Nature of work
A metallurgical engineer is the one who has the responsibility to design and fabricate new materials. He/she needs to alloy those materials that can add more advantages to the existing ones. The duty includes searching for the huge range of materials such as metals, ceramics, plastics and polymers. He/she also works to get the new and efficient processes of the fabrication of the materials. He/she studies the properties of various materials, finds the means to improve the characteristics of the materials, creates new alloys without the drawbacks posed by existing materials, tests and evaluates efficiency the characteristics and performance of new alloys. Also, he conducts the feasibility studies about new alloys, searches for the formulation of the new methods of extraction of pure metals, works to find the effective cost and efficient methods. In addition to that, he/she prepares the research procedures and details properly, maintains the collaboration with the scientists and other researchers, and implements the safety measures properly for the safety measures and train junior staff. Environment of work
Typical working hours for metallurgists are 37-40 hours per week. In some roles this will be carried out over Sunday to Friday. However, in manufacturing environments, metallurgists may be required to work shifts through a 24-hour shift system. Extra hours may be expected at busy times. Noise, dirt and heat are encountered in some metallurgical environments such as the heavy engineering sector. However, other environments, such as plasma spraying require clean laboratories. He/she often works in multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists and business professionals. Having experience, a metallurgist can work as independent consultants. A metallurgist who works as technical representatives may need to spend time away from home at short notice. Professional life
A metallurgist who remains in industry and wishes to stay in the technical sphere may promote to positions of senior technical management where a high level of technical competence is expected. It is also possible to specialize in a particular area of metallurgy, such as stainless steel, non-ferrous alloys or precious metals, or in a particular industrial sector, such as energy or transport. Opportunities also exist for a metallurgist to advance his/her career in non-technical fields, such as quality assurance, supplier and customer liaison, sales and commercial work, and product and business development. He/she often works in multidisciplinary teams alongside other materials scientists in ceramics, glass and polymers. Opportunities may also exist with employers in these areas. Moving into research roles is also possible and opportunities are existed in industrial firms in private sectors, academic laboratories, contract research laboratories and government laboratories.An experienced metallurgist may work as independent consultants and present his/her services to larger organizations.
Range of typical starting salaries: 45000 SYP.
Getting the job
The basic degree required for the job is a Bachelor’ degree in metallurgical engineering. He/she needs to have a master’s degree in the same field and it is highly essential for good future prospects. Relevant degree subjects which help to secure a position as a metallurgist include: Metallurgy; materials science; chemical engineering and physics, manufacturing engineering; mechanical engineering and applied science.Some posts, such as research positions, may require a relevant Masters or PhD. Relevant pre-entry experience, such as hands-on knowledge of practical techniques, is desirable. Candidates with practical experience and those who demonstrate an understanding of what metallurgy actually involves will attract employers’ attention. In order to develop his/her professional life, a metallurgical engineer should be a member at the Order of Syrian engineers.
Skills
The skills and specifications required for the job of a metallurgical engineer are:- Thorough and deep knowledge of the various materials and their characteristics.
- Grasp regarding extraction and refining procedures of various materials.
- Creativity and innovative skills to do the job.
- Excellent analytical skills with the observation skills to put a keen eye for detail.
- Ability to work for long hours and with the strict given deadlines.
- Patience and the ability to handle all the matters calmly and composedly.
- Typing skills.
Sources and references
If you need any further information on what is included in this file, you can visit the following websites:- The Order of Syrian engineers, Damascus, Tel: 6627256
- www.arab-eng.org, Arab Engineers Forum.
- Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.