Process Design Engineer

Designs chemical process flows, unit operations, and industrial systems using engineering models and simulation tools.

Career Overview

Growth Outlook: High

Process design engineers develop flowsheets, size equipment, perform heat- and mass-balance calculations, and create detailed process models. They design reactors, separators, heat exchangers, and safety systems. They use process simulators to evaluate efficiency, economics, and operability. They collaborate with chemical engineers, mechanical teams, safety engineers, and project managers. Their work is central to oil & gas, petrochemicals, water treatment, specialty chemicals, and clean energy technologies. Rapid industrial digitalisation and sustainability goals drive high demand for skilled process designers.

Top Skills

  • Process simulation
  • Thermodynamics
  • Equipment design
  • PFD/P&ID creation
  • Optimisation
  • Process safety & risk analysis (HAZOP
  • LOPA
  • SIL)
  • Techno-economic analysis & cost estimation
  • Digital process optimisation & Industry 4.0 tools

Education Pathway

  • 12th Science
  • B.E/B.Tech Chemical
  • M.Tech Process Engineering
  • Simulation tool certifications

Suggested UG Degrees

  • BTech Chemical Engineering

PG / Advancement Options

  • MTech Process Design
  • MSc Chemical Process Modelling

Also Known As

  • Process Engineer
  • Process Simulation Engineer
  • Plant Design Engineer
  • Chemical Process Designer