According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuels, drugs, food, and many other products. 

Chemical engineers can work in a number of manufacturing sectors including petroleum refining, plastics, paint, pharmaceuticals, batteries, agricultural chemicals (fertilizers, pest control, and weed control), explosives, textiles, food processing, consumer products (cleaning, personal care, lawn care) as well as chemical manufacturers that supply products to countless other industries. Chemical engineers are also uniquely suited to address many large societal problems to energy production and storage, water, and the environment.

Many chemical engineers belong to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), a professional organization established in 1908 that has more than 45,000 members in over 100 countries.