Chemical engineering is a vast field, the job prospectus and career options of a chemical engineer is varied and different. Chemical engineers play a key role in industries, mostly in the manufacturing field. Their work area varies from petroleum and petrochemicals to food, materials, specialty chemicals, plastics, power production, environmental control, waste management and biotechnology and extra of other things.

Chemical engineers could specialize in a particular chemical processes such as oxidation or polymerization or in a specific product such as plastic or rubber. Besides designing equipments and plants; they also study the properties and effects of dangerous chemicals, device process of neutralizing them and also on the development acceptable substitutes. As such their work can be dangerous.

Employment opportunities await chemical engineers both in the public sector as well as the private sector. They can seek jobs in areas such as processing, operations or manufacturing, research and development, design and construction, finance and teaching. They may also pursue a management degree after B.Tech and take on marketing jobs.They are also employed in service industries such as scientific research and development services, particularly in energy and the developing fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology.
Other work areas of chemical engineers include food processing, coal preparation and mineral processing, explosives manufacturing, chemical process industries , including pesticides and herbicides, caustic soda, glass and specialty chemicals, dyes and dyestuff, paint, lubricants, steel and aluminum production.
Nearly 45% of chemical engineering graduates go on to work for large firms in industries such as: