Materials Engineer (General)
Quick Facts
Median Salary$96,969
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+2.58%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Materials Engineer researches and tests the materials used to make a wide range of products. Develops new substances that have the properties needed for a particular use, or finds new ways to use existing substances. Uses knowledge of the chemical properties of materials, and specializes in one type of material, such as ceramics, metals, or plastics.
Core Tasks:
- Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
- Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
- Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
- Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
- Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.
- Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
- Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
- Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
- Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
- Present technical information at conferences.
- Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.
- Design processing plants and equipment.
- Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
What to expect as a Materials Engineer (General)
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
56% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Materials Engineer (General) related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
315 openings for Materials Engineers (General)
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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