Metallurgical Engineer

Metallurgical Engineer extract the desired metal from ores that have been dug up. They employ smelting, electrolysis, and distillation to process the ores. After extraction, ores are refined, purified and adapted for manufacture. Some metallurgical engineers concern themselves solely with processing the metals to determine such properties as strength, hardness or stiffness.

Tasks

• Apply physical and chemical methods to separate valuable minerals from their ores;
• Conduct studies of metals and alloys before and during processing to determine their properties;
• Supervise sampling from various stages of processing for laboratory analysis and testing;
• Examine metal processing techniques to make sure that quality is maintained and to improve processing or develop new methods;
• Investigate whether methods being used are the cheapest, most efficient and environmentally acceptable;
• Work out temperature adjustments, raw material mixtures and other processing variables to make metals;
• Supervise and coordinate the work of technicians and other workers;
• Advise operators on production methods and quality control systems;
• Investigate failure of components to identify the cause;
• Prepare technical reports.

Basic Educational Requirement

A five-year BS in Metallurgical Engineering is the minimum educational requirement for a career in this field. Practice of profession requires a license from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) which conducts board examinations for professionals.

Skills and Competencies

• A good grasp of mathematics. chemistry and physics;
• Able to communicate well orally, in writing and graphically;
• Able to identify, analyze and solve problems;
• Practical and creative;
• Willing to adhere to the safety requirements of the operation;
• Able to think and act decisively.

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

• Above -average physical stamina is required for field work;
• Enjoy technical and engineering work;
• Able to work without supervision;
• Able to accept responsibility.

Salary/Compensation

Locally, metallurgical engineers in the government service usually receive a monthly salary of P21,000- P 25,000 while those working in multi-national mining firms receive around P45,000 to P60,000 a month. Those working abroad get a monthly salary of $4,333 up to $8,000.

Prospects for Career Advancement

A metallurgical engineer in with experience, additional training, and demonstrated ability to handle more responsibility are assigned more difficult projects with greater independence. They may then get to solve problems and make decisions.

They may become technical specialists, or may supervise a staff or team of engineers and technicians. Some may eventually become managers.

Employment Opportunities

Metallurgical engineers may find employment in firms concerned with the manufacture and working of metals like foundries, producers of tinplate, iron and steel,, and those who refine materials to turn them into jewelry or scientific instruments. Some industrial firms may have research laboratories which run routine metallurgical testing and analysis. Here in the Philippines, there are only about 300 registered metallurgical engineers. They work in mining companies, steel companies, semi-conductor companies, automobile manufacturing companies and many other firms under the metals engineering sector of the industry.

Some work in research and development institutes of the government like the Industrial Technology Development Institute, the Metals Industry Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology, and the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau.

Cost of Education *

The cost of a five-year bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering ranges from P 160,000 to P 220,000. There are only three universities here in the Philippines that offer a Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgical Engineering and these are MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology (Iligan City); Mapua Institute of Technology (Manila) and UP Diliman (Quezon City).

* Based on tuition fee rates for school year 2007 - 2008

Source: Bureau of Local Employment, Manila, Philippines.