Chemical Engineer Resume
You ever open a blank Word doc and stare at the screen thinking, “What the heck do I write?” Been there.
Writing a Chemical Engineer Resume that doesn’t sound like you’re copy-pasting your lab manual is tough. Whether you’ve worked in a pilot plant or just crushed your senior project, this guide will help you show what you really bring to the table.
I’ve worked with hundreds of chemical engineers—students, mid-career pros, even people pivoting from R&D to environmental roles. We’re going deep today to make sure your resume not only passes ATS filters but also makes an actual human go, “Whoa, we need to interview them.”
Let’s cook.
How to Write a Chemical Engineer Resume with No Experience
So you’ve got no real industry experience yet. That doesn’t mean your resume has to feel empty.
In fact, I helped a student named Maya last year. She had zero full-time experience—just an academic design project where she simulated a distillation column using Aspen HYSYS. We reframed that project to sound like an internship. Listed the tools, outcomes, and teamwork involved. She landed a job at a specialty chemicals firm.
Moral of the story? What you’ve done in school counts—if you explain it the right way.
Here’s what to include:
- Capstone or senior design projects
- Research assistant experience
- Lab work with measurable outcomes
- Simulation tools like Aspen, MATLAB, or CHEMCAD
- Any safety training (e.g., OSHA, PSM modules)
Use bullets like:
- Simulated heat exchanger network in Aspen HYSYS; improved thermal efficiency by 18% compared to base case
- Designed and operated bench-scale distillation column in senior project; led data analysis and troubleshooting
Best Resume Format for Chemical Engineering Graduates
Keep it clean, simple, and results-oriented:
- Contact Info (name, email, phone, LinkedIn)
- Summary or Objective
- Skills Section
- Education
- Projects/Experience
- Certifications
Stick to one page unless you’ve got 7+ years of experience.
Resume Summary Examples for Chemical Engineers
Example 1: Entry-Level
Detail-oriented chemical engineering graduate with hands-on lab and simulation experience. Proficient in Aspen Plus, MATLAB, and distillation design. Completed capstone project optimizing separation process for biodiesel production. Seeking an entry-level process engineering role to apply strong analytical and teamwork skills.
Example 2: Experienced
Process engineer with 6+ years in specialty chemicals and polymers. Skilled in PFD/P&ID development, Six Sigma methodologies, and process simulation using HYSYS. Led debottlenecking project that increased plant throughput by 12%. Passionate about continuous improvement and safety compliance.
Technical Skills to Include in a Chemical Engineering Resume
Simulation & Tools
- Aspen HYSYS / Aspen Plus / CHEMCAD
- MATLAB / Simulink
- AutoCAD P&ID
- Microsoft Excel (VBA, macros)
Process & Engineering
- Heat and mass transfer
- Thermodynamics
- Process optimization
- Reactor design and kinetics
- PFD/P&ID diagram creation
- Pilot plant operation
Safety & Quality
- OSHA, PSM compliance
- Risk assessment (HAZOP, SIL)
- Lean Six Sigma
- Quality control (QA/QC)
Entry-Level Chemical Engineer Resume Sample
Name: David Paquet
Email: David.p@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/priyasharma
Summary:
Recent chemical engineering graduate with strong academic foundation in process design and simulation. Proficient in Aspen Plus, MATLAB, and lab-scale distillation. Completed senior design project optimizing solvent recovery. Known for problem-solving mindset and communication skills.
Skills:
Aspen HYSYS, MATLAB, CHEMCAD, Heat Exchanger Design, Lab Testing, OSHA Safety Protocols
Projects:
- Solvent Recovery System Design: Modeled multi-stage flash system using Aspen; improved recovery efficiency by 25% in simulation.
- Fluidized Bed Reactor Study: Conducted kinetic study and thermal modeling; produced academic paper submitted to AIChE student conference.
Education:
B.S. in Chemical Engineering – University of Michigan (2025)
Resume for Chemical Process Engineer Job
If you’re applying for process engineering jobs:
- Developed PFDs and P&IDs for ammonia recovery system; collaborated with mechanical and EHS teams
- Analyzed batch process cycle time; proposed control loop adjustments saving 12% in runtime
- Led scale-up from pilot to commercial scale for batch crystallizer
Use action verbs: designed, analyzed, simulated, optimized, collaborated, validated.
Resume for Environmental and Chemical Engineering Roles
Want to work at the intersection of sustainability and engineering?
- Conducted life cycle assessment (LCA) on polymer packaging materials
- Simulated CO2 absorption using chemical scrubbing in MATLAB
- Contributed to ISO 14001 documentation and audits for waste treatment plant
Mention regulatory awareness: EPA, REACH, ISO, etc.
How to Describe Chemical Engineering Projects on a Resume
Try this formula:
Action + Tool + Purpose/Result
Examples:
- Designed packed bed reactor model in MATLAB; predicted conversion efficiency >90%
- Created P&ID diagrams in AutoCAD for distillation column upgrade; reduced control valve errors by 30%
- Simulated multi-effect evaporator system; improved steam economy by 15%
Chemical Engineer Resume Template Free Download
Want to save time? Download our Chemical Engineer Resume Template (Word + PDF). ATS-optimized. One page. Designed by pros.
[Download Chemical Engineer Resume Template – Free]
Top Certifications for Chemical Engineers in 2025
- ✅ Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
- ✅ OSHA Process Safety Certificate
- ✅ Aspen or CHEMCAD Certification
- ✅ HAZOP Facilitator Training
- ✅ Certified Chemical Engineer (ChE)
Certs show initiative—especially valuable if you don’t have industry experience yet.
Exploring different engineering paths?
Whether you’re aiming to work offshore, shape intelligent systems, or build the cities of tomorrow, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our tailored resume guides for every field:
👉 Marine Engineer Resume Guide
👉 AI Engineer Resume Guide
👉 Civil Engineer Resume Guide
FAQs: Chemical Engineer Resume Advice
What should I include in a chemical engineer resume?
List simulation tools, technical coursework, measurable project outcomes, certifications, safety awareness, and software fluency.
How do I write a resume with no experience?
Focus on projects, labs, software used (Aspen, MATLAB), and measurable results. Experience isn’t always paid work!
Should I include safety compliance?
Absolutely. Mention PSM, OSHA training, or your role in safety audits or SOP writing.
What format should I use?
Use a reverse-chronological or hybrid format. Make it easy to scan, ATS-compliant, and full of impact.
What are the best certs to list?
Lean Six Sigma, OSHA Process Safety, Aspen or MATLAB, HAZOP.
Writing your chemical engineer resume can feel like trying to balance a mass-energy equation on zero caffeine—but it doesn’t have to.
Be specific. Show impact. And don’t underestimate the value of your student projects, internships, or lab wins.
Want a shortcut? Download our free template here. It’s clean, simple, and built to help you look like the process optimization wizard you already are.
