Process Design Engineer
Also known as: Process Engineer (Design) · Process Engineer (EPC)
Designs process systems for new or expanded plants at EPC and design firms: PFDs, P&IDs, equipment sizing.
What you’d do
A process design engineer works out, on paper and in software, how a new plant or plant expansion will be built — which equipment is needed, what size, and how it all connects. Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies, design consultancies and the project wings of large process companies hire them. A day is office-based: running simulations, drafting and checking documents, and coordinating with mechanical, piping and instrumentation teams.
- Prepare PFDs, P&IDs and heat and material balances
- Size equipment, lines and relief valves
- Run steady-state process simulations
- Write process datasheets for vendors
How you get in
Freshers join EPC and consulting firms as graduate or trainee engineers through campus placement or direct hiring. Some firms prefer an M.Tech, and some engineers move here after a few years in plant operations. A short course in process simulation can help at shortlisting.
Salary in India
Fresher salary over the years
middle of the 0–1 yr range, ₹ lakh a year
Fewer than two years of fresher data so far — the trend shows once there are two.
Skills you’ll use
From our guide · a curated list is coming
- Process simulation
- Equipment and line sizing
- Preparing PFDs, P&IDs and datasheets
- Working with design codes and client specifications
- Coordinating across engineering disciplines
About this field · for freshers
Job openings by year
Is demand growing?
Not added yet.
Competition4
How many graduates enter each year?
B.Tech / B.E. (all branches) graduates in 2023-24 at institutions that reported to AISHE — everyone finishing that degree, not only those entering this role.
Who hires
IT firms, banks, government, startups?
Not added yet.
Where the jobs are
Which cities?
Not added yet.
Women in the field4
Is it diverse?
Share of women among B.Tech / B.E. (all branches) graduates in 2023-24 — the entry degree, not people already working in this role.
At a glance
- Project deadlines drive the workload, with busy and quiet phases.
- Common next roles: senior or lead process engineer, process package lead, project engineering.
- Work for overseas projects is common at larger EPC firms.
Stay safe
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