What Do Biochemical Engineer Do?
Biochemical Engineer Example Develop usable, tangible products, using knowledge of biology, chemistry, or engineering. Solve problems related to materials, systems, or processes that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms, or biological materials.
Life As a Biochemical Engineer
- Modify or control biological systems to replace, augment, or sustain chemical or mechanical processes.
- Devise scalable recovery, purification, or fermentation processes for producing proteins or other biological substances for human or animal therapeutic use, food production or processing, biofuels, or effluent treatment.
- Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.
- Develop recovery processes to separate or purify products from fermentation broths or slurries.
- Confer with research and biomanufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.
- Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
Qualities of a Biochemical Engineer
These are the skills Biochemical Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Research Scientist
- Process Development Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Biochemical Engineer
- Growth Product Engineering Lead
Biochemical Engineer Employment Estimates
There were about 132,500 jobs for Biochemical Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,500 new jobs for Biochemical Engineer by 2026. There will be an estimated 9,500 positions for Biochemical Engineer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Biochemical Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Minnesota, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Biochemical Engineer Salary
The average yearly salary of a Biochemical Engineer ranges between $50,750 and $155,650.
Biochemical Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Biochemical Engineers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $115,710 |
Alaska | $114,040 |
Arizona | $94,450 |
Arkansas | $71,510 |
California | $107,700 |
Colorado | $111,610 |
Connecticut | $100,230 |
District of Columbia | $132,530 |
Florida | $82,970 |
Georgia | $93,580 |
Hawaii | $96,940 |
Idaho | $110,270 |
Illinois | $87,220 |
Indiana | $73,340 |
Iowa | $78,230 |
Kansas | $82,060 |
Kentucky | $79,690 |
Louisiana | $90,580 |
Maine | $85,800 |
Maryland | $118,420 |
Massachusetts | $109,220 |
Michigan | $90,420 |
Minnesota | $101,620 |
Mississippi | $79,630 |
Missouri | $86,850 |
Montana | $79,590 |
Nebraska | $82,760 |
Nevada | $94,950 |
New Hampshire | $99,070 |
New Jersey | $114,990 |
New Mexico | $114,790 |
New York | $95,270 |
North Carolina | $83,900 |
North Dakota | $83,270 |
Ohio | $93,370 |
Oklahoma | $83,080 |
Oregon | $90,720 |
Pennsylvania | $96,550 |
Rhode Island | $95,790 |
South Carolina | $100,750 |
South Dakota | $84,320 |
Tennessee | $82,030 |
Texas | $113,370 |
Utah | $89,810 |
Vermont | $81,960 |
Virginia | $118,390 |
Washington | $104,890 |
West Virginia | $91,420 |
Wisconsin | $86,600 |
Wyoming | $97,040 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Biochemical Engineers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Biochemical Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- UNIX
- Hypertext preprocessor PHP
- Minitab
- Oracle software
- SAP software
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
- Splunk Enterprise
- Microsoft Azure
- Software development tools
How to Become a Biochemical Engineer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Biochemical Engineer?
What work experience do I need to become a Biochemical Engineer?
Where do Biochemical Engineers Work?
Below are examples of industries where Biochemical Engineers work:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Career changers with experience as a Biochemical Engineer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.