With so many different industries employing chemical engineers, there is a wide variety of workplace environments. Large corporations, government entities, and small firms all need chemical engineers. However, most chemical engineers do work in larger companies as part of a team. About three-fourths of chemical engineers work in the manufacturing industries in some capacity.

Chemical engineers may work in laboratories or manufacturing plants, while some are outside during field work. Many chemical engineers must wear protective equipment, like goggles and helmets, when working around large industrial manufacturing equipment. This equipment is also outdoors sometimes, and may require the engineer to be outside in adverse weather conditions. Other chemical engineers may spend their whole work day in the lab. Some engineers have the advantage of working in different areas, such as designing projects on the computer, testing them in the lab, and then moving on to the manufacturing phase. Seeing a project through completion can be a very satisfying part of the career.