The traditional role of a chemical engineer is to design and operate large-scale processes for producing chemicals. While this remains a cornerstone of the discipline, advances in nanotechnology (the ability to control matter at molecular scales) have transformed the role of the chemical engineer. Today, chemical engineers work on inter-disciplinary teams to design pharmaceuticals, artificial organs, biomedical devices, chemical sensors, and drug delivery systems. They work on energy technologies, such as batteries, fuel and solar cells. They are at the forefront of sustainable design and manufacturing.

chemical engineers work on inter-disciplinary teams to design pharmaceuticals, artificial organs, biomedical devices, chemical sensors, and drug delivery systems. They work on energy technologies, such as batteries, fuel and solar cells.