Abstract: "Process engineering is the application of systems concepts to the design and operation of chemical processes. This paper emphasizes design. We first examine important developments in computer technology that have and will impact design. We propose a classification scheme for design problems and a model for how design is performed. We discuss engineering synthesis - i.e., the automatic generation and selection of design alternatives. A final section traces important developments in analysis methodology - i.e., in the setting up, solving and optimization of complex models."