Metallurgical Technicians, also known as Metallurgical Engineering Technicians, assist metallurgists and metallurgical engineers with the extraction of metals from ores, the processing of metals and alloys, and their conversion into useful finished products.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Metallurgical Technicians may:

Conduct routine microscopic exams of commercial metals and alloys to determine their internal structure and other properties

Polish, etch, and photograph metal samples

Examine metal and alloy samples to detect internal cracks, impurities, and similar defects

Test metal samples to determine the strength, hardness, elasticity, toughness, or other properties of the metal

Compute values such as strength and make-up of metal samples

Record computations and other readings on special forms

Write reports which show how samples differ from specifications and recommend changes necessary for the metal to meet specifications

Operate and maintain specialized laboratory and pilot plant equipment

The tools, equipment, and materials used by Metallurgical Technicians may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Metallurgical Technicians may specialize in these areas:

011.261-010 METALLURGICAL TECHNICIANS, also known as metallurgical engineering technicians, assist metallurgists and metallurgical engineers with the extraction of metals from ores, the processing of metals and alloys, and their conversion into useful finished products.

011.261-010 METALLURGICAL-LABORATORY ASSISTANTS analyze data obtained from the investigation of the physical and chemical properties of metals or analyze the processes used in recovering metals from their ores. They may select the method, standards, and procedures of examination and testing and may also conduct tests.

011.281-014 SPECTROSCOPISTS conduct spectrographic examinations of mineral or metal samples to determine the percentage compositions of the samples.

011.361-010 TESTERS use various types of testing machines to measure the strength, hardness, ductility (ability to be stretched, drawn, or hammered thin without breaking), and other physical properties of metal samples.

011.261-014 WELDING TECHNICIANS conduct experiments and tests and evaluate data to assist welding engineering personnel in the development and application of new or improved welding equipment, welding techniques and procedures, and specifications for heat treating.

011.261-018 NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTERS conduct radiographic, penetrant, ultrasonic, and magnetic particle tests on metal parts in testing laboratories to determine if parts meet nondestructive specifications.

Other areas of specialization in which Metallurgical Technicians can work include: metals production, metallography, melting, electroplating instrumentation, quality control, chemical analysis, technical sales and service, purchasing, and estimating.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Metallurgical Technicians usually work under the direction of a metallurgical engineer or laboratory supervisor. They often work with production workers in manufacturing operations.

Metallurgical Technicians may work in clean, air-conditioned, well lighted offices and laboratories, or in production areas that are noisy, dusty, hot in the summer, and cold and drafty in the winter. When obtaining metal samples in the foundry or forging area, Technicians may be exposed to such hazards as burns from spills and splashes of molten metal. Injuries in production areas are reduced by wearing safety clothing, helmets, ear plugs, and steel-toed shoes.

Technicians usually work 40 hours per week. Those working in iron and steel mills or foundries may work rotating shifts.

Metallurgical Technicians may be members of labor unions which represent workers in the industry in which they work. They may also join professional associations, such as the ASM International (formerly the American Society for Metals) or the American Foundrymen's Society. Members of unions or associations pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities which involve working with things and objects

• Activities which involve special machines, processes, and techniques

You Should Be Able To:

• Use logical step-by-step procedures to complete tasks

• Recognize and understand physical differences in materials

• Pay attention to details to conduct laboratory within precise limits

• Compare/see differences in the size/shape/form of lines/other figures

• Visualize objects or procedures from diagrams

• Apply mathematics (including algebra)

• Make decisions based on verifiable data

• Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

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.

Although not required for a job, Technicians with acceptable combinations of education and experience may obtain certification from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the National Institute for the Certification of Engineering Technicians, and other organizations. Completion of a written exam may be required.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond High School) or an Associate Degree (two 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 MOIScript:

***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 MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

107 METALLURGICAL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Metallurgical Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to work as metallurgical engineering aides and research assistants. Metallurgical Technicians may work in industrial plants, foundries, and metallurgical research and control laboratories.

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 MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS

Because the military is so large, small savings in personnel or equipment costs can result in savings of millions of dollars. Industrial engineers design ways to improve how the military uses its people and equipment.

