Metallurgical Engineer Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of a Metallurgical Engineer includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Design and control processes to separate metals from ore
  • Monitor and test for corrosion
  • Develop ways to improve metals by making them stronger or more adaptable
  • Test metals to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.
  • Assess the physical structure and behaviour of metals
  • Investigate accidents where it is suspected that the cause may be related to metallurgical failure, such as in air crashes
  • Produce reports on research and tests carried out.
  • Control the shaping of metals through casting, rolling, forging and drawing
  • Join metals using welding and soldering techniques
  • Design metal components and prototypes.
  • Interpret and understand design drawings and make recommendations
  • Make manufacturing time-critical decisions
  • Monitor quality standards in manufacturing and finishing
  • Take responsibility for health and safety issues of staff and components in manufacturing
  • Carry out structural analysis using sophisticated computer software
  • Write documents, manuals, metallurgical investigations, and reports in support of customer liaison
  • Discuss different solutions to problems with other technical staff
  • Interpret customers' manufacturing design requirements and product application
  • Install and commission processing equipment
  • Research and develop test or repair technology and new products.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Metallurgical Engineer duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Metallurgical Engineer roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.