prosessingeniør

Prosessingeniør (process engineer) is a professional who plans, analyzes, and optimizes industrial processes to convert raw materials into products with high efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. They work across sectors such as chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, energy, water treatment, pulp and paper, and biotechnology, as well as in engineering consultancies, plant operators, and research organizations.

Key responsibilities include designing process flows and selecting equipment, performing mass and energy balances, and developing process simulations and control strategies. They assess safety, reliability, and environmental impact, conduct risk analyses, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. They support commissioning, troubleshoot operations, and seek opportunities for energy and material efficiency and cost reduction.

Education typically includes a bachelor’s or master’s degree in process engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field. Core knowledge covers thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering, process control, heat exchange networks, separation processes, and materials handling. Proficiency with process-simulation software (for example Aspen Plus or HYSYS), data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration is common. In many countries, professional licensure or chartered status may be pursued for independent practice.

Work environments range from design offices to operating plants, with field visits during construction and start-up. The role requires teamwork with operators, safety engineers, and project managers, and projects are typically large, long-term, and multi-site.

Trends shaping the field include digitalization and Industry 4.0, process intensification, sustainability and decarbonization, and the integration of automation, data analytics, and optimization to improve efficiency and safety.