The quality of the metals used in components is as important as the process of manufacturing itself... Metallurgists understand the fundamental science of minerals and metals, working with engineers in the manufacture of metal products.

As a Metallurgist in a manufacturing plant, you would be responsible for testing the quality and composition of the metals used at the various stages of manufacturing processes.

You will conduct studies of metals and alloys before and during processing to determine their properties, supervise the sampling from various stages of processing for laboratory analysis, and examine metal processing techniques to ensure that quality is maintained.

You could also investigate whether methods being used are the most cost effective, environmentally acceptable, and efficient. You would then work out adjustments in temperature, raw material mixtures and other processing variables in order to improve methods and processes.

The skills you learn in Metallurgy could also see you moving across to work in Light Metals, Heavy Equipment, Aerospace, Automotive or even the Fine Trades.