Control engineer, chemical engineering

What does a Control Engineer in Chemical Engineering do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A control engineer in chemical engineering is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and quality-assuring processes within chemical production and industry. Tasks include inspecting production lines, ensuring chemical processes comply with current standards and regulations, and identifying and correcting deviations. The engineer often works with advanced measurement equipment and laboratory analyses to ensure product quality. The work environment can range from laboratories and offices to production facilities, where high demands on accuracy, safety, and documentation are required.

Salary Development Over Time

Salaries for control engineers in chemical engineering have shown a clear upward trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,200 SEK per month, increasing to 42 500 SEK in 2023 and further to 43 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of about 8.5% over three years. This development reflects an increased demand for specialist skills in chemical engineering, especially considering higher requirements for quality, safety, and sustainability within the industry. Salary increases can also be linked to more employers competing for experienced engineers, while educational requirements for the profession remain high. Differences between genders persist, but salary gaps are small compared to many other technical professions.

Control Engineer, Chemical Engineering Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,900 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education 3 years or more)
• Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
• Hourly wage: 262 SEK
• Women: 43,300 SEK (98 % of men's salary)
• Men: 44 000 SEK
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, but exact figures are unavailable

Education and Qualifications

To work as a control engineer in chemical engineering, a university or master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related technical fields is usually required. The education often includes both theoretical and practical components, with laboratory work and internships at companies being an important part. Many employers also value experience in quality work and knowledge of relevant standards and regulations.

• Formal degree: University or master's degree in chemical engineering (3–5 years)
• Certifications: Additional courses in quality assurance, environment, and safety are often advantageous
• Internship: Longer internships or trainee programs during studies are common
• Prerequisite knowledge: A science-oriented high school education is recommended
• Tips for choosing: Select programs focusing on process and quality technology to increase employability

Common Benefits and Compensation

Control engineers in chemical engineering are often offered generous benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, occupational pensions, and opportunities for professional development. Other common compensations may include bonus schemes, insurance packages, and extra vacation days, especially with larger industry employers.

Competition and Challenges

The role of control engineer in chemical engineering faces relatively low competition, especially for candidates with the right education and experience. A significant challenge is the constant need to stay updated on new regulations and technological innovations. High precision and systematic work are required, as incorrect analyses or poor quality assurance can have serious consequences for both companies and society. Since the role often involves collaboration across departments, good communication skills and stress resilience are also essential. Currently, the number of available positions in the profession is relatively high, offering good opportunities for recent graduates.

Tips for Aspiring Control Engineers in Chemical Engineering

To succeed as a control engineer in chemical engineering, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a strong sense of quality and responsibility. Being precise and systematic in work is crucial, as small mistakes can have large consequences in chemical processes. Good communication and the ability to collaborate with colleagues from various disciplines are advantageous, especially in larger projects. Seeking internships or summer jobs in industry during studies helps build relevant experience and networks. An interest in technology and a willingness to stay updated on new methods and regulations are important, as the industry evolves rapidly. Lastly, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills is valuable, as workdays often present unexpected challenges.

Key Facts about Control Engineer, Chemical Engineering

• Education level: University or master's degree (3–5 years)
• Work environment: Combination of laboratory, office, and industrial settings
• Typical work hours: Full-time, usually daytime but shifts may occur
• Demand: 564 available jobs within the profession (2024)
• Special skills: Quality assurance, process technology, regulations within the chemical sector

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a control engineer in chemical engineering can advance to roles such as quality manager, process engineer, or project leader within the chemical industry. Further education and experience can also open opportunities for specialist roles in environmental technology or product safety. According to the forecasts from the Employment Service, there is no specific assessment for this title, but the lack of assessments is due to limited data rather than low demand. The high number of available jobs indicates good future prospects for recent graduates and experienced engineers. Opportunities to transition into related technical roles, such as process development or technical sales, are also favorable for those seeking career variation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Control Engineer, Chemical Engineering

• What does a Control Engineer in Chemical Engineering earn?
  - The average salary is 43 600 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 262 SEK.
• Are there significant salary differences between women and men?
  - Women earn approximately 98% of what men do within the profession.
• What education is required to become a control engineer in chemical engineering?
  - A university or master's degree in chemical engineering is most common.
• What does the work environment look like?
  - The work environment includes laboratories, offices, and production facilities with high safety and accuracy demands.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - There are 564 available jobs within the profession, but no exact forecast from the Employment Service.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for the profession?
  - The highest salary is 45,100 SEK and the lowest 31,900 SEK per month.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, analytical skills, and good teamwork abilities are highly valued.