Metallurgist : Job description

Metallurgists are concerned with the physical and chemical behaviour of metals and alloys. They investigate and examine the performance of metals such as iron and steel, as well as non-ferrous metals (those not containing iron) such as aluminium, nickel and copper, amongst others.

Metallurgists may specialise in chemical, physical or process metallurgy and this determines the type of job they do. Chemical metallurgists are involved in the extraction of metals from ores and they study metal corrosion and fatigue. Physical metallurgists monitor the behaviour of metals under stress and study changes in temperature. Process metallurgists shape and join metals and select the best metal for the job.

Work may be in research and development, design and manufacture, production management and quality assurance.

Metallurgists may be at the forefront of new technologies, developing metals for new applications, or involved in the traditional manufacture of anything from razor blades to washing machines.

Typical work activities

Specific work activities are dependant on the area of specialism and may involve the following:

In chemical metallurgy:

• designing and controlling processes to separate metals from ore;
• monitoring and testing for corrosion;
• developing ways to improve metals by making them stronger or more adaptable;
• testing metals to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.

In physical metallurgy:

• Assessing the physical structure and behaviour of metals;
• investigating accidents where it is suspected that the cause may be related to metallurgical failure, such as in air crashes;
• producing reports on research and tests carried out.

In process metallurgy:

• controlling the shaping of metals through casting, rolling, forging and drawing;
• joining of metals through welding and soldering techniques;
• designing metal components and prototypes;

Other tasks which may be carried out across the specialist areas typically involve:

• interpreting and understanding design drawings and making recommendations;
• making manufacturing time-critical decisions;
• monitoring quality standards in manufacturing and finishing;
• taking responsibility for health and safety issues of staff and components in manufacturing;
• doing structural analysis using sophisticated computer software;
• writing documents, manuals, metallurgical investigations, and reports in support of customer liaison;
• discussing different solutions to problems with other technical staff;
• interpreting customers’ manufacturing design requirements and product application;
• installing and commissioning processing equipment;
• researching and developing test or repair technology and new products.