Nestorbot
Science & ResearchISCO 2146

Metallurgist

A metallurgist is a person who specialises in the extraction and processing of metals such as iron, steel, zinc, copper and aluminium, and who works to form or join both pure metals and alloys into new shapes and with new properties.

Take the free testCheck yourself in a minute ↓AI risk: 60/100 (high risk)

Check yourself in a minute: metallurgist

Rate 5 of the 17 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

conduct metallurgical structural analysis

join metals

manipulate metal

prepare scientific reports

shape metal over anvils

About metallurgist

The metallurgist carries out metallurgical structural analysis, which establishes the grain structure, the phases and the defects inside a metal, and from that explains why a part failed, why a weld cracked or why a batch came out harder than the last one. The metallurgist knows metal types, precious metal alloys and non-ferrous metal processing.

The metallurgist works on the extraction of metal ores and develops how those metals are used in metal processing technology.

The metallurgist also knows metal manufacturing processes, carries out metalwork and joins metals, carrying properties established in a laboratory over into production at a plant. Metallurgists work in production and in research, and a problem seen on a production line can become a subject of laboratory research. Educational requirements are set by the employer.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (17)

non-ferrous metal processingnon-ferrous metal processingVarious processing methods on non-ferrous metals and alloys such as copper, zinc and aluminium.precious metalsprecious metalsTypes of rare metal that occur naturally and have a high economic value.metal and metal ore productsmetal and metal ore productsThe offered metal and metal ore products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.alloys of precious metalsalloys of precious metalsTypes of material that consist of two or more metals or non-metals.ferrous metal processingferrous metal processingVarious processing methods on iron and iron-containing alloys such as steel, stainless steel and pig iron.metal forming technologiesmetal forming technologiesThe variety of technologies and techniques, such as forging, pressing, stamping, rolling and others, used for the forming processes of metal product manufacturing.types of metaltypes of metalQualities, specifications, applications and reactions to different fabricating processes of various types of metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, copper and others.types of metal manufacturing processestypes of metal manufacturing processesMetal processes linked to the different types of metal, such as casting processes, heat treatment processes, repair processes and other metal manufacturing processes.precious metal processingprecious metal processingVarious processing methods on precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum.conduct metallurgical structural analysisconduct metallurgical structural analysisPerform detailed analysis related to researching and testing new metal products.join metalsjoin metalsJoin together pieces of metal using soldering and welding materials.manipulate metalmanipulate metalManipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.work in metal manufacture teamswork in metal manufacture teamsAbility to work confidently within a metal manufacturing group with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.prepare scientific reportsprepare scientific reportsPrepare reports that describe results and processes of scientific or technical research, or assess its progress. These reports help researchers to keep up to date with recent findings.shape metal over anvilsshape metal over anvilsForge pieces of metal over an anvil using the appropriate hand tools and heating equipment.assess suitability of metal types for specific applicationassess suitability of metal types for specific applicationAssess the physical nature and structural composition of various metals and alloys, and analyse how the materials behave in different circumstances.perform metal workperform metal workWork with metal and iron materials in order to assemble individual pieces or structures.
Optional (31) — show
chemical technologies in metal manufacturechemical technologies in metal manufactureThe chemical procedures and technologies used in basic metal production.innovation processesinnovation processesThe techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation.design drawingsdesign drawingsThe drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.chemical processeschemical processesThe relevant chemical processes used in manufacture, such as purification, seperation, emulgation and dispergation processing.manufacturing of jewellerymanufacturing of jewelleryThe manufacturing of different type of jewellery such as rings or necklaces out of various metal types such as silver, gold, diamond and other precious stones.ensure compliance with environmental legislationensure compliance with environmental legislationMonitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation....design metal componentsdesign metal componentsDesign metal components in response to a need. Provide support by writing documents, manuals, metallurgical investigations, and reports in support of customer liaison.provide technical documentationprovide technical documentationPrepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.process incident reports for preventionprocess incident reports for preventionVerify incident information, complete reporting requirements and report to management and relevant site personnel, in order to enable follow-up and future prevention.troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.interpret extraction datainterpret extraction dataProcess and interpret extraction data and send feedback to the development teams. Apply learnings to concrete operational activities.monitor manufacturing quality standardsmonitor manufacturing quality standardsMonitor quality standards in manufacturing and finishing process.ensure public safety and securityensure public safety and securityImplement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.extract materials from furnaceextract materials from furnaceRemove materials from the furnace using a crane, a conveyor, by tilting the furnace, or using other methods.prepare extraction proposalsprepare extraction proposalsPrepare detailed extraction proposals by putting together subsurface information about extraction site and agreement of partners involved.ensure health and safety in manufacturingensure health and safety in manufacturingEnsure health and safety of personnel during manufacturing process.make time-critical decisionsmake time-critical decisionsPursue optimal time-critical decision making within the organisation.extract products from mouldsextract products from mouldsRemove finished products from moulds and examine them in detail for anomalies.liaise with quality assuranceliaise with quality assuranceWork closely with the relevant quality assurance or grading party involved.monitor extraction logging operationsmonitor extraction logging operationsMonitor logging operations and oversee formation testing and sampling operations. Analyse and interpret results.perform sample testingperform sample testingExamine and perform tests on prepared samples; avoid any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination during the testing phase. Operate sampling equipment in line with design parameters.address problems criticallyaddress problems criticallyIdentify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and a...install monitors for process controlinstall monitors for process controlPlan and deploy a system of monitors for controlling specific processes in an organisation or a system.prepare samples for testingprepare samples for testingTake and prepare samples for testing, verify their representability; avoid bias and any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination. Provide clear numbering, labelling and recording of the s...separate metals from oresseparate metals from oresApply various chemical and physical methods to separate minerals from their ores such as magnetic, electric or chemical methods.develop new installationsdevelop new installationsDesign and develop new facilities and installations, conduct feasibility studies.fabricate metal partsfabricate metal partsFabricate metal parts, using equipment such as drill presses and engine lathes.test raw mineralstest raw mineralsTake samples of mineral materials for testing purposes. Execute various chemical and physical tests on the materials.apply health and safety standardsapply health and safety standardsAdhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.conduct chemical testing on basic metalsconduct chemical testing on basic metalsPerform examinations and tests on all kinds of metals in order to ensure high quality and chemical resistance.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

chemical metallurgist14 shared essential skillsprocess metallurgist13 shared essential skillscoppersmith6 shared essential skillsmetallurgical technician6 shared essential skillscasting machine operator4 shared essential skillsfitter and turner4 shared essential skillsblacksmith3 shared essential skillsgeochemist3 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a metallurgist do?

Metallurgists specialise in the extraction and processing of metals such as iron, steel, zinc, copper and aluminium. They work to mold or combine both pure and mixed metals (alloys) into new shapes and properties. Metallurgists handle the extraction of metal ores and develop their use in metal processing techniques. They may work in both manufacturing or do scientific research about the performance of metals.

What skills does a metallurgist need?

A metallurgist needs 17 essential skills, including non-ferrous metal processing, precious metals, metal and metal ore products, alloys of precious metals, ferrous metal processing.

Will AI replace metallurgist jobs?

The AI disruption score for metallurgist is 60/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: provide technical documentation, interpret extraction data, process incident reports for prevention. Most resilient: manipulate metal, shape metal over anvils, perform metal work.

AI Replacement Risk

60/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk

This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.

Check your own AI risk
View full AI disruption analysis →

Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills17

Is metallurgist right for you?

Take the free 10-minute Career Portrait to see which career direction fits your motivations and strengths.

Take the free test