Metallurgist
Tasks & duties
Metallurgists may do some or all of the following:
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study the properties of metals and other materials
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develop and improve existing materials
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develop new combinations of metals (alloy development) and create products that combine metals with other materials
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develop techniques to repair metal damage
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advise engineers and manufacturers on industrial processes that use metals and the correct selection of metals for specific uses
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check the quality of metals or other materials used in new products
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inspect metallic materials and equipment for quality/weakness and advise on failure prevention, improvement, repairs and replacement
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investigate what has caused metallic materials or equipment to break or fail in any given situation
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take photos of test samples
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analyse test samples
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write reports on investigation results
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act as independent experts for loss adjusters and insurance companies
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write evidence briefs for litigation cases and appear as an expert witness in court
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supervise or mentor other metallurgists
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speak at conferences
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analyse other materials such as paints and chemicals, and make recommendations on their production, use and improvement
Skills & knowledge
Metallurgists need to have:
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knowledge of metals, plastics, paints, ceramics and other materials
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knowledge of the various ways of examining metals and materials
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research skills
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skill in analysing and interpreting research results and other information
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practical skills for performing experiments and operating scientific equipment
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problem-solving skills
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planning and organisational skills
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communication skills
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writing skills, for writing reports and for publications
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maths and computer skills
Entry requirements
To become a metallurgist you need to have a Bachelors degree in engineering, technology or science with a strong emphasis on metallurgy (materials science).
Secondary education
A tertiary entrance qualification is required to study engineering with a metallurgical component. Useful subjects include physics, chemistry and maths with statistics and/or calculus.
Training on the job
Metallurgy experience and skills are gained on the job. Generally, metallurgists in New Zealand work in small companies and gain the knowledge they need through work experience. Large companies may provide specialised training programmes.
Metallurgists must keep up to date with developments in the industry through reading and attending seminars, courses and conferences. The Internet and sharing knowledge with other colleagues are also important sources of information.
Useful experience
Useful experience includes mechanical engineering or any experience working in a laboratory. For people wanting to work as a mine metallurgist, any work in the mining industry is useful.
Related courses
Chemical Engineering
Inorganic Chemistry
Materials Engineering
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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