Metallurgical and Materials Engineers

Nature of work

Metallurgical and materials engineers study the properties and characteristics of metals and other non-metallic materials. They plan, design, and develop machinery and processes to concentrate, extract, refine and process metals, alloys and other materials like ceramics, semiconductors, and composite materials. Metallurgical and materials engineers work for consulting engineering firms, mining, metal processing and manufacturing companies, and in government, research, and educational institutions.

Job duties

Metallurgical and materials engineers:

• Design, develop and specify the processes, and machinery to concentrate, extract, refine and process metals from ores.
• Study the properties and characteristics of materials, and design, develop and specify processes for moulding, shaping, forming and thermal treatment of metals, alloys and metallic systems, ceramics, semiconducting and other materials.
• Conduct chemical and physical analytical studies, failure analyses and other studies and recommend material selection, design of materials, corrosion control measures, operational testing, and other procedures.
• Coordinate production testing and control of metal refining, smelting or foundry operations or non-metallic materials production operations.
• Supervise technologists, technicians and other engineers and scientists.

Sample job titles

• ceramics engineer
• corrosion engineer
• extractive engineer
• foundry engineer
• materials engineer
• metallurgical engineer
• refining and metalworking engineer
• welding engineer

Skills

• You need persistence and good judgement. The ability to think analytically and logically is important. You must be able to communicate and cooperate with others, as engineers often work in teams. Leadership and problem-solving skills are also necessary. Computer experience is an important asset.

Job requirements

• A bachelor's degree in metallurgical, materials, ceramic or chemical engineering or in a related engineering discipline.
• A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
• Licensing by a provincial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
• Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.

Other considerations

• Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and gain knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practice in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing, or management. Metallurgical and materials engineers work closely with other engineers and scientists and movement is possible between some fields of specialization. There is considerable mobility between engineering specializations at the less senior levels. Supervisory and senior positions in this group require experience.

Regulations

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