Metallurgical and materials engineers study the materials that things are made of, how they are made, and how they can be made better. They work with metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and other substances.

Metallurgical and materials engineers study the molecular and atomic properties and structures of metals and non-metallic materials. They conduct studies to monitor how materials perform under various conditions, evaluate how they deteriorate and analyze how they fail. They then take this information and design, develop and specify processes for moulding, shaping, forming and thermal treatment of these metals and materials. Metallurgical and materials engineers will also use these findings to make recommendations for material selection for certain products, design of materials, corrosion control measures, operational testing, and other procedures. They will also study and make recommendations for the design and construction of the equipment and machinery that refine metals or manufacture products.