• Process development and control: Design and modify processes for extracting metals from ore, and for shaping, casting, and welding refined metals and alloys.
• Material analysis: Conduct tests and experiments to analyze metal properties, and investigate issues like corrosion and fatigue.
• Quality assurance: Ensure metals and alloys meet specific quality standards and recommend the best metals for different applications.
• Research and development: Develop new alloys and materials, and improve existing manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and performance.
• Technical reporting: Document research findings, test results, and process performance in detailed reports.
• Problem-solving: Troubleshoot production issues and investigate accidents that may be related to metallurgical failure.
• Collaboration: Work with geologists, engineers, chemists, and production teams to improve processes and achieve project goals. 

Specialized areas

• Process metallurgists: Focus on the shaping and joining of metals, such as casting, welding, and heat-treating.
• Chemical metallurgists: Specialize in chemical extraction and purification processes, and the testing of ores.
• Physical metallurgists: Study the behavior of metals under stress and radiation and perform microscopic and X-ray analysis.