Employers

Approximately 19,700 bioengineers and biomedical engineers and 20,800 chemical engineers are employed in the United States. Many biochemical and chemical engineers work in manufacturing industries and scientific, research, and development services. They also work for federal and state government agencies and colleges and universities. Job opportunities for biochemical engineers’ services depend on the demand for the products of various manufacturing industries. Biochemical engineers who keep up with advances in the field improve their job prospects.

Starting Out

Many biochemical engineers get their start through internships and other cooperative engineering programs. Those who do well already have a foot in the door when entry-level jobs open up. Companies often send recruiters to college campuses, which gives biochemical engineering students the opportunity to have direct conversations with hiring managers. Job listings are also found on professional associations Web sites. Those who pursue a graduate degree may work part time in colleges and universities as engineering teachers or laboratory assistants.

Biochemical engineers typically start out as trainees, working under the supervision of senior engineers. New recruits are required to participate in training sessions on various aspects of the job and company processes and products.

Biochemical engineers with several years of experience may advance to become senior biochemical engineers. Advancement may also be in the form of being assigned more complex projects. As they gain more experience, they may be responsible for managing larger teams of engineers and related staff members. Those who hold a bachelors degree advance by getting a masters degree, which often leads to more job opportunities with higher salaries. They may get a doctoral degree for teaching positions and senior-level administrative jobs. Some biochemical engineers advance by becoming consultants and running their own business.

Read publications such as Biochemical Engineering Journal (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biochemical-engineering-journal) and Chemical Engineering Process (https://www.aiche.org/publications/cep) to learn more about industry trends and potential employers.

Find job listings and other resources by visiting the following Web sites:

• https://www.aiche.org/ili/career-discovery
• https://www.nspe.org/resources/career-center/job-board/job-board
• https://careers.swe.org
• https://www.simplyhired.com/?from=engineerjobs

Network with others in the field and learn more about job opportunities by joining professional associations such as the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Get an internship or part-time job in an organization that provides biochemical engineering services. Find information on internships through your schools career services office as well as through professional associations, such as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Web site, https://internships.aiche.org. Another useful internship resource is https://www.pathwaystoscience.org.