Do you know: what is a Metallurgical Engineer?

Do you know: what is a Metallurgical Engineer?

Metallurgy is the study of the properties of metals, and the application of this study to metal recovery, production, purification, and use

Metallurgists (also called metallurgical engineers or material science engineers) are materials scientists who specialize in metals such as steel, aluminum, iron, and copper. They often work with alloys - metals that are mixed with each other or other elements - to create materials with specific desirable properties. They examine the performance of metals, and determine which ones can be put to which uses.

Chemical metallurgists test ores to determine the recoverability of metals from them, and design processes to recover them efficiently. They also monitor metal corrosion and fatigue, and develop ways to strengthen metals. They may also test metals to ensure they're of acceptable quality.

Physical metallurgists monitor the behavior of metals under stress, and write reports on test results. They also investigate accidents potentially caused by metallurgical failure.

Process metallurgists design metal parts and control the processes through which they're shaped, such as casting. They also weld and solder metal parts together.

Metallurgists work to mold or combine metals in order to create certain desired shapes or properties. Metallurgy also focus on making and compounding alloys and separating metals from their ores. While jobs do vary, most metallurgists discover that the following list of tasks falls under their scope of practice:

  • Review peer research and journals discussing to current discoveries in the field
  • Collect field and control samples of media and metals in order to perform analyses
  • Evaluates, recommends and implements metallurgical sampling and analysis
  • Identifies and reports on metallurgical or processing issues
  • Consults with recommendations to correct, mitigate or improve processes
  • Implement best procedures for use in metallurgical analysis
  • Prepare and aggregate reports containing highly technical data to internal and external stakeholders
  • Document and communicate results of technical data
  • Engage in predictive computer modelling for metallurgical engineering
  • Ensure that proper health and safety documentation is generated for projects and tasks and is consistent with engineering policies and procedures

Looking for a Job as a Metallurgist?

Demand for metalurgical engineers will change little between 2012 and 2022. This is partly due to declining employment in the manufacturing sector. However, some jobs will open up as older workers retire.

source: http://www.environmentalscience.org/career/metallurgist