Chemical Engineering Resume: Templates, Examples & Essential Skills

Chemical engineers are deployed across so many industries that it’s hard to count: manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, agriculture, food and beverage, energy, and the list goes on.

A chemical engineer’s main function is to design and develop processes that transform raw materials into valuable products. Key responsibilities such as process optimization, research and development, quality assurance, and production management are integral to a company's ability to ensure efficiency and safety.

While it’s safe to say chemical engineers' jobs are always in demand, it’s important to note that the number of students in the field has more than doubled in the last decade.

This means that landing a job in the chemical engineering field is getting more competitive. Now, it’s more important than ever to have a stand-out chemical engineering resume. A solid resume guarantees you a powerful first impression and a better chance of nabbing that interview.

Let’s go over all you need to know about creating the most stunning chemical engineering resume.

How to craft a winning chemical engineer resume

Begin with an Organized Resume Header

Everyone should have their full details at the beginning of their resume as specified below. Make sure that this information is accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible:

1. Full name. If you have a hard-to-pronounce name, consider including your English name or a phonetic spelling in brackets.
2. Professional title. Make sure to align this title with the one you're applying for.
3. Email address. While using an email address you have since college is okay, make sure that it looks (or sounds) professional.
4. Phone number. If you cannot be reached via phone number, remember to mention your preferred contact method in your cover letter.
5. Location information. This information can opt-out if you're applying for remote work, or you can mention the country instead of the city you're in.

Introduce Yourself with a Resume Headline

A resume headline (sometimes called a resume title) is basically a summary of you and your resume. Place this at the very top of your resume, below the resume header. This headline will allow potential employers to get an introduction to you as a candidate.

The goal here is to have the resume title in one or two lines and showcase your best skills and experience for the job you are applying for. Remember to keep it short and to the point. A well-written resume title can make a hiring manager want to stop or keep reading more.

Here are 3 chemical engineer resume headline examples: 

Indicate Your Ambitions with a Resume Objective

A good resume objective for a chemical engineer resume indicates your long-term career aspirations.

Typically two to three sentences long, the resume objective includes information about your years of engineering experience and showcases you as a person (such as: Are you a problem-solver? Or a team player?). Consider tailoring your career ambitions here to match the job for which you are applying. Be sure to make it clear and brief—one to two sentences is all you need.

The resume objective can replace the resume headline or resume summary section as it may be repetitive. As long as your experience and skills are highlighted in one of these sections you should be good.

Here are some examples of chemical engineer resume objectives:

Create an Excellent Work Experience Section

If you want to show tangible evidence of your practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and industry expertise, then the work experience section is the place for your chemical engineer resume.

This section highlights your hands-on experience with real-world applications of chemical engineering principles, including process design, optimization, and troubleshooting. It demonstrates the ability to manage complex projects, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and achieve measurable results, such as improving efficiency, reducing costs, or enhancing safety.

The work experience section details specific roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, helping future employers assess how well you align with the job requirements. So, matching this section to the job description is key.

Here are some examples of well-composed work experience sections for chemical engineering resumes:

Key skills to highlight in your chemical engineering resume

Having a good set of skills can be the bread and butter of your resume. Since chemical engineering encompasses so many fields, having the right skill set could set you apart from other candidates.

Chemical Engineer skills for a resume can be classified into the following categories:

• Technical skills - such as process design, simulation software proficiency, and equipment maintenance, demonstrate the candidate’s capability to develop and optimize chemical processes.
• Analytical skills - like data analysis and problem-solving, are vital for troubleshooting issues and improving process efficiency.
• Project management skills - these reflect the ability to oversee projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Soft skills - such as communication, teamwork, and leadership are essential for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and leading initiatives.

Here are different sets of skills you can list on your chemical engineer resume:

Technical Skills

• Process Design and Optimization - Designing, developing, and optimizing chemical processes for efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness
• Chemical Process Simulation Software - Familiarity with tools such as Aspen HYSYS, CHEMCAD, MATLAB, COMSOL, and AutoCAD for process modeling and design
• Equipment Design - Designing and maintaining chemical engineering equipment like reactors, heat exchangers, and distillation columns
• Thermodynamics - Understanding of energy balance, heat transfer, and thermodynamic principles in process engineering
• Process Safety Management (PSM) - Implementing safety protocols, hazard analysis, and compliance with safety regulations
• Control Systems and Automation - Process control systems like SCADA and DCS for monitoring and automating chemical processes
• Material Science - Selecting and analyzing materials for chemical processes, including corrosion resistance and material properties
• Waste Management and Environmental Compliance - Managing by-products, reducing waste, and ensuring adherence to environmental regulations
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) - Familiarity with GMP and other industry-specific standards for ensuring quality and safety in production

