NOC 21322: Metallurgical and materials engineers

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Metallurgical and materials engineers conduct studies of the properties and characteristics of metals and other non-metallic materials and plan, design and develop machinery and processes to concentrate, extract, refine and process metals, alloys and other materials such as ceramics, semiconductors and composite materials. They are employed in consulting engineering firms, mining, metal processing and manufacturing companies, and in government, research and educational institutions.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Conduct studies and design, develop and specify the processes, and machinery to concentrate, extract, refine and process metals from ores
• Conduct studies on the properties and characteristics of materials and design, develop and specify processes for moulding, shaping, forming and thermal treatment of metals, alloys and metallic systems, ceramics, semiconducting and other materials
• Conduct chemical and physical analytical studies, failure analyses and other studies and recommend material selection, design of materials, corrosion control measures, operational testing and other procedures
• Coordinate production testing and control of metal refining, smelting or foundry operations or non-metallic materials production operations
• Supervise technologists, technicians and other engineers and scientists.

What this code means for Express Entry

CRS points from November 3, 2026

NOC 21322 is on IRCC's high-wage occupations list at the 1.5x level. From November 3, 2026, at least 12 months (1,560 hours) of Canadian work in it adds 40 points to your Canadian work experience points in the CRS, and a valid job offer in it is worth 70 points; the higher of the two counts. No LMIA is needed.

IRCC high-wage list (list from 2023 to 2025 wage data, read 2026-10-16) · CRS calculator with the new rules

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Employment requirements

• A bachelor's degree in metallurgical, materials, ceramic or chemical engineering or in a related engineering discipline is required.
• A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
• Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
• Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.

Good to know

• Metallurgical engineers research and develop new alloys and systems for extracting metal from ores; materials engineers research and develop new non-metallic materials with physical characteristics to meet specific requirements.
• There is considerable mobility between engineering specializations at the less senior levels.
• Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
• Metallurgical and materials engineers work closely with other engineers and scientists and mobility is possible between some fields of specialization.
• Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.

Codes in the same group

Official sources

• noc.esdc.gc.caNOC 2021 Version 1.0: 21322 Metallurgical and materials engineers
• statcan.gc.caStatistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
• canada.caIRCC: Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• canada.caIRCC: Express Entry, who can apply