What They Do

Industrial engineers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Study how workers and tasks are organized

• Measure work load and calculate how many people are needed to perform work tasks

• Study and improve the way work is done and equipment is used

• Plan and oversee the purchase of equipment and services

• Plan and direct quality control and production control programs

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree in industrial engineering, industrial management, or a related field is required to enter this occupation.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in technical work

• Ability to plan and organize studies

• Interest in working with mathematical models and formulas

• Interest in working closely with people

Work Environment

Industrial engineers usually work in offices. They may work outdoors while performing field studies or overseeing the installation of equipment and systems.

Training Provided

Job training is offered for some specialties. Training length varies from 8 to 16 weeks of classroom instruction, depending on the specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Management standards, principles, and policies

• Problem analysis and decision making

• Production and purchasing methods

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian industrial engineers work primarily in manufacturing and consulting firms. They also work in other industries and businesses, including insurance companies, retail stores, banks, public utilities, and hospitals. Civilian industrial engineers perform duties similar to those performed in the military. Depending on the specialty, they may also be called production engineers, safety engineers, production planners, or quality control engineers.

Opportunities

The services have about 200 industrial engineers. On average, they need 10 new industrial engineers each year. After job training, industrial engineers are usually assigned to an engineering, management evaluation, or procurement unit. With experience, they may advance to command or policy-making positions in engineering, administration, or other fields.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

High school students may join the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS). Postsecondary metallurgical technology programs may offer experience. Additional information can be gained by attending student chapter meetings of the Metallurgical Society at universities offering degrees in metallurgy, metallurgical engineering, or materials science. Experience may be gained in military service also.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Metallurgical Technician employer

internships

volunteer work with a Metallurgical Technician employer

community service work with an agency

Some individuals become Metallurgical Technicians through on-the-job training. However, the most direct way is by completing a one- or two-year course in metallurgical technology. The most common method of finding a job is through direct application to employers. Assistance may be obtained from college placement offices or local offices of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Michigan Talent Bank   

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

JobOptions

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

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Salaries of Metallurgical Technicians depend on education and experience, the size and type of employer, and the geographic area.

Nationally, the average annual salaries (1998) of Metallurgical Technicians, ranged between $23,900 and $40,200 depending on their level of responsibility. Intermediate level Technicians averaged $34,400.

In the federal government, Technicians with a high school diploma and no experience started at $15,023 annually (1999); those with an associate's degree and no experience started at $18,401 per year; and those with a bachelor's degree started at $20,588 or $25,501 per year, depending on their academic records.

Generally, salaries paid to Metallurgical Engineers in Michigan are comparable to those paid nationally. However, Technicians employed as metallurgical testers by a large Michigan automobile manufacturer earned annual salaries ranging from $24,240 to $41,280 (early 1999).

Some employers provide cost-of-living allowances, periodic bonuses, and additional pay for evening or night shift work.

Depending on the employer, most Metallurgical Technicians receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and savings and stock investment plans. Benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Promotions for Metallurgical Technicians usually depend on the availability of job openings, job performance, additional education, length of service, and ability to supervise. Possible steps upward might include laboratory supervisor or metallurgical sales technician. Metallurgical Technicians may advance to supervisory or sales positions through a combination of experience, education, and job performance. With additional college level education and training, some Technicians may also advance to professional engineering and scientific positions.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Employment opportunities for Metallurgical Technicians are expected to be favorable through the year 2006. The increasing needs of metal consuming industries in the United States and abroad will increase the need for Metallurgical Technicians. These industries, however, are sensitive to economic conditions and employment may reflect those conditions. Technicians will be needed also in research to assist metallurgical engineers solve problems associated with recycling of scrap metals, find ways to extract metals from low grade ores, and maintain a continuing supply of the metals required by our economy.

The exact number of Metallurgical Technicians employed in Michigan is unknown. Metallurgical Technicians were employed in all metal-producing industries, from the aluminum, copper, iron and steel industries to the uranium, and zinc industries. They were also employed in industries that make metal parts and assemble metal products, such as automobiles, plumbing fixtures, and farm equipment. Others were employed in research and development laboratories. Most Metallurgical Technicians were employed in the Detroit area.

Employment of Engineering Technicians is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. It is likely that employment opportunities for Metallurgical Technicians will be similar. Employment of Metallurgical Technicians is dependent on the same factors which affect national employment and expansion in the metal working industries. Opportunities are best for graduates of postsecondary school training programs for Technicians.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Metallurgical Technician can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development