Analytical Skills

• Data Analysis and Interpretation - Analyze complex data, identify trends, and apply results to improve processes
• Root Cause Analysis - Identifying the underlying causes of process inefficiencies or failures
• Troubleshooting - Diagnosing and resolving issues in complex chemical systems by applying logical, step-by-step problem-solving approaches
• Statistical Process Control (SPC) - Using statistical methods to monitor and control processes, ensuring that they operate at their full potential
• Experimental Design (DOE) - Designing experiments to test hypotheses, optimize processes, or develop new products
• Performance Monitoring and Evaluation - Continuously tracking the performance of systems and processes to ensure they meet desired specifications
• Risk Assessment and Hazard Analysis (HAZOP) - Evaluating potential risks in processes or operations and conducting hazard analyses to ensure safety
• Energy Consumption Analysis - Analyzing energy usage in processes to identify inefficiencies and recommend solutions

Project Management Skills

• Budgeting and Cost Estimation - Ability to estimate project costs, manage budgets, and control expenditures
• Scheduling and Resource Allocation - Creating timelines and allocating resources effectively to ensure projects meet deadlines
• Timeline Management - Tracking project progress against deadlines, adjusting schedules as necessary to stay on track and avoid delays
• Quality Control and Assurance - Ensuring that all project deliverables meet required quality standards through continuous monitoring and testing
• Documentation and Reporting - Keeping detailed records of project progress, decisions, and changes, and generating reports
• Continuous Process Improvement - Applying process improvement methodologies like Lean or Kaizen to enhance project efficiency
• Vendor and Contractor Coordination - Managing relationships with external vendors and contractors

Soft Skills

• Communication Skills - Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-engineers, team members, and stakeholders
• Team Collaboration - Experience working in multidisciplinary teams, including other engineers, scientists, and business professionals
• Leadership and Mentorship - Leading teams, mentoring junior engineers, and overseeing projects or operations
• Attention to Detail - Ensuring accuracy and precision in process design, troubleshooting, and quality control
• Adaptability and Flexibility - Able to adapt to project or scheduling changes
• Time Management - Good management of time and project delivery
• Conflict Resolution - Able to deescalate conflicts between colleagues and focus staff back to the the tasks at hand

Listing Your Chemical Engineering Education

Chemical engineering education varies widely, encompassing different degrees, certifications, and specialized training. It’s important to list your educational background clearly on your resume to showcase your qualifications. Having relevant educational credentials can signal to recruiters that you have a solid base of knowledge and will be able to fit in easily with the company team.

In addition, you can highlight any specialized coursework or training in areas such as process simulation, environmental engineering, or pharmaceutical manufacturing if they are relevant to the job.

Here’s an example of how to write an education section on your resume:

If you haven't graduated yet but are still pursuing a bachelor's degree elsewhere, you can adapt the education section on your resume to reflect your current academic status. Here's a guide on how to do that:

Certifications that stand out on a chemical engineer resume

Certifications on a chemical engineer's resume demonstrate a commitment to professional development, industry knowledge, and specialized expertise—-so including them is a must.

Certifications validate that you possess up-to-date skills and meet industry standards in areas like process optimization, safety, and quality control. They also show potential employers that you are proficient in sector-specific regulations and practices, such as GMP in pharmaceuticals or API standards in oil and gas. In sectors that prioritize safety, efficiency, and innovation, certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects.

If you have multiple certifications,, create a separate section and list them together. Otherwise, if you only have one or two, you can include them with your education.

Here are several certifications that may be worth listing on your chemical engineer resume:

General Certifications (Across All Sectors):

• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
• Lean Manufacturing Certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Agricultural Certifications:

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA)
• Certified Agricultural Engineer (CAE)
• Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg)
• Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Certification

Energy / Petroleum Certifications:

• API Certifications (American Petroleum Institute)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• Certified Renewable Energy Professional (REP)
• Certified Petroleum Engineer (CPE)
• Certified Process Safety Professional (CPSP)
• Certified Power Engineer (CPE)
• Certified Carbon Reduction Manager (CRM)
• Energy Efficiency Practitioner (EEP)

Food & Drink Certifications:

• HACCP Certification (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points)
• Certified Food Scientist (CFS)
• ISO 22000 Certification (Food Safety Management)
• Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) Certification
• Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM)
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
• OSHA 30-Hour Certification
• ISO 14001 Certification (Environmental Management)

Pharmaceutical Certifications:

• Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional (CPIP)
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certification
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
• Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC)
• Certified Validation Professional (CVP)
• ISO 13485 Certification (Medical Devices)
• Certified Biomedical Auditor (CBA)

Tips for Writing the Best Chemical Engineering Resume

Start with the Right Format

Be aware of the three different resume formats and choose the one that suits your needs:

• Chronological Resumes: The chronological resume is the most commonly used resume type where you list your work experience in reverse chronological order, from the most recent to the least recent. If your past several work experiences align with the position for which you are applying, then go with this format.
• Functional Resume: A functional resume highlights your skills rather than your chronological experience in your resume. This resume format is highly suitable for recent graduates with limited work experience or people changing careers. It's important in a functional resume to provide examples of how you have applied these skills in your previous experiences.
• Combination Resume: A combination resume also focuses on skills but uses work experience as a supplement to support skills. This is great for people who are switching careers, and much of their work experience might not be relevant.

