Metallurgical engineers convert raw metal into usable forms, often working in steel and iron trades or with copper, aluminum, silver, and gold. They develop processing methods to transform metals into products and work in physical or extractive metallurgy. The job requires strong math and science skills, communication skills, and advanced equipment use. Most positions require at least an undergraduate degree, with many professionals continuing their education while working.
There are many things that metallurgical engineers do on a day-to-day basis, but most of their work focuses on converting raw metal, usually in ore form, into a more usable form. These types of professionals often work in the steel and iron trades, but some may also focus on copper, aluminum or precious metals such as silver and gold. They are usually involved in the processing of materials from mines or in an industry that makes machines or products made from these metals; Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, they can do both. In any case, they are usually involved in the development of different processing methods to more economically and easily transform metals into useful products. People working in this field usually have a lot of scientific training and are often seen as metal experts from a chemical point of view. Starting a career often involves as much book learning as hands-on experience, and people interested in this type of work are usually wise to start planning early.
General Metallurgical Work
Humans have used metals for centuries, and metals of many varieties are an important part of most modern manufacturing processes. Metallurgical work is a little different from ordinary metallurgical work. Metallurgy is the process that manufacturers use to shape and manufacture metal into shapes that most people recognize and use every day, but metallurgy is the science behind choosing the right metal and its chemical state and bonding so that can be manipulated and used for more specific purposes. It involves a lot of science and practical testing. The main essence of the work is generally to stabilize various metals and help make them as strong as possible, often with a specific use in mind. Some engineers work very closely with the manufacturing process and therefore have a sense of where the metal they’ve worked with is ending up, but not all do.
physical engineering job
The two main types of metallurgy are physical and extractive. The first focuses on the physical properties and structures of alloys and metals. The latter is dedicated to the separation of metal from ore.
Metallurgical physical engineers are dedicated to the development of new alloys and production processes for welding, alloying, melting and casting. Since most metals cannot be utilized in their purest forms, there is a need to create blends, or alloys, that can provide strong, lightweight metals for things as broad as car bodies and electronic devices. This type of engineer often works in laboratories or manufacturing operations.
extractive works
Extractive metallurgical engineers, on the other hand, design and oversee the extraction processes and often work closely with mining engineers. They then refine the recovered metals and often create new alloys for various applications. Your typical work setup is a laboratory, steel mill, ore treatment plant or refinery.
Essential job requirements
Both types of engineers must be comfortable working independently and in teams. Meetings and planning sessions are often required with a wide range of employees, from mining foremen to plant supervisors. While there is some variation between specific tasks, in general, the position requires an above average aptitude in math and science and a dedication to keeping up with industry developments and advancements. Good oral and written communication skills are also generally very important, both for being a good team player and for enabling clear explanations of ideas and concepts to others.
Like metallurgists or metallurgical scientists, metallurgical engineers often use advanced equipment such as X-ray devices, spectrographs, and electron microscopes in their research and development. Generally, this type of professional is asked to keep abreast of all the latest advances in related scientific and technical areas. Your work may be confined to a lab or require travel to remote locations and plants.
training and education
In most cases, jobs in this field require at least an undergraduate degree, usually in materials science, metallurgical engineering, or metallurgy; sometimes degrees in chemistry or engineering more generally will also suffice. Many of the highest positions also require an advanced degree, and many professionals in this field choose to continue their education while working. Employers sometimes pay or contribute to tuition costs to help engineer performance or to increase job-related knowledge.
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