Corrosion Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of engineering, the focus on corrosion engineers is becoming increasingly critical.
As industries progress and infrastructures age, the demand for skilled professionals who can prevent, manage, and combat corrosion continues to surge.
But let’s delve into the details: What’s truly expected from a corrosion engineer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker eager to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager envisioning the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of corrosion engineering,
You’ve landed in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable corrosion engineer job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Corrosion Engineer Duties and Responsibilities
Corrosion Engineers are professionals who use their scientific knowledge to manage, prevent and solve corrosion issues in various industries such as oil and gas, nuclear power, aerospace and manufacturing.
Their main duties and responsibilities include:
- Studying and analyzing the corrosion rate of materials, and determining the best materials to use in certain environments to prevent corrosion
- Designing, implementing and monitoring corrosion management systems and strategies
- Providing technical support to operations and maintenance departments
- Conducting failure analysis and determining the cause of material degradation
- Carrying out risk assessments and inspections to identify potential corrosion risks
- Developing and implementing techniques for corrosion detection, prevention and control
- Conducting research to develop new corrosion-resistant materials or coatings
- Collaborating with other engineers, scientists and technicians on multidisciplinary projects
- Documenting all observations, analyses, and research findings for future reference
- Staying updated with the latest advancements in corrosion engineering and related technology
Corrosion Engineer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Corrosion Engineer to join our team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing corrosion control measures, conducting inspections, developing plans to manage corrosion, and implementing corrosion systems for our projects.
They will also be expected to ensure all work complies with safety regulations and standards.
Responsibilities
- Analyze the corrosion processes of materials in various environments.
- Develop, recommend and implement corrosion management systems.
- Conduct regular inspections and tests to ensure the integrity of corrosion management systems.
- Maintain comprehensive records and prepare technical reports.
- Coordinate with other engineering departments for corrosion mitigation strategies.
- Develop and monitor procedures to minimize corrosion rates.
- Provide technical advice on corrosion control measures.
- Stay abreast of new developments and techniques in the field of corrosion engineering.
- Ensure all work complies with safety standards and regulations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
- Proven experience as a Corrosion Engineer.
- Knowledge of corrosion processes and corrosion management systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Familiarity with industry safety regulations and standards.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in using computer-aided design and engineering software.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Corrosion Engineer
- Work Environment: This role typically works in an industrial or construction environment, with occasional office work. Travel may be required for site visits and inspections.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Project Manager or Engineering Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Corrosion Engineer Do?
Corrosion Engineers typically work in industries such as oil and gas, marine, infrastructure, and manufacturing where they help in managing and preventing the degradation of materials due to corrosion.
They use their understanding of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles to evaluate the corrosive effects on various materials and design strategies to prevent such corrosion.
They conduct tests and inspections on materials and structures to detect corrosion, analyze its severity, and determine the cause.
They then formulate and implement plans for corrosion prevention or mitigation.
This can include the design and installation of corrosion control systems, the selection of materials to resist corrosion, or the application of coatings and other protective measures.
They collaborate closely with other professionals such as materials engineers, chemical engineers, and construction engineers to ensure that the materials used in a project will withstand corrosive environments and conditions.
Corrosion Engineers also prepare detailed reports on their findings and recommendations, and often play a key role in quality control and safety operations within an organization.
Their work is not only crucial for the longevity and safety of equipment and structures but also for the economic efficiency of industries as they help in preventing costly breakdowns and replacements.
Corrosion Engineer Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Corrosion Engineer should possess the following qualifications and skills that align with the role:
- Scientific and technical knowledge of corrosion engineering, including the types and causes of corrosion, corrosion rates, and prevention methods.
- Expertise in using tools and software such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Corrosion Data Survey (CDS) systems for effective design and analysis.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose corrosion issues and develop effective prevention and mitigation strategies.
- Excellent communication skills to explain complex corrosion-related issues to a variety of stakeholders, including non-technical team members and clients.
- Strong project management skills to oversee corrosion studies, monitoring programs, and mitigation projects.
- Adeptness in working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including chemists, material scientists, and structural engineers.
- Understanding of safety regulations and environmental impact of corrosion and its treatment methods.
