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Metallurgical Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ATI

Engineer II, Technology (Metallurgy)

Irvine, CA · On-site

Essential Functions: * Assist in providing technical input and metallurgical guidance with proper evaluation by applying fundamentals of materials science and engineering to the Technology ...

ATI

Engineer II, Technology (Metallurgy)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$6.9K - $11K/mo

Essential Functions: * Assist in providing technical input and metallurgical guidance with proper evaluation by applying fundamentals of materials science and engineering to the Technology ...

ATI

Engineer II, Technology (Metallurgy)

Irvine, CA

The Metallurgical Engineeris responsible fordeveloping materials application,forgedproductand manufacturing related technologies using fundamentals of engineering foundations and material science. A ...

ATI

Engineer II, Technology (Metallurgy)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$6.9K - $11K/mo

The Metallurgical Engineeris responsible fordeveloping materials application,forgedproductand manufacturing related technologies using fundamentals of engineering foundations and material science. A ...

United Airlines

Metallurgy Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Metallurgical and Material Science with one or more other technical degrees in related fields (Mechanical/Aerospace/Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, etc.) * Prior airline experience a plus * Airline ...

United Airlines

Metallurgy Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$83.50 - $109/hr

Metallurgical and Material Science with one or more other technical degrees in related fields (Mechanical/Aerospace/Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, etc.) * Prior airline experience a plus * Airline ...

Western Mesquite Mines

Metallurgist

Brawley, CA · On-site

$102K - $117K/yr

Bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering with 1-5 years of metallurgical experience in a production minerals laboratory. (Strongly preferred: experience with heap leaching and gold recovery ...

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Metallurgical Engineering information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$92.8K

$143.6K

How much do metallurgical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for metallurgical engineering in California is $92,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is metallurgical engineering?

Metallurgical engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the study of metals, their properties, and the processes used to extract, refine, and manufacture products from them. Metallurgical engineers work with both pure metals and alloys to improve their performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness in various applications. They are involved in processes such as mining, metal extraction, alloy development, heat treatment, and quality control. This field plays a crucial role in industries like automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a metallurgical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Metallurgical Engineer, you need strong knowledge of materials science, metallurgy principles, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, metallurgical software (such as Thermo-Calc or JMatPro), and safety protocols is typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with teams and ensuring product quality. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative materials, improving manufacturing processes, and ensuring the performance and safety of engineered products.

What are some typical challenges metallurgical engineers face when working on large-scale projects?

Metallurgical engineers on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as ensuring material quality meets rigorous standards, troubleshooting unexpected material failures, and coordinating across multidisciplinary teams. They must adapt to evolving project specifications and timelines, all while maintaining safety and cost-effectiveness. Effective communication with engineers, suppliers, and quality assurance teams is vital to address these challenges and ensure project success.

What is the difference between Metallurgical Engineering vs Materials Science Engineering?

AspectMetallurgical EngineeringMaterials Science Engineering
FocusExtraction, processing, and properties of metals and alloysDesign, development, and analysis of all types of materials including polymers, ceramics, and composites
Work EnvironmentMining sites, metal production plants, research labsResearch labs, manufacturing, product development
CredentialsBachelor's in Metallurgical or Materials Engineering, certifications in metallurgyBachelor's in Materials Science or Engineering, certifications in materials testing

Metallurgical Engineering primarily focuses on metals and their processing, while Materials Science Engineering covers a broader range of materials including polymers and ceramics. Both fields share similar credentials and work environments, but their applications and specializations differ.

Is a metallurgical engineer a good career?

A metallurgical engineer is a skilled professional who specializes in extracting, processing, and analyzing metals and alloys. The field offers opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, mining, and materials development, often requiring knowledge of materials science, laboratory skills, and safety protocols. Job prospects depend on industry demand and geographic location, with a typical work environment involving technical problem-solving and project management.

What jobs can a metallurgical engineer do?

A metallurgical engineer can work in roles such as materials scientist, process engineer, quality control engineer, or research and development specialist. They often work in industries like mining, manufacturing, aerospace, and energy, utilizing skills in materials analysis, testing, and process optimization.

What are popular job titles related to Metallurgical Engineering jobs in California?

For Metallurgical Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Metallurgical Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Metallurgical Engineering jobs in California are:

Metallurgical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metallurgical Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,798 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Metallurgical Engineering Intern

Solcoa Industries

Alameda, CA • On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Making the Metals Powering the World
Solcoa is building the next generation of American metalmaking, starting with rare earths - the metals of power and motion. We've developed a new chemistry that converts rare earth oxides into high-purity metals - the materials inside every EV, fighter jet, wind turbine, and data center - cleaner, cheaper, and faster than any conventional process. Now we're scaling it to thousands of tonnes of annual production.
The Role - Metallurgical Engineering Intern
Join our process team and help turn rare earth magnet waste into high-purity metals. You'll support our reactor operations, assist with alloy production, and keep our documentation tight-working with metallurgists, chemists, and technicians to move quickly from lab scale to production.
What You'll Do
  • Assist with high-temperature and high-vacuum reactor operations.
  • Help characterize feed materials and products using ICP-OES, SEM-EDS, LECO O/N.
  • Run furnace cycles, collect process data, and summarize results to inform design iterations
  • Maintain organized logs of process parameters, equipment conditions, and sample tracking
  • Support equipment maintenance: vacuum systems, induction coils, thermocouples, and gas handling
  • Contribute to safety-first culture and continuous improvement on the facility floor.

What You Bring
Required
  • Pursuing a BS/MS in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
  • Exposure to pyrometallurgy, electrometallurgy, or high-temperature processing (coursework or labs).
  • Hands-on experience from labs, foundry work, internships, or personal projects (furnaces, casting, heat treatment)
  • Detail-oriented, disciplined documentation, and reliable follow-through
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, hardware-centric environment and willing to get your hands dirty
  • On-site availability; able to start soon
Preferred
  • Experience with vacuum or inert-atmosphere furnace operation
  • Familiarity with rare-earth metallurgy, molten salt electrolysis, or reactive metal processing
  • Basic thermodynamic analysis skills (Ellingham diagrams, phase diagrams, FactSage/HSC a plus)
  • Welding or basic machining experience (mill/lathe)
  • Python/MATLAB for data analysis
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive compensation.
  • Insurance provided.
  • Support relocating to the Bay Area.
  • Company-provided lunch daily.
  • J1 Visa sponsorship available if needed.

Apply