A corrosion engineer analyzes materials and develops strategies to prevent corrosion in manufacturing, construction, and other settings. They may also develop new products and repair strategies, and work in industries such as petroleum. Education in chemical or mechanical engineering is required, with options for further specialization through a master’s program or employer training.
A corrosion engineer is a trained professional who is primarily responsible for analyzing engineering materials and devising strategies to lessen or stop the effects of corrosion. Corrosion is essentially the breakdown of engineering materials, through methods such as rusting or oxidation. A corrosion engineer must learn about the different types of corrosion and come up with plans to prevent long-term damage to components. This engineer is likely to be hired in manufacturing settings, construction settings, or any other setting where corrosion poses a risk to machinery or components.
Part of the corrosion engineer’s job may be developing new products using synthetic or hybrid materials. This research and development will provide an influx of products to market that will be more cost-effective for certain companies looking to reduce replacement or repair costs due to corrosion of metal components. The corrosion engineer can also develop new strategies for repairing materials or treating them to resist certain types of corrosion. The engineer may work in a laboratory or on site, analyzing materials and the effects of certain chemicals or elements on those materials.
The petroleum industry is one of the most common industries that a corrosion engineer works in, especially on offshore drilling rigs. Salt from seawater, along with moisture from the air and sea, can wreak havoc on metal components used during the drilling process. The Corrosion Engineer may be hired to monitor corrosion on vital components, make recommendations for slowing down the corrosion process, or make recommendations for replacing parts. The engineer may also be tasked with developing new materials that better resist corrosion without sacrificing strength or efficiency.
To become a corrosion engineer, a person first needs to graduate from high school or obtain an equivalent qualification. He or she will need to enroll in a chemical or mechanical engineering college program. During this period, it is advisable for the candidate to undertake an internship that will allow him to gain work experience in the field of engineering. After graduation, the job seeker has two general options: enroll in a master’s program that will focus more specifically on corrosion engineering, or participate in training that an employer may offer in the field of corrosion engineering. The candidate may end up with an apprenticeship that will provide the foundation for success in the field.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