- Physical endurance for fieldwork and the ability to work in different environmental conditions, as the job may require site visits and inspections.
Corrosion Engineer Experience Requirements
Entry-level Corrosion Engineers generally possess a bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
During their studies, they gain crucial theoretical knowledge and can gain practical experience through internships or co-op positions in the corrosion engineering field.
Candidates having 1 to 3 years of experience are often considered intermediate-level corrosion engineers.
This experience may have been acquired in roles such as Junior Corrosion Engineer or Corrosion Technician, where they gain hands-on experience in monitoring and controlling corrosion, developing corrosion prevention plans and conducting tests.
Corrosion Engineers with more than 3 years of experience often have developed a deep understanding of corrosion control methods and materials, and have gained expertise in corrosion risk assessment and mitigation.
They may have functioned in roles such as Senior Corrosion Engineer or Corrosion Analyst.
Professionals with more than 5 years of experience in the field of corrosion engineering might possess leadership skills and may be prepared for roles such as Corrosion Engineering Manager or Team Lead.
This experience is often required to have been gained in managing complex corrosion projects, supervising teams, and working with interdisciplinary groups.
Certification from the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) or other recognized bodies is often preferred at this level.
Corrosion Engineer Education and Training Requirements
Corrosion Engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemical, metallurgical, or corrosion engineering.
Their education should include courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as specialized subjects related to the study of corrosion and material degradation.
Many employers prefer corrosion engineers to have a master’s degree in materials science or a related field, with a focus on corrosion science, especially for advanced positions.
In addition to formal education, corrosion engineers should gain practical experience in industries where corrosion issues are prominent, such as oil and gas, chemical processing, or marine engineering.
Corrosion Engineers are also encouraged to gain certification from a recognized professional body, such as the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) or the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr).
Further, having a professional engineer’s license can be beneficial in some job roles, for which engineers must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.
Pursuing additional training courses, attending seminars and workshops, and keeping up-to-date with industry developments, can indicate a candidate’s commitment to their profession and lifelong learning.
Corrosion Engineer Salary Expectations
A Corrosion Engineer earns an average salary of $93,435 (USD) per year.
The actual income may fluctuate depending on factors such as experience, specific industry, level of education, and the location of the job.
Corrosion Engineer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Corrosion Engineer need?
Corrosion Engineers should have a good understanding of chemical processes, mechanical engineering, and materials science.
They should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify the causes of corrosion and develop solutions.
They should also have good communication skills to clearly convey their findings and recommendations to other professionals in their organization.
Do Corrosion Engineers need a degree?
Yes, Corrosion Engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
Some positions may require a master’s degree or doctorate, particularly those involved in research.
In addition, some employers may require their Corrosion Engineers to have or obtain professional certification from a recognized organization, such as the National Association of Corrosion Engineers.
What should you look for in a Corrosion Engineer resume?
A Corrosion Engineer’s resume should highlight their education in a relevant field, as well as any certifications they hold.
It should also list any experience they have in identifying and mitigating corrosion, particularly in the industry your organization operates in.
Their resume should also highlight their analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as any experience they have in using software and other tools used in corrosion analysis.
What qualities make a good Corrosion Engineer?
A good Corrosion Engineer has a strong understanding of the scientific processes behind corrosion and how to mitigate them.
They are analytical and detail-oriented, with a knack for problem-solving.
They are able to communicate their findings clearly to other professionals, and are able to work well in a team.
They are also committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in their field.
Is it difficult to hire Corrosion Engineers?
Hiring a Corrosion Engineer can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.
It requires a mix of skills in chemistry, materials science, and engineering, which may not be commonly found in many applicants.
Furthermore, the role may require experience in a specific industry, which can further narrow the pool of qualified candidates.
It may be beneficial to work with a recruitment agency or headhunter who specializes in engineering roles.
Conclusion
And there we have it.
Today, we’ve dug deep into the gritty details of what it means to be a corrosion engineer.
And guess what?
It’s not just about preventing material degradation.
It’s about shaping the future of infrastructure, one rust-proof structure at a time.
With our handy corrosion engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.
But why limit yourself?
Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to creating razor-sharp listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every ounce of prevention is a step towards a safer, more durable world.
Let’s build that future. Together.
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