How To Become A Metallurgical Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a metallurgical engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. James Rawlins,

Rick Wise Ph.D.

Metallurgical Engineers are explorers of metal components. Scientifically, they test ores to determine metal recovery and design procedures for effective extraction. Also, they monitor corrosion and fatigue of metals and research strategies to reinforce metals. Furthermore, they test the metal to ensure that it is of acceptable quality. In addition, they keep an eye on the behavior of metals under stress and submit test reports. In technological processes, Metallurgical Engineers develop metal items and supervise their forming procedures, such as casting. They also join metal parts by welding and soldering. By extension, metallurgists look into accidents caused by metallurgical failures.

To stand out professionally, you must be computer software compliant, sound in equipment use and management, and vast in identifying metal characteristics. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are also of significant benefit. A Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Geological Engineering, or related field of study is basic in seeking employment in Engineering Companies. Metallurgical Engineers earn between $94,040 and $132,660 yearly.

What general advice would you give to a metallurgical engineer?

Dr. James Rawlins

Professor, Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi

The career field is ripe for students that want to solve problems and be rewarded for doing so consistently. There is a current shortage of STEM related recent graduates based upon both current retiring positions and future needs. Deloitte estimates that there will be 4.6 million manufacturing jobs to fill between 2018 and 2028. There will be a shortfall of 2.4 million and that will drive opportunities and salaries higher, estimated to be 1.7X average all position salary growth (onetonline.org) for those that have STEM related degrees. Polymer scientists, engineers and plastics engineers are highly sought after and needed.

ScoreMetallurgical EngineerUS Average

Salary

6.5

Avg. Salary $82,916

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.2

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

7.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.34%

Asian 19.22%

Black or African American 2.01%

Hispanic or Latino 7.99%

Unknown 3.48%

White 66.97%

Gender

female 16.19%

male 83.81%

Age - 40

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40

Stress level

5.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a metallurgical engineer

Explore metallurgical engineer education requirements

Most common metallurgical engineer degrees

Bachelor's

75.6 %

Master's

16.9 %

Doctorate

3.4 %

Start to develop specific metallurgical engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Aluminum	7.29%
Failure Analysis	5.97%
Corrective Action	5.42%
Technical Support	4.78%
Continuous Improvement	4.16%

Complete relevant metallurgical engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New metallurgical engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a metallurgical engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real metallurgical engineer resumes.

Research metallurgical engineer duties and responsibilities

Lead several independent, cross-functional projects and improve manufacturing quality, reduce cost, ensure environment are supported and FDA compliant.
Perform maintenance on robots and CNC machines that include programming and touch-ups.
Increase awareness, utilization, and cost reductions associate with FCAW for structural and pipeline applications.
Monitor welding activities, perform visual weld inspections, coordinate vendor NDE services, and initiate required welding documentation.

Prepare your metallurgical engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your metallurgical engineer resume.

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