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Metallurgists

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.