Chemical Engineer → Software Engineer → Back to the Chemical Industry?
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some career guidance from people who have experience in the chemical/process industry.
Here's my background:
- B.Tech in Chemical Engineering (Graduated in 2021)
- Due to COVID and the job market at the time, I couldn't start my career in core chemical engineering.
- I decided to pursue an MCA and transitioned into software development.
- I now have almost 3 years of experience as a Software Engineer (MERN/Full Stack).
Lately, I've been thinking about combining both of my backgrounds instead of treating them as separate careers.
I'm interested in roles where software and chemical engineering intersect, such as:
- Process digitalization
- Industrial software
- Manufacturing IT
- Process data analytics
- Process modeling/simulation
- MES/SCADA/Automation software
- Digital transformation in chemical/pharma/oil & gas companies
My concern is that I don't have professional experience in the chemical industry, even though I have the degree.
My questions are:
What kinds of roles should I target?
Which skills should I learn to become a strong candidate (Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, Python, SCADA/PLC, PI System, etc.)?
Are there companies that specifically value someone with both software development and chemical engineering knowledge?
Has anyone here made a similar transition?
I'd really appreciate any advice or roadmap from people working in this space.
Thanks!