Use keywords from the job description.

It’s important to use keywords from the job description as many large companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for hiring. An ATS is a type of software used by employers to scan, rate, and organize resumes submitted for their positions. It scans applications looking for keywords, specific skills, and experience that are important to the job.

Those keywords are usually mentioned in the job listing, sometimes more than once, so applicants should take note which ones to include on their resumes for a high-rated ATS.


For example, if you see “Seeking a Process Engineer to design and optimize food manufacturing processes using Aspen HYSYS, ensuring efficiency and compliance with food safety standards.” in a job description, the keywords that you want to include in your resume are design, optimize, manufacturing processes, Aspen HYSYS, efficiency, compliance, food safety standards.

Here's what your resume should look like:

By incorporating these specific keywords into your resume, you increase the likelihood of your application successfully navigating through ATS filters.

Check out our 15+ ATS-Friendly Resume Templates.

Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results.

Your resume can clearly demonstrate your ability to deliver positive and measurable outcomes by including specific metrics such as percentage improvements, cost savings, or efficiency gains.

Quantified achievements can help potential employers quickly assess the value you can bring to their team. Additionally, concrete figures help differentiate your abilities from others by showcasing your practical skills and successes in measurable terms.

Here’s a list of places where you can potentially quantify results and show yourself off to your future employer:

• Process Improvement - percentage reduction in production costs, increase in production efficiency, reduction in process cycle time
• Quality Control - improvement in product quality metrics, increase in compliance with quality standards
• Safety and Compliance - reduction in safety incidents or compliance violations, achievement of safety certifications or compliance milestones
• Cost Savings - total cost savings achieved, reduction in material or energy costs
• Project Management - completion of projects ahead of schedule, budget adherence and cost savings
• Production Output - increase in production capacity, enhancement in yield rates
• Energy Efficiency - reduction in energy consumption, implementation of energy-saving measures
• Innovation and Development - number of new products or processes developed, successful pilot-scale or full-scale implementations
• Laboratory and Testing - reduction in testing time, increase in accuracy or reliability of test results.

Using action verbs to begin each bullet point

Action words in a chemical engineer resume is a great way to show your accomplishments and your drive. Words like managed, streamlined, and collaborated highlight your proactive role in driving process improvements, solving complex problems, and contributing to project success.

Moreover, action words enhance the readability of your resume, giving each bullet point more clarity and focus on the value you bring to the position.

Try out some of these action words: optimized, designed, implemented, analyzed, developed, troubleshot, improved, and evaluated.

Avoiding overused phrases

When a hiring manager sees the same phrases over and over on a resume, it can make you fall to the bottom of the pile. Overused phrases fail to highlight the unique skills and accomplishments that you could bring to a new job.

Phrases like "team player," "hard worker," or "results-oriented" are vague and don’t provide specific evidence of your skills or achievements. Instead, focus on concrete actions and outcomes. For example, rather than saying "responsible for process improvements," say "optimized chemical production processes, reducing production time by 15%." This approach highlights your impact and differentiates you from other candidates.

Top 5 chemical engineer resume examples

Entry-Level Chemical Engineer Resume Example #1

Entry Level Chemical Engineer Resume Example #2

Chemical Process Engineer Resume Example #3

Chemical Processing Engineer Resume Example #4

Chemical Processing Manager Resume Example #5

Final Tips and Reminders

Putting together a polished and professional chemical engineering resume is not always easy.

Yet by following the steps and advice above, you will be that much closer to landing your dream job.

Don’t forget a few finishing touches:

• Proofread your resume and cover letter carefully. Check for any spelling and grammar errors that could detract from your qualifications.
• Use a professional font and layout. Make sure there’s clear headings and bullet points to enhance readability
• Tailor your resume to the specific job description. Emphasize your relevant qualifications and skills so that they align with the employer’s needs.

By implementing all these tips, you will effectively show off all your talents and your expertise and make a strong first impression on potential employers.

If you're looking for more career advice, follow Cake Blog for more insightful tips.

— Originally written by Michael Reid —