Process Engineering
Process Engineering is a branch of engineering courses which deals with the design, control, operation and optimization of physical, chemical and biological processes. A process engineer might be involved in the design of equipment and processes in a facility that is just being built or might oversee the manufacturing process in a facility that has been operating for many years. Process engineers also may be responsible for maintaining and/or overseeing the maintenance of existing equipment and providing troubleshooting and support to process technicians who are involved in the everyday manufacturing of biomedical and biopharmaceutical products. Process engineers may interact with manufacturing and research technicians and scientists, regulatory agencies, customers, investors, top level managers and construction foremen and personnel.
Process engineering covers a vast range of industries like petrochemical, agriculture, chemical, advanced material, food, mineral processing, pharmaceuticals, etc.
Process Engineering involves a method and process of obtaining products from raw materials. Through process engineering, the raw materials are transformed into the usable product forms. It is generally done on bulk product processes like petroleum refining, water purification, and manufacturing of penicillin by synthesis.
Courses & Eligibility
To start a career in process engineering, you are required to pursue a 4-years Bachelor of Technology course leading to B-Tech degree. Students can start their career in this field with bachelor courses and for further studies after bachelor’s degree there are master courses also available in this field.
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) comprises full-time study of 4 years divided into 8 semesters while Master of Technology (M.Tech) has the duration of 2 years. Master of Science in Process engineering has also the course duration of 2 years.
Bachelor Courses:
- B.Tech (Chemical Engineering)
- B-Tech (Manufacturing Engineering)
- B.Tech (Industrial Engineering)
Entrance Exam – JEE Main
Master Courses:
- M.Sc. in Process Engineering
- M.Tech in Chemical Engineering
- M.Tech in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering
- M.Tech in Industrial Engineering
Entrance Exam – GATE
Who can pursue these courses?
Students must have passed the 10+2 standard with PCM subjects for bachelor courses or students should hold a graduate degree in the related field of engineering from any recognized university to apply for master courses.
Work description
1. Develop new processes for high efficiency and cost effectiveness.
2. Ensure in compliance with company and industry standards.
3. Develop and implement process improvement strategies.
4. Develops Process Flow diagrams to show operations necessary to convert feedstock into on specification products.
5. Designing, running, testing and upgrading systems and processes.
6. Appraise, measure and analyze processes.
7. Analyze or troubleshoot process problems so as to make permanent improvements.
8. oversee daily operations and ensure the efficiency of all processes and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Develop and improve processes in manufacturing systems.
- Invent new ways to increase process efficiency.
- Make sure to complete projects on time, according to company standards.
- Collect records and make reports on the process.
- Invent innovative solutions which can help to improve production.
- Inspection, testing and repair of equipment.
Opportunities
Job opportunities in various field such as
1. Chemicals manufacturing industries
2. Petroleum industry
3. Food industry
4. Electronics industry
5. Rubber industry
6. Textiles industry
7. Paper & Pulp industry
8. Aerospace industry
9. Plastic industry
10. Cement industry
11. Public sector units
12. Fertilizer industry
Skills required
- Problem solving skills.
- Team management.
- Excellent technical skills.
- Auto CAD
- Knowledge of health & safety regulation.
- Excellent knowledge of process related standards.
- Good communication skills.
- Knowledge of software design, testing and development.
- Perform Risk Assessments
- Ability to balance time and cost constraints
- Perform process simulations
Pay Scale
In India, a process engineer can earn an average salary of between 4 to 5 lac per year.
As a senior process engineer, the average salary is between 7 to 8 lac per year.
Salary package also depends upon the education, job profile, location, size of the organizations and various other factors. With a good experience and higher degrees salaries will be higher.
Job Profile
- Process Engineer
- Senior Process Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Food hygiene engineer
- Continuous improvement engineer
- Professor
- Design authority
Future and scope
Master’s or Ph.D. degree preferred
Career Prospects
“Process engineering field requires a lot of creativity as well as experience.”
A process engineer can work in various fields like Oil and petrochemical companies, Engineering consulting firms, Plants that treat water, Chemical manufacturers, Pharmaceutical manufacturers, Companies specializing in recycling and environmental protection, Nuclear plants, Insurance firms that perform refinery inspections and many others.