The Indian chemical sectors growth is being accompanied by a new wave of demand for specialized professionals in Engineering as it is with a process design engineer. Process design engineers have a critical function as they are responsible for the optimization of operations in a chemical plant in terms of safety and cost efficiency. In this post, Indian chemical companies have been analyzed in order to understand their expectations in a process design engineer to understand the emerging technologies and sustainability goals that have been adopted globally.
There has been notable growth in the available process design engineer jobs in India, thanks to the increase in focus India is privately and publicly being manufactured under ‘Make in India’. Process Design Engineers are now mandated for brown and green field projects in the petrochemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceutical and specialty chemical sectors. Also, EPC companies and in-house design departments are looking to hire candidates with a good understanding of the various processes in the operations safety for design activities.
Skills Needed for Chemical Engineers in Process Design
For those looking for a job as a chemical engineer in process design, there are several skills required for chemical engineers that are necessary to stay in compliance with the industry. In addition to a degree in chemical engineering, employers place value on:
- Understanding of heat and mass balance calculation
- Working with PFD and P&ID
- HAZOP and safety compliance
- Working knowledge of unit operations
Of equal importance are management, communication, and collaboration because of interdisciplinary teamwork, which has become a requirement due to engineers working with a wide array of team members and vendors.
Relevance of Process Simulation Tools
Today, what stands out the most for Indian employers is the expert knowledge in process simulation tools. Having knowledge in UniSim, Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD or PRO/II gives candidates a competitive edge. Engineers are able to simulate processes in the plant, estimate the results, and make informed decisions on designs for optimization. Some companies even expect their new hires to already be trained in the tools.
For those looking to gain an edge, enrolling in a process engineer course which offers training in simulation is highly recommended. Today, such practical, software-based training offered through online courses is provided by recognized training institutes in India.
The Future of Indian Chemicals: Trends Shaping in 2025
Digitalization, sustainability, and localization of supply chains are the trends leading the Indian chemical industry trends in 2025. Additionally, this is leading to a change in the workforce skills needed for engineering jobs. Nowadays, design engineers need to incorporate energy use, waste, and carbon footprint considering in their designs. Engineers knowledgeable on regulatory green technologies will have a competitive advantage for future positions.
Emerging trends for the chemical industry in India also include the automation and Industry 4.0 integration. Employers are more focused on hiring engineers with knowledge on the intersection of chemical engineering and the digital world, as well as control and instrumentation design.
Leading Companies in India for Chemical Engineering
Growth in the industry has led to more opportunities as the top chemical companies in India hiring engineers includes Reliance Industries, Tata Chemicals, Aarti Industries, Deepak Nitrite, and UPL. Reliance Industries and Tata Chemicals are always in need of hiring skilled chemical engineers, especially in process engineering who deal with integrated plant operations, complex and large project design optimization, innovation, and cost-efficient design.
While many of these companies offer in-house training and mentoring programs, the acceptance rates are low. Combating these statistics requires the candidate to proficiently do internships, and project work, and obtain relevant certifications.
Final Thoughts
Expectations from a process design engineer are changing, and so are Indian chemical companies. With the right education, the right in-demand skills, and industry knowledge, prospective engineers have numerous opportunities to pursue a successful career. For students wanting to enter the industry or professionals seeking to enhance their skills, there’s no better moment than now to learn and gain experience by enrolling in process engineering courses and undertaking internships.