Metallurgical Engineers are concerned with the extracting and processing of metallic materials. Scientists working in metallurgy are known as Metallurgists.

JOB DUTIES 

Metallurgical Engineers may:

Conduct research and development

Develop processing plants

Supervise production processes

Assure the quality of metal products

Sell and service metal products

Write for technical magazines and trade associations

Metallurgical Engineers may supervise the work of metallographers, highly trained technologists, and other assistants in conducting tests on metals to determine their structure for such purposes as quality control, the development of new and improved alloys, and the development of better production methods.

Physical Metallurgists may:

Conduct various tests on metals and alloys to determine their internal structure and physical properties

Develop melting, hot-working, cold-working, and heat-treating processes to obtain desired characteristics

Test alloys to determine their engineering properties and to see if they meet prescribed standards

Develop methods to manufacturing low cost alloys

General duties of Extractive Metallurgists may include:

Work with other specialists to mine ore, take minerals from the earth and refine minerals

Work to reduce pollution caused by extracting processes

Find the best ways to remove metals from ores

Find ways of reusing scrap metal and using low grade ores

Control temperature and charge mixtures in blast furnaces

Improve metallurgical processes

Develop and test new processes

Click to watch Metallurgical/Materials Engineers at work!

The equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Most of these Engineers work in one of three branches of metallurgy, Extractive (chemical), Physical, and Mechanical (or metal processing).

011.061-018 EXTRACTIVE METALLURGISTS are concerned with separating metals from ores through processes such as smelting and refining and alloying them to obtain useful metals. Extraction methods involve the use of heat (pyrometallurgy), water (hydrometallurgy), electricity (electro-metallurgy), or chemicals.

011.061-022 PHYSICAL METALLURGISTS study the internal structure of metals in order to develop new alloys, new uses for metals through alloying, and ways to produce them commercially.

011.061-010 FOUNDRY METALLURGISTS conduct research to develop and improve molding techniques, melting, alloying, and metal pouring methods.

011.061-026 WELDING ENGINEERS apply knowledge of the properties of metals to the development of welding equipment and the application of welding techniques.

011.161-010 METALLURGICAL-AND-QUALITY-CONTROL-TESTING SUPERVISORS direct and coordinate the activities of workers engaged in testing finished and semi-finished metal specimens to determine if the specimens' metallurgical and physical properties meet manufacturing specifications.

Metallurgical Engineers and Metallurgists may work in research, development, production, administration, consultation, teaching, marketing, or sales.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Metallurgical Engineers may work alone or with other members of an engineering team. They usually work under the general supervision of a chief engineer, and often supervise the work of technicians and other workers.

Working conditions vary with the particular job. Many Metallurgical Engineers work in offices and laboratories that are well lighted and well ventilated. Others may work in mills, mines, foundries, or manufacturing plants where they may be exposed to noise and high temperatures.

The number of hours worked varies with the individual position. Many Engineers work a 5-day, 40-hour week. They may be required to work overtime without compensation in order to finish projects. Travel may be part of the responsibilities.

Metallurgical Engineers may belong to professional organizations such as the  Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, the  American Foundry Society, and the  American Society for Materials International (formerly ASM, American Society for Metals). Those who choose to belong pay periodic membership dues, but many employers reimburse employees for these costs.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities which require a creative imagination

You Should Be Able To:

• Use procedures to complete tasks based upon accurate information

• Work within set limits or standards

• Understand mathematical, chemical, and physical concepts

• Perform a variety of duties using a variety of skills

• Compare/see differences in the size/shape/form of

lines/other figures

• Visualize objects from drawings or diagrams

• Plan and direct the activities and work of others

• Communicate well in speech and writing

• Rate information using standards which can be measured or checked

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:

You have to convert the area of a square piece of metal (3 inches by 7 inches by 3 inches) into cubic centimeters.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Absolute zero has never been observed experimentally. If it were, this would in effect violate the second law of Thermodynamics.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a memorandum explaining a new discovery so other people in your field can be exposed to it also.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You have to be able to analyze a defective part, then use good problem solving techniques to correct the dilemma.

Engineers whose work affects public life, health, or property must be licensed by the Board of Professional Engineers of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth. The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click  here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Engineer, Licensed Professionalfor specific licensing information.  Very few Metallurgists are registered professional engineers.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

058 ENGINEERING (PRE-PROFESSIONAL)

Pre-Engineering Programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills required for admission to professional engineering colleges.

Many Michigan colleges and universities offer programs which may satisfy the prerequisites for admission to engineering schools. Students should contact the engineering schools of their choice for admission requirements and consult their school's pre-professional adviser to ensure that admission prerequisites will be met.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

The most common requirements for entering a community college are a High School diploma, or GED, or being at least 18 years old and completing application forms. In addition, entering a college or university may require graduation from high school in a college preparatory program, a grade point average acceptable to the school to which you apply, and passing entrance examinations.

106 METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING

Programs in Metallurgical Engineering provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed in applying engineering principles in industries where metals and alloys are processed or fabricated into finished products. The automotive, electrical, and electronic component industries are among those typically employing Metallurgical Engineers.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

    Search for a College and/or Instructional Program 

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration script.  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration script.

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Opportunities for experience and exploration include participation in high school clubs and programs such as the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS)and Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES), which provide practical information on engineering and contact with engineers. Postsecondary education programs in metallurgical engineering may have co-op opportunities which include practical experience.

Metallurgical Engineers may find positions by applying directly to employers or by taking Civil Service examinations. Assistance in finding a job may be available through college placement offices. Newspaper want ads and professional publications such as   "JOM/TMS",   "Foundry Trade Journal", "Modern Casting", and "Advanced Materials and Processes"may list openings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

NSPE Job Board

EngineerJobs

Contract Employment Weekly Online

Michigan Careers, Colleges, Jobs & Training

Simply Hired

Indeed | one search. all jobs

CareerBuilder

MONSTER.COM

Yahoo! hotjobs

MONSTERTRAK

Michigan Talent Bank

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Metallurgical Engineers depend on their level of education; experience; specialty; level of responsibility; and the type, size, and location of the employer.

Nationally, in 2006, the median annual salary of Metallurgical and Materials Engineers was $69,784. Annual starting salaries for inexperienced Metallurgical Engineers were (late 2006):

The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $34,892 in 2006.  

In the federal government (2007), depending on their college records, Metallurgical Engineers with a bachelor's degree and no experience started at $33,309 or $41,262 a year. Those with a master's degree started at $50,470 or $53,238 and those with a Ph.D. degree began at a minimum of $58,178.   

In Michigan, recent graduates in materials science and engineering programs at one university were offered starting salaries averaging $54,221 for a bachelor's degree, and $67,750 for a master's degree (2005-06). The average annual earnings of experienced Metallurgical Engineers in the private sector in the Great Lakes states (including Michigan) ranged between $54,000 and $68,600 (mid 2007) depending upon their experience and level of responsibility. Metallurgists who work as consultants can earn $176,000 or more a year.

Some Engineers receive supplemental income such as bonuses and consulting fees.

Depending on the employer, fringe benefits may include paid vacations and holidays; health, accident, and disability insurance; life insurance and sick leave; retirement plans; tuition reimbursement plans; and savings and stock investment plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Metallurgical Engineers usually start as junior engineers or trainees in a formal training program. As they gain experience, they become senior engineers. A career ladder may be like this: engineering trainee, Metallurgical Engineer, metallurgical supervisor, chief Metallurgical Engineer. With additional experience and/or education, Metallurgical Engineers may become chief engineers; advance to positions as research directors or executives, administrators, sales engineers, or consultants; or teach metallurgy at colleges and universities. Graduate study is becoming increasingly important for advancement to top-level positions.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally in 2004, there were approximately 21,400 Materials Engineers (including Metallurgical Engineers) employed. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. A number of Materials Engineers worked as college and university faculty members. The industry distribution for Materials Engineers (including Metallurgical Engineers) looked like this:  

Metallurgical Engineers will be needed to develop new metals and alloys, adapt current ones to new needs, and develop new ways of recycling metals and solid waste materials. They will also be needed to set up and oversee various production processes involving the use of metals.

There were approximately 1,225 Materials Engineers (including Metallurgical Engineers) employed in Michigan. Most worked in the manufacturing industry. Others worked for various services; the federal government; mining companies; and utilities.  

Employment of Materials Engineers in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012. An average of 40 annual openings is expected, with 10 due to growth and 30 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Metallurgical Engineers will be needed to develop new metals and alloys and to adapt current ones for use in communications equipment, computers, and spacecraft. As the supply of high-grade ores diminishes, Metallurgical Engineers will be required to develop ways of recycling solid waste materials and processing low-grade ores now regarded as unprofitable to mine. The need for new processing methods, to reduce pollution and conserve energy will provide continued employment for Metallurgical Engineers. Industry is sensitive to economic conditions and employment of Metallurgical Engineers may reflect those ups and downs.

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

       Copyright © 2007 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth