Process metallurgist
Also known as: process metallurgy research analyst, process metallurgy research scientist, process metallurgy researcher, process metallurgy analyst, process metallurgy consultant, steel industry experts
About this occupation
Process metallurgists study the characteristics of ores including copper, nickel and iron ores and the performance of various metals and alloys.
A specialisation of metallurgist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- work in metal manufacture teams
- types of metal manufacturing processes
- non-ferrous metal processing
- metal and metal ore products
- ferrous metal processing
- ensure health and safety in manufacturing
- alloys of precious metals
- assess suitability of metal types for specific application
- troubleshoot
- types of metal
- address problems critically
- ensure compliance with environmental legislation
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Materials Scientists (O*NET 19-2032.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
- Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
- Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
- Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.
- Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
- Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Science, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Writing
US median pay: US$117,790 a year (2025), 8,470 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryExtremely important (4.6)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (4.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.3)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.6)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Materials Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Microsystems Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Chemists
- Photonics Technicians
- Electrical Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.