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Materials Engineering Technologist

Materials engineering technologists work in teams. They investigate materials-related problems such as corrosion. They select, apply, and test materials for specific industrial and engineering uses. They also inspect materials for quality control.

Also Known As

Engineering Technologist, Metallurgical Engineering Technologist, Welding Engineering Technologist

NOC Codes

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

  • 2233.1: Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • C133: Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Technologists and Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2233: Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2233: Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22302: Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22302.01: Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

In general, materials engineering technologists test, study, and inspect:

  • Metals, both ferrous (iron-containing) and non-ferrous
  • Non-metallic materials (such as soils, concrete, asphalts, ceramics, plastics, and composites)
  • Fabricating procedures (such as welding, forging, casting, and machining)

They interpret and use codes, standards, and specifications (specs). They perform quality assurance tasks, such as:

  • Mechanical testing of materials, evaluating characteristics such as tensile and compressive strength (i.e. when being stretched or compressed), hardness, and durability to impact or fatigue
  • Metallurgical testing of materials, using metallography, microscopy, photography, and image analysis to assess quality
  • Non-destructive testing of products, using tests such as x-ray and gamma ray radiography, ultrasonic, eddy current, liquid penetrant, and magnetic particle tests to assess internal integrity
  • Studying corrosion-related failures and seeking ways to lessen the effects of corrosion
  • Determining the causes of equipment and machine failures

They may also:

  • Perform corrosion surveys
  • Conduct risk assessments and introduce risk control strategies
  • Maintain and care for testing facilities and equipment
  • Create detailed reports on the findings of materials testing and research
  • Develop and introduce inspection strategies
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Materials engineering technologists use computers to study data collected during testing procedures. They prepare technical reports. They work in offices, labs, and outdoors.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Technologists

2006 NOC: 2233.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
INNOVATIVE

Interest in precision working to develop applications using CAD/CAM (computer-assisted drafting, computer assisted manufacturing) for the control of robots, computer numerical control (CNC) machines and other manufacturing processes and operations; and in developing work study and related programs

METHODICAL

Interest in analyzing information to develop and conduct safety training programs

directive

Interest in supervising to develop and carry out industrial health, safety and fire prevention plans and programs

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Materials engineering technologists need:

  • Mechanical know-how
  • The ability to work on their own when required
  • The ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a technical or engineering team
  • An interest in working with processes and equipment

They should enjoy:

  • Doing precise work with tools, instruments, and equipment
  • Studying test results and finding creative solutions to problems
  • Taking a step-by-step approach to their work
  • Investigating findings to determine what has occurred

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2233

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 114 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 28, 2021 and Dec 02, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Assist in preparing estimates, schedules, specifications and reports
Tasks: Collect and analyze data and samples
Tasks: Collect and compile operational or experimental data
Tasks: Conduct work measurement or other studies
Organized
Tasks: Design plant layouts and production facilities
Tasks: Develop manufacturing and processing procedures
Tasks: Develop and conduct production, inventory and quality assurance programs
Attention to detail
Tasks: Develop computer applications for machines and processes
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

The minimum requirement for materials engineering technologists is a 2-year diploma in a related technology.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

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.

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CET) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need supervision by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in the fields of engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) to:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

Additional Information

Some senior materials engineering technologists hold the Professional Licensee (Engineering) designation. For more information about this designation, visit the certification profile Engineer.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Materials engineering technologists work for:

  • Manufacturing companies that produce materials
  • Equipment manufacturing companies
  • Oil and gas, petrochemical, mining, or power generation companies
  • Engineering and testing companies
  • Government and university materials testing labs
  • The technical sales departments of service and manufacturing companies
  • Quality assurance groups

With time on the job, technologists may become supervisors or managers.

Industry Concentration

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.

Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2233

80.1% 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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
2021 NOC: 22302
Lower
Demand
< 1500
Employed

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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
2016 NOC: 2233
2.2%
Annual Growth
(Below Average)
73
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2022

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.

Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians

2016 NOC: 2233
Average Wage
$46.04
Per Hour
Average Salary
$94,037.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.3
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2233 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $20.00 $51.07 $28.83 $24.04
Overall $23.71 $72.12 $46.04 $48.08
Top $27.50 $115.38 $71.61 $55.29

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Manufacturing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
18%
18%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
29%
29%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca

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.

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