Overview
Metallurgical and materials engineers conduct studies of the properties and characteristics of metals and other non-metallic materials and plan, design and develop machinery and processes to concentrate, extract, refine and process metals, alloys and other materials such as ceramics, semiconductors and composite materials. They are employed in consulting engineering firms, mining, metal processing and manufacturing companies, and in government, research and educational institutions.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Conduct studies and design, develop and specify the processes, and machinery to concentrate, extract, refine and process metals from ores
Conduct studies on 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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$38,896
$98,232
$157,546
Job openings
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British Columbia
59expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree in metallurgical, materials, ceramic or chemical engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Additional information
Metallurgical engineers research and develop new alloys and systems for extracting metal from ores; materials engineers research and develop new non-metallic materials with physical characteristics to meet specific requirements.
There is considerable mobility between engineering specializations at the less senior levels.
Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Metallurgical and materials engineers in B.C.
- Engineers and Geoscientists BC Registration - Metallurgical and Materials Engineers
Engineers and Geoscientists BC Registration - Metallurgical and Materials Engineers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as a metallurgical and materials engineer in B.C., you must register with Engineers and Geoscientists B.C. Eligibility is achieved through graduation from an accredited program, 4 years of work experience as an Engineer-In-Training, and successful completion of the National Professional Practice Examination.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.