21322

Metallurgical and materials engineers

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

2 › 21 › 213 › 2132

Definition

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. They are employed in consulting engineering firms, mining, metal processing and manufacturing companies, and in government, research and educational institutions.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
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.

Example job titles

•ceramics engineer
•corrosion engineer
•electrometallurgical engineer
•foundry engineer
•hydrometallurgical engineer
•materials engineer
•metallurgical engineer
•physical metallurgical engineer

Overview

Under the ESDC NOC 2021 classification, Metallurgical and materials engineers (NOC 21322) fall under TEER 1, which represents high-skilled occupations that typically require a university degree. These professionals study the properties and characteristics of metals, alloys, ceramics, semiconductors, plastics, and composites. They design, develop, and specify processes to concentrate, extract, refine, and process these materials to meet technical and industrial standards.

Primary duties in this occupation include conducting physical and chemical analytical studies to evaluate material properties, designing material processing machinery, and investigating material failures. To qualify under this NOC code in Canada, a bachelor's degree in metallurgical, materials, ceramic, chemical, or a related engineering discipline is required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers (P.Eng.) is mandatory to practice as a professional engineer and approve engineering designs.

As a TEER 1 occupation, candidates under NOC 21322 are eligible for economic immigration pathways like the Federal Skilled Worker Program within the Express Entry system, as well as multiple Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) across Canada. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official regulatory guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.