Metallurgist

Introduction

Metallurgists study metals, including their structure, production and uses. They may extract metals from ores, or recycle metals from obsolete products. Metallurgists research the causes and prevention of corrosion and metal fatigue. They may work in mining, metal industries, civil engineering and manufacturing.

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Work Activities

Metallurgists are experts on the structure, production and use of metals including steel, iron, nickel and aluminium. They may specialise in chemical, physical or process metallurgy. They design and produce both large structures such as aircraft and smaller metal parts and products.

Chemical metallurgists extract metals from ore. They may also recycle scrap metal from obsolete products. For example, 40% of the UK's steel is recycled from domestic and industrial products. Each year, seven million tonnes of steel scrap is used, including steel from millions of cars and more than one billion cans.

Physical metallurgists test the reaction of metals to different conditions, including temperature and stress. In many industries, high performance metals are vital; metals used in the aircraft industry must be strong, light and reliable. Metallurgists test metals for corrosion, and signs of weakness caused by the cumulative effects of stress (metal fatigue). A metal may be subjected to very high temperatures, and X-rays used to see if the metal has altered internally.

Process metallurgists control shaping methods like casting, and joining processes, like welding and soldering.

The metal industries use complex technology. In manufacturing, computers monitor production, identify faults and produce test results. Metallurgists can use lasers to cut through metals. They also work with computers to make models of the structure of metals and the processes that affect them.

Metallurgists play an important role in research and development, helping metal industries to meet customers' demands. For example, 70% of the steels used in cars did not exist ten years ago. Metallurgists have developed the new steels to provide the car industry with lighter and stronger materials.

Metallurgists may work with customers and advise sales and marketing teams. They might travel to meet clients abroad.

Metallurgists often work in teams with engineers, chemists and material scientists.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Metallurgists need ability in physics and chemistry and an interest in manufacturing and processing. They also need number and statistical skills to analyse experiments.

You will need an investigative mind, and a methodical approach to experiments. Research metallurgists must be willing to learn and develop new knowledge, and keep up-to-date with technological advances throughout the world.

Metallurgists should be prepared to spend time in hot, noisy conditions, and must understand and keep to health and safety procedures. You must be able to use complex equipment and techniques, including computers and lasers.

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, some substances may cause irritation.

Metallurgists work closely with sales and marketing departments, so you will need good team skills, and an understanding of the market that uses your metal or product. Because aerospace and automobile companies compete globally, metallurgists may travel abroad to advise international clients; language skills may give you an advantage.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries vary widely between companies and regions. Generally, they tend to follow those for engineering.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Salaries for metallurgists are in the range of £20,000 - £25,000 a year, rising to £30,000 - £42,000. Higher earners can make around £55,000 - £60,000 a year.

Metallurgists usually work a 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. Occasional late finishes may be required, and shift work is common in production work.

Most metallurgists work in industry, in research and development or in quality control and production.

Employers are producers of metals, plastics, polymers, synthetic rubbers, natural and man-made fibres, ceramics and glass. Other employers are firms that use materials such as engineering industries, telecommunications, gas, electricity, chemical, oil and nuclear power companies.

Research opportunities are in private industry, in university laboratories, industrial research associations, contract research laboratories and government laboratories, such as the Defence Evaluation Research Agency (DERA), the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the Building Research Establishment.

There are also opportunities to work in other countries. Companies based in mainland Europe recruit British graduates.

Some work as self-employed consultants.

There is an increasing demand for metallurgists.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed skills by working as technicians in the metal industries. Others have gained skills through industrial work placements. If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Science) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

Funding for the study of materials science/metallurgy is available from the Worshipful Company of Founders.

Funding for postgraduate study and research is available through universities from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

• 15% of people in occupations such as metallurgy are self-employed.
• 5% work part-time.
• 17% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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