Questions about PE in Metallurgy

[metalman8357]

Hi all,

I just have some quick questions about the PE Metallurgy examination.

1.) I have my undergraduate in chemistry with a minor in materials science and engineering. I'm currently in my last semester of a Master's degree in Materials Engineering. I currently work as a materials engineering for a civil engineering company and I run the materials test lab. Most of my work deals with mild steel and some stainless. While I don't necessarily get to work with a broad range of metals at my job, I am constantly reading about metallurgy and I am interested in getting my PE someday. Also, while my Master's did focus on metals somewhat, it was definitely much more focused on the testing and characterization of ceramics and polymers. My question is, will it be difficult for someone like myself to pass this exam without an extensive background in a steel mill working as a metallurgist? If I give myself a year of moderate studying, does this seem feasible? (Keep in mind I was valedictorian of my high school and went to one of the top schools in the world!).

2.) What are the benefits of having a PE in metallurgy, and is it as useful today as it was back in the day? (Perhaps it's even more important now!) I'm only 25 years old and although I love everything about manufacturing and metals, I'm wondering if it's the wisest career choice for the future.

3.) What type of salary range could I expect as a licensed Metallurgist with a Master's degree in California?

4.) My goal is to own and run my own independent materials test lab someday, and I'm trying to make all the right moves while I'm young and full of expendable energy!

Thanks for any input on this matter. Anything helps!
-M

 

[metengr]

Search here

http://www.eng-tips.com/search.cfm?...lurgy&t=&h=&searchSite=1&searchArea=1&d=1&s=1

 

[stanweld]

For your goal, a PE in Metallurgy or Materials Engineering is valuable.

 

[mrfailure]

One word of advice: you should go ahead and take the FE exam now.

In the future the PE can be one of many useful credentials if you are planning to become an engineering consultant. It is also occassionally listed as an employment requirement though less so now than in the past. Nobody who takes the PE exam has routine work exposure to all of the topics, so that should be no problem for you. Good luck!

Aaron Tanzer

http://www.lehightesting.com

 

[metalman8357]

Thanks for the advice guys. I've actually passed the FE and can sit for the PE in 2014. I'm definitely going to go for it, I figure right now would be the easiest time to do it. Thanks!