Interview with Process Engineer, Emeric Naseman
Name: Emeric Naseman
Current employer: Fluor Corporation
Job title: Process Engineer
Science Career:
Chemical Engineer
Time working in this field: 8 years
How would you describe what you do in your job to a student?
I work with a team to design and construct oil and gas processing facilities and chemical plants. More specifically, as a process engineer, I perform calculations and run computer simulations to determine the sizes of major equipment, piping, and safety devices within these industrial plants. My job requires performing math calculations and applying my knowledge of chemistry every day to design a safe and functional plant.
How did you become interested in this area of science/engineering?
My interest in science was sparked by my fascination with cooking, something that I have been interested in since I was a kid. What piqued my interest in chemistry specifically was how simple ingredients that were bland on their own could be combined to make a brand new delicious meal. As I grew up, my Dad helped me realize that my skills in math and science and love for chemistry were a great fit for a chemical engineering degree.
After receiving my degree, I wanted to be involved in designing industrial projects that transform raw ingredients into desirable products used by people around the world. My job at Fluor allows me to be a part of these projects.
What are some of the key characteristics that are important for a person to succeed in this type of work?
For a person to be successful in this field, key characteristics include:
- Being a hard worker
- Being willing to accept feedback from others
- Having a desire to learn every day
- Being able to communicate with others
Describe a project that you have worked on that was of particular interest to you.
I worked on a liquefied natural gas project for a facility in Africa. I had a particular interest in this project because the facility cooled natural gas into a liquid so that it could be loaded onto ships and transported around the world to locations that do not have clean fuels for energy. This involved designing the equipment for cryogenic temperatures below negative 250°F!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I like the challenge of my job and enjoy solving problems. I like coming up with new solutions for unique problems that are encountered while completing our projects. I enjoy that my job gives me the opportunity to work on different projects around the world.
Is there any advice you would give to someone interested in this field that you wish someone had given you when you were starting out?
Don't be afraid to ask questions—sometimes, it is the only way to fully understand what you are working on. Also, actively position yourself next to experienced and hard-working coworkers. They will help you learn more than just working on projects alone.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy going on walks with my wife and dog, watching sports (specifically college football), playing yard games like corn-hole (the game where you throw a bag onto a board with a hole in it), and cooking delicious food.
