METALLURGISTS California Occupational Guide Number 310 Interest Area 2 1995
THE JOB
METALLURGISTS or METALLURGICAL ENGINEERS oversee every stage of the process of turning metallic ore into useful metal products. This process can be roughly divided into ore extraction and manufacturing. Extractive Metallurgists specialize in separating metals from ores. Physical Metallurgists concentrate on refining, alloying, heat treating, and mechanically processing the extracted metal. Foundry Metallurgists help make metal castings.
Extractive Metallurgists focus on quality and cost control. They oversee the inspection and analysis of incoming materials, the extraction process, and the sampling of extracted metals. They may make changes in one or more extractive processes based upon visual inspection as well as chemical analysis. An extractive Metallurgist may also conduct experiments to find new or improved extractive procedures.
There are two basic ways metals can be extracted from ores, and extractive metallurgists are involved in both. Pyrometallurgy involves high-temperature processes such as fire refining, smelting, or roasting. Hydrometallurgy involves low temperature processes such as electrolytic refining or solvent extraction. Smelting is the most widely used extraction process.
Physical Metallurgists make sure metals meet specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion and corrosion. They insure that metals aren't adversely affected by hot forging or cold rolling. They test samples for tolerance under tension, compression and shear. Instruments are used to determine hardness and to analyze crystalline structures. Metallurgists are often asked to determine the cause of metal failures and recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments. They devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions and use scientific instruments to study results.
Refining and alloying extracted metals usually involves working with them in the molten state. In large mills, physical Metallurgists receive molten metal from smelters and further alloy and refine it in oxygen, open-hearth or other kinds of furnaces.
Foundry metallurgists specialize in methods of making castings. They conduct research to develop and improve methods of sand molding, melting, alloying and pouring of metals.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Metallurgists' work stations range from laboratories or offices to the noise, heat, and dusty conditions of smelting furnaces or heat-treat shops. The main physical requirement is good eyesight that can be corrected with glasses or contact lens.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division, shows that the number of Metallurgists will grow more slowly than average through 2005. (Projected growth for all occupations in California is expected to average 24 percent through 2005.)
Estimated number of workers in 1990 1,850 Estimated number of workers in 2005 1,940 Projected Growth 1990-2005 5% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 660
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover)
Despite the fact that metallurgy is among the older engineering sciences, it still offers great potential for research and discovery. Many of the metals in use today were mere laboratory curiosities fifty years ago. Thousands of new alloys remain to be discovered and evaluated.
A relatively new direction in the materials science field is the use of combinations of metal-ceramic, metal-glass and metal-fiber, collectively known as metal composites. However, reduced government funding of space exploration and military projects could curtail research and development of these new materials.
Employment prospects may also be affected by stricter air pollution standards, which may prompt some metal smelters to leave the State. The science of metallurgy is one of the smaller segments of the engineering field. According to college placement officials, graduates in the field of metallurgy usually find ready employment at higher-than-average salaries.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries for Metallurgists vary according to the length of experience and employer. A recent salary survey indicates that the monthly salary for a Metallurgist with no experience ranges from approximately $2,500 to $3,500 per month. Experienced Metallurgists earn approximately $3,000 to $7,500 per month.
Most metallurgists work 40 hours a week. Some production Metallurgists may be required to be on-call.
Fringe benefits usually include paid vacations, holidays, medical and dental insurance, and life insurance and a pension program.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
To many employers, a Ph.D. is desirable. The minimum requirement for most Metallurgists is a B.S. degree in metallurgical engineering or in a science curriculum with a metallurgy major. Mechanical, chemical, and ceramics engineers may also meet the entrance requirements by supplementing their degrees with appropriate courses in metallurgy or mineral science. Those with only a B.S. degree may find that they need to obtain advanced degrees, especially if they prefer a research environment
ADVANCEMENT
The newly employed Metallurgist is likely to find that specialization in one metal, or a small group of closely related metals, is common. They usually receive on-the-job training and may be required to attend classes or seminars sponsored by the American Society of Metallurgists.
As Metallurgists demonstrate their ability and originality, they may advance to more complex work. They may become supervisors of metallurgical departments or head up research and development teams. They also may attain top positions in management. Some become sales representatives or sales engineers for metal manufacturing firms. Others become independent consultants and conduct research, design, and test services for manufacturers. Some teach metallurgy in colleges or universities.
FINDING THE JOB
Metallurgists find employment through networking within their professional associations. Newspaper and trade magazine advertisements may provide job leads, but most beginning jobs are filled through university and college graduate placement services' on-campus recruitment programs. Direct application to larger employers may lead to job opportunities.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The Mineral, Metals, and Material Society 420 Commonwealth Drive Warrendale, PA 15086 (412) 776-9000
ASM International (formerly American Society for Metals) 9639 Kinsman Road Materials Park, OH 44073-0002 (216) 338-5151
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Mechanical Engineers No. 5 Chemical Engineers No. 8 Ceramics Engineers No. 329
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Foundry Metallurgists 011.061-010 Metalluxtrargist, Ective 011.061-018 Metallurgist, Physical 011.061-022
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Metallurgist, Metallurgical, Materials and Ceramic Engineers 221050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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