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Corrosion Engineer, Engineering Professional, Metallurgical Engineer, Plastics Engineer, Welding Engineer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
In general, materials engineers:
Materials engineers can be grouped into three areas.
Extractive metallurgical engineers obtain pure metals from ores through various processes.
Physical metallurgical materials engineers study the nature, structure, and properties of metals and their alloys. They study how metals respond to applied forces and heat treatment.
Materials selection engineers study how metals, plastics, ceramics, or other materials work. They use these materials in different ways. They consider technical and economic factors. They also study what causes materials to fail.
Materials engineers may work in offices, plants, labs, field sites, or a mix of these settings. Senior engineers may spend more time in an office setting. They often work as managers.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to design, develop and specify the processes for moulding, shaping, forming and thermal treatment of metals, alloys and metallic systems ceramics, semiconductors and other materials
Interest in precision working to conduct chemical and physical analytical studies, failure analyses and other studies and operational testing
Interest in supervising technologists, technicians, other engineers and scientists; and in recommending material selection, design of materials, corrosion-control measures, operational testing and other procedures
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Materials engineers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 10 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 05, 2021 and Nov 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) by a provincial or territorial association | 6 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Design, develop and specify processes for moulding, forming and thermal treatment of metals, alloys, ceramics and other materials | 6 |
| Tasks: Read blueprints and drawings | 6 |
| Tasks: Conduct chemical and physical analytical studies, failure analyses and operational testing, and recommend materials and corrosion control measures | 6 |
| Operations or production | 6 |
| Quality assurance or control | 6 |
| Specification or technical writing | 6 |
| Tasks: Conduct studies on the properties of materials and characteristics of materials | 5 |
| Research and development | 5 |
| Experience: 2 years to less than 3 years | 5 |
To work as a materials engineer, a person must have at least a bachelor’s degree. This should relate to engineering of materials, metals (metallurgical), or welding. It could also be a B.Sc. in materials science. Research positions generally require graduate (master’s or doctoral) degrees.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor, and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes, and structures.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Engineering and Geoscience Professions General Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering.
You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Engineer.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Materials engineers work for:
In Alberta, materials engineers also work for:
Materials engineers who have worked in production may move into sales. They may also move into positions that deal with customer complaints.
More and more materials engineers work for consulting firms or in research and development. They resolve a wide range of problems. For instance, they may explore the way molten metal interacts with brick furnace linings. Or they may research the failure of thin-film circuit elements in microelectronic components. With time on the job, they may advance to work as managers.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Metallurgical and materials engineers
2016 NOC: 2142
80.3% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Materials engineers are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 2142: Metallurgical and materials engineers.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Metallurgical and materials engineers occupational group earned on average from $42.96 to $74.43 an hour. The overall average was $56.21 an hour. For more information, see the Metallurgical and materials engineers wage profile.
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) website: www.cim.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
