary for the position.

2. Provide your contact information

Employers may use your contact information to communicate with you about your chemical engineering application status during the hiring process. The contact information on your resume includes your name, phone number, e-mail address, city and province. At the top of your resume, make sure your contact information is accurate and visible.

3. Prepare a professional summary

Your professional summary appears below your contact information at the top of your resume. This section summarizes the most pertinent points of your resume in two to four sentences to engage the employer's attention. Using your professional summary, hiring managers can quickly assess your chemical engineering skills and experience before reading your resume. By writing a professional summary, you can emphasize your suitability for the job and explain what you can offer to the organization.

4. Include examples of your work experience

Your work experience section displays your relevant chemical engineering qualifications and demonstrates how valuable you can be to potential employers. In reverse chronological order, it highlights your most recent and significant job experiences. Freelance work, internships, and volunteer experiences are examples of relevant job experiences. It's important to specify your job title, the name of the company, and your dates of employment when composing your work experience section. Include three to five bullet points outlining your primary responsibilities and accomplishments for each job.

5. List your relevant skills

Your resume skills section is a valuable part of your resume and may influence the employer's interest. It's important to include a skill section featuring five to ten relevant skills that prospective employers can use to assess your suitability for the company and chemical engineering position. This section is also an opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other chemical engineering candidates.

6. Add an education section

Your resume's education section demonstrates your chemical engineering knowledge and expertise. It allows you to show potential employers that you meet the company's educational requirements. Within your resume's education section, it's essential to include the name of your degree and diploma, the name of the institution, and the year of your graduation. You can also include any academic achievements you received while earning your degree or diploma.

7. Present your certifications

Your certifications section shows hiring managers that you have advanced skills and qualifications that can help you excel in the chemical engineering position. Many types of certifications are available in the chemical engineering field, such as chemical safety certifications, engineering software certifications, and advanced chemistry certifications. Some employers seek to distinguish candidates from one another by reviewing their certifications.

Chemical engineering skills

The following are some skills chemical engineers may use:

Research skills: Research skills are important for developing new ideas and understanding perspectives differently. These skills are most important when you're creating new concepts or improving existing ones.

Design skills: Chemical engineers design new plants, processes, and equipment. A chemical engineer's design skills are crucial for developing new products in the chemical, energy, and agricultural industry.

Science skills: Science skills include observing, measuring, classifying, experimenting, drawing inferences, predicting, and communicating. Chemical engineers use the principles and methodologies of science in the design and implementation of chemical and technological processes.

Mathematical skills: Employers often expect their chemical engineers to perform quick and accurate calculations such as addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. Mathematical skills are important in thermodynamics, laboratory experiments, and process design.

Computer skills: A chemical engineer uses computer programs and applications to perform their duties efficiently. If a chemical engineer analyzes data or creates a new design, having computer skills can enhance their work.

Resume template for a chemical engineer

The following is a chemical engineering resume template you can use to help you create your resume:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification, if applicable]
[Phone number] | [E-mail address] | [City], [Province or territory]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education, or certifications and achievements.]

Work Experience
(For the most recent role, list five experience items. For previous roles, list three.)
[Job Title] | [Employment dates] [Company Name] | [City], [Province or territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome, or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [Province or territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome, or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree and major] | [Date of graduation]
[Name of School]

Certifications
[Certification Name], [Host organization]–[Year of completion or expiration date]

Resume example for a chemical engineer

Here is a chemical engineer resume you can reference when creating your own:

Danny Green, MEng
123-456-7890 | dannygreen@e-mail.com | Toronto, Ontario

Professional Summary
Adaptable Chemical Engineer with extensive experience in process simulation and design calibration. Excellent at documenting projects, identifying milestones, and reporting results. A highly motivated and methodical individual who focuses on improving processes and procedures. Organized and dependable candidate adept at handling multiple assignments with a positive attitude.

Work Experience
Chemical Engineer | 2018-2021
Biomedic Labs | Toronto, Ontario

Supervised the mixing, distillation, drying, and containment of solutions
Investigated and developed novel manufacturing processes to reduce production time
Developed and implemented safety protocols and procedures to reduce accidents associated with chemical spills
Created process flow diagrams (PFD) and process and instrument drawings (P&ID) for corporate training manuals
Ensured smooth, uninterrupted operation by performing preventive maintenance and safety inspections

Chemical Engineering Intern | 2017-2018
BioChem Inc | Toronto, Ontario

Provided ongoing updates and additions to all technical documentation
Followed a variety of Safety Management Protocol standards
Maintained compliance with plant operations manuals and technical guidelines during plant start-up and shutdown procedures

Education
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Chemical Engineering | 2012
The University of Science and Engineering
Master of Engineering (MEng) in Chemical Engineering | 2017
The University of Science and Engineering

Certifications
Safety and Chemical Engineering Education certification | The Scientific Safety School–2013