Materials and Metallurgical Engineer

Job Overview

Job Category

Engineers

Sectors

Education

Environment

Office only

About This Career

You have the know how to transform materials to meet different needs. Lord Kelvin once said, the greatest advances in the world are due to the desire to turn knowledge of the properties of matter into some purpose useful to mankind. In the oil and gas industry, Materials and Metallurgical Engineers can do exactly that. They evaluate, study and develop materials and processes to manufacture well pipes, pipelines, pressure vessels and other products for use in operations. If you’re made of this stuff, this niche engineering discipline could be for you.

Materials and Metallurgical Engineers conduct studies and analyze the properties and characteristics of metals and other non-metallic materials. They plan, design and develop machinery used to transport gases and liquids related to hydrocarbon production and refining. Their key duties 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 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.

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.