- Energy careers
- Engineers
- Materials and Metallurgical Engineer
Materials and Metallurgical Engineer
NOC #21322
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Average salary $71,000 to $123,000
Career profile
Materials and metallurgical engineers evaluate, study and develop materials and processes to manufacture well pipes, pipelines, pressure vessels and other products for use in operations. They study and analyze the properties and characteristics of metals and other non-metallic materials and apply those results to planning, designing and developing machinery used to transport gases and liquids related to hydrocarbon production and refining.
Key responsibilities for materials and metallurgical engineers include conducting studies on materials to determine failure conditions, designing processes for corrosion prevention, designing welding programs that adhere to regulatory requirements and supervising processes and production staff engaged in these processes.
Metallurgical engineers research and develop new alloys and systems for extracting metal from ores. Materials engineers also research and develop new non-metallic materials with physical characteristics to meet specific requirements. In the oil and natural gas industry, they also provide technical guidance and input to address corrosion concerns, materials choices for repair or replacement of existing piping and vessels and review of welding procedures.
When you start in this occupation activities may include:
- Conducting studies on the properties and characteristics of materials
- Supporting corrosion- or materials-related investigations, failure and analysis and total asset integrity management activities
- Monitoring material performance and evaluating material deterioration
As you advance in this occupation, you may take on additional tasks including:
- Evaluating new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary
- Supervising technologists, technicians and other engineers and scientists
- Supervising production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or non-metallic materials production operations
- Training students or professionals on specialized courses related to materials, metallurgy and corrosion, such as non-destructive examination, inspection, welding, etc.
Education
- A post-secondary degree in metallurgical, materials, ceramic or chemical engineering or in a related engineering discipline is typically required. A master’s or doctorate degree in a related engineering discipline may be preferred by some employers.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Asbestos Safety
- H2S Alive
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Fall protection
- Confined space entry
- Aerial Lift training
- Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)
- Respirator fit testing
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
- Minimal or no travel
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
You’re very hands on, process-oriented and analytical. Starting with a deep understanding of chemistry, math and materials and engineering principals, you excel at your role by applying critical thinking and solid communication to collaborate on solutions with other members of the team.
- Production and processing
- Engineering and technology
- Chemistry
- Systems analysis
- Quality control analysis
- Mechanical
- Judgment and decision making
- Public safety and security
- Complex problem solving
- Operations analysis
