How to Become a Metallurgist

About Metallurgist

Metallurgists develop different ways of processing metals and converting them into products which are useful for humans. They study the science of metals and also conduct various types of research in their respective field. They primarily work in the iron and steel industrial areas and research laboratories.

Metallurgists are material scientists who specialize in metals such as steel, aluminium, iron, copper etc. They also work with alloys to create other elements to create different types of materials. They are also known as material science engineers or metallurgical engineers. Keep reading to find out more about a career as a Metallurgist.

Responsibilities of a Metallurgist

Check out the key responsibilities of a Metallurgist below:

• To extract and process various metals and alloys.

• To monitor all microscopic samples and determine metal specifications like erosion and structure.

• To curate charts and graphs and chalk-out reports for all investigations.

• To perform tests on fixed equipment and offer support to all inspection and reliability groups.

• To use the study and research of metals to produce a range of useful products and materials with certain properties.

• To perform regular exams, evaluate all reports with the help of a methodological system.

• To coordinate with staff members

• To resolve all the technical problems of the manufacturing unit.

• To provide support for all backup operations and resolve issues on the same.

• To analyze all data and chalk out reports for all results.

Eligibility to become Metallurgist

To become a metallurgist, aspirants must have a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical/ materials engineering. There are various colleges in India which offer a four-year bachelor’s degree (B.Tech) with a specialization that focuses on metallurgical engineering. 

Candidates who are planning to get into academic research will require an M.Sc or Ph.D. degree in the field. Some companies also ask for laboratory/industrial internship experience. To secure a seat in the master’s programme, candidates are required to appear in the GATE examination. GATE scores are also used by Public Sector Units (PSUs) for recruiting individuals for government jobs.

Subject Combination - Science with Maths

Exam - JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, GATE, various state-level engineering entrance exams

Captured below is a glimpse of the eligibility criteria to become a Metallurgist:

Types of Job Roles Metallurgist

After completing a formal education in the respective field, there are various metallurgist job profiles one can pursue as per their career interest. Some of them are listed below:

Process Metallurgist: They design metal parts and control the processes through which they are shaped such as casting. They also weld and solder metal parts together.

Metallurgical Engineer: Metallurgical engineers develop ways of processing metals and converting them into useful products. Their job role is very similar to that of metallurgical scientists.

Chemical Metallurgist: Their job role is to test ores to determine the recoverability of metals from them, and design processes to recover them efficiently. They also monitor metal corrosion and fatigue and develop ways to strengthen metals.

Physical Metallurgist: They monitor the behavior of metals under stress, and write reports on test results and do research on the same. They also investigate accidents potentially caused by metallurgical failure.

 Top Employment Opportunities for Metallurgists

The metallurgical field is extremely diverse and there are numerous employment opportunities available for metallurgists in every industry and enterprise that is into production, buying, selling or manufacturing of metals or metallic products. Metallurgists are also found in the R&D department of various industries and factory units. There is a great demand for metallurgy professionals in industries as the world today cannot function without the plentiful supply of metal and alloys. This is one of the reason that metallurgists command good salaries. Apart from this, they can find for relevant employment opportunities in Public Sector Units (PSUs).

Top Recruiting Companies for Metallurgists

Check out the top recruiting companies for metallurgists here:

• BHEL
• Indian Oil Corporation
• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
• NTPC
• Hindustan Copper Limited
• Hindalco Industries Limited
• Jindal Steel
• Cable Corporation of India
• Finolex Cables Limited

Pay Scale/Salary of Metallurgist

The salary offered to metallurgists varies from industry to industry. The metallurgists working with the aerospace industry earn more as compared to other industries. The annual salary for metallurgists at the start of their career is between Rs. 4,00,000 to Rs. 7,00,000 (per annum), while those who have adequate professional experience can earn between Rs. 7,00,000 to Rs. 10,00,000 per annum. Metallurgists who reach a senior level and have obtained a good status in the respective field can earn more than Rs. 15,00,000 per annum.

Books & Study Material to Become Metallurgist

To secure a seat in one of the top engineering colleges in India for metallurgical/ material engineering, it is very important to be well prepared for the engineering entrance exams. These engineering exams are a gateway to all the top engineering colleges in India. The successful preparation for any entrance exam comprises of some important elements such as the right study material, test papers, planning, execution and hard work. Some of the best books and study materials for candidates planning to pursue material science and metallurgical engineering are as follows:

• Principles of Materials Science & Engineering, by W. F. Smith
• Engineering Metallurgy by R.A. Higgins
• Mechanical Metallurgy by G.E. Dieter
•  Solid State Physics, by Ashcroft & Mermin
• Deformation and Fracture Mechanics of Engineering Materials, by R.W. Hertzberg

Candidates who are planning to pursue a masters programme in the field are required to appear in the GATE examination. Some of the popular books for the preparation of GATE exam are as follows:

• Material Science and Engineering: An Introduction by William. D Callister
• Mechanical Metallurgy by George E. Dieter
• Objective Type Questions & Answer in Metallurgical Engineering by O.P. Gupta

Pros of becoming a Metallurgist

• Metallurgists working in the PSU’s and MNCs are paid great salary packages along with other perks.
• It is one of the most diverse, vast and interdisciplinary fields.
• You get to meet people from all walks of life and it is always a continual learning experience.
• One of the most amazing things about being a metallurgist is that you are involved in the creation of almost everything. From eyeglasses to cars to aeroplanes, your contribution can be seen in almost everything.

Cons of becoming a Metallurgist

• There is a wide possibility that as there is continual learning and discovery in the field of materials, there is no way to ever be an expert or to know everything.
• One of the other disadvantages of the field is that it is not as recognised as other engineering fields or jobs.