Metallurgical and materials engineers
Metallurgical and materials engineers conduct studies of the properties and characteristics of metals and other non-metallic materials and plan, design and develop machinery and processes to concentrate, extract, refine and process metals, alloys and other materials such as ceramics, semiconductors and composite materials.
Moderate
Market Demand
TEER 1
Skill Level
ON, AB, QC
Top Provinces
What They Do
- Conduct studies and design, develop and specify the processes, and machinery to concentrate, extract, refine and process metals from ores
- Conduct studies on the properties and characteristics of materials and design, develop and specify processes for moulding, shaping, forming and thermal treatment of metals, alloys and metallic systems, ceramics, semiconducting and other materials
- Conduct chemical and physical analytical studies, failure analyses and other studies and recommend material selection, design of materials, corrosion control measures, operational testing and other procedures
- Coordinate production testing and control of metal refining, smelting or foundry operations or non-metallic materials production operations
- Supervise technologists, technicians and other engineers and scientists.
Qualifications
- checkA bachelor's degree in metallurgical, materials, ceramic or chemical engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
- checkA master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
- checkLicensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
- checkEngineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Market Outlook by Province
Ontario
The employment outlook will be Moderate for metallurgical and materials engineers (NOC 21322) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.What Types of Employers Are Out There? Manufacturers, mainly in iron and steel mills and transportation equipment production Engineering and related services Metal ore mining What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment? Demand for engineering consulting services and the need for more complex and composite materials to support a range of activities and environmental sustainability However, during the forecast period, employment prospects may be constrained by weak business conditions in manufacturing, including automotive and steel production due to economic uncertaintyWhat Skills Do I Need to Succeed? Generally, ‘engineering’ is a regulated occupation in Ontario. Individuals must be licensed by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) to practise ‘professional’ engineering in the provinceAn unlicensed engineering graduate can carry out work in the occupation; however, a licensed engineer must take responsibility and sign off on the work.Here are some key facts about metallurgical and materials engineers in Ontario: Approximately 1,000 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Metallurgical and materials engineers mainly work in the following sectors: Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 28%Motor vehicle, body, trailer and parts manufacturing (NAICS 3361-3363): 13%Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 10%Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 7% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 91% compared to 81% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 9% compared to 19% for all occupations83% of metallurgical and materials engineers work all year, while 17% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.12% of metallurgical and materials engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 83% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 17% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 45% compared to 24% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 46% compared to 13% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
Alberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for metallurgical and materials engineers (NOC 21322) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about metallurgical and materials engineers in Alberta: Approximately 600 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Metallurgical and materials engineers mainly work in the following sectors: Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 44%Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 15%Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 6% 79% of metallurgical and materials engineers work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.15% of metallurgical and materials engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 80% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 20% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 49% compared to 21% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 44% compared to 9% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
Quebec
The employment outlook will be Moderate for metallurgical and materials engineers (NOC 21322) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about metallurgical and materials engineers in Quebec: Approximately 600 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Metallurgical and materials engineers mainly work in the following sectors: Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 26%Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 24%Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 18% 75% of metallurgical and materials engineers work all year, while 25% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.7% of metallurgical and materials engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 81% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 19% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a bachelor's degree: 54% compared to 17% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 42% compared to 11% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
Immigration Pathways
TEER 1 occupations typically require a university degree and qualify for Express Entry. These are high-priority for STEM and healthcare category draws.
Express Entry (FSW)
Provincial Nominee Programs
Category-Based Draws
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 21322 openings right now.
SGS
1 active role · Lakefield, ON
Mangrove Lithium
1 active role · Delta, BC
Industrial Electric Manufacturing
1 active role · Surrey, BC
Intertek
1 active role · Kamloops, BC
WSP
1 active role · Etobicoke, ON
Dhilmarele
1 active role · Rouyn-Noranda, QC
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Search Metallurgical and materials engineersarrow_forwardCore Competencies
Critical Thinking, Decision Making and Problem Solving
to coordinate production, testing and control of metal refining, smelting and foundry operations and non-metallic materials production
Product Design
to conduct studies on the design, development and specifications of processes and machinery used to concentrate, extract, refine and process metals from ores
Categorization Flexibility and Information Ordering
to categorize and reclassify materials based on various criteria to adapt methods, improve processes and facilitate innovation
Deductive Reasoning
to analyze data, identify patterns and draw logical conclusions about material properties and processes
Attention to Detail
to identify small variations in material composition or processing parameters to ensure the accuracy and quality of work
Knowledge in Geological Resources
to understand geological terms and processes for moulding, shaping and forming metals, alloys and non-metallic materials to design, develop, or innovate processing systems
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