All About Materials Engineers
Job Description & Duties Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
Life As a Materials Engineer: What Do They Do?
- Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
- Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration.
- Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
- Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
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Materials Engineer Skills
Materials Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Types of Materials Engineer Jobs
- Testing Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Plastics Engineer
- Metallurgical Specialist
- Foundry Metallurgist
Materials Engineer Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 27,000 jobs for Materials Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 1.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 500 new jobs for Materials Engineer by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,900 positions for Materials Engineer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Materials Engineer are Utah, Nevada, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Kansas, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Materials Engineers Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Materials Engineers ranges between about $57,110 and $148,110 a year.
Materials Engineers who work in New Mexico, Maryland, or Tennessee, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Materials Engineers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $94,590 |
| Alaska | $99,010 |
| Arizona | $90,020 |
| Arkansas | $87,780 |
| California | $107,570 |
| Colorado | $100,940 |
| Connecticut | $98,310 |
| Florida | $99,570 |
| Georgia | $86,240 |
| Illinois | $84,310 |
| Indiana | $80,560 |
| Iowa | $94,930 |
| Kansas | $106,350 |
| Kentucky | $74,720 |
| Louisiana | $109,410 |
| Maine | $93,630 |
| Maryland | $116,380 |
| Massachusetts | $95,640 |
| Michigan | $82,570 |
| Minnesota | $96,780 |
| Mississippi | $85,330 |
| Missouri | $93,100 |
| Montana | $65,110 |
| Nebraska | $81,710 |
| Nevada | $95,070 |
| New Hampshire | $93,230 |
| New Jersey | $90,740 |
| New Mexico | $124,780 |
| New York | $100,880 |
| Ohio | $91,360 |
| Oklahoma | $92,470 |
| Oregon | $91,690 |
| Pennsylvania | