21320

Chemical engineers

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

2 › 21 › 213 › 2132

Definition

Chemical engineers research, design, and develop chemical processes and equipment, oversee the operation and maintenance of industrial chemical, plastics, pharmaceutical, resource, pulp and paper, and food processing plants and perform duties related to chemical quality control, environmental protection and biochemical or biotechnical engineering. They are employed in a wide range of manufacturing and processing industries, consulting firms, government, research and educational institutions.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Conduct economic and technical feasibility studies in areas related to chemical, petroleum, pulp and paper, food or other processing industries
Conduct research into the development or improvement of chemical engineering processes, reactions and materials
Evaluate chemical process technology and equipment and determine production specifications
Design and test chemical processing and associated plants and equipment
Oversee the construction, modification, operation and maintenance of pilot plants, processing units or processing plants
Establish and conduct quality control programs, operating procedures and control strategies to ensure consistency and adherence to standards for raw materials, products and waste products or emissions
Prepare contract documents and evaluate tenders for the process aspects of industrial construction
Supervise technicians, technologists and other engineers
May work in an administrative capacity, for example, in the development of guidelines and specifications for the handling of dangerous chemicals, environmental protection, or standards for foods, materials and consumer goods.
Chemical engineers may specialize in the products and processes of a particular industry such as pulp and paper manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, energy processing, plastics, metal extraction and refining, or adhesives and coatings production. They may also specialize in functional areas of various industries such as process control, pollution control or fermentation processes.

Example job titles

•adhesives engineer
•biochemical engineer
•biotechnical engineer
•chemical process control engineer
•chemical process engineer
•chemical project engineer
•environmental chemical engineer
•industrial hygiene engineer

Overview

Chemical engineers in Canada are classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system as NOC 21320. This is a highly skilled TEER 1 occupation that involves conducting research, designing and developing chemical processes, and supervising the operation and maintenance of chemical plants and equipment. To qualify for immigration pathways under this NOC code, candidates typically require a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related engineering discipline. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is mandatory to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and to legally sign off on engineering designs and reports.

As a TEER 1 occupation, chemical engineers are eligible for several economic immigration programs, most notably the Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Furthermore, many provinces offer pathways through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targeting skilled engineering professionals to address local labor market shortages. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including language proficiency, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees, and verifiable skilled work experience to qualify for these immigration streams.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official and the most up-to-date immigration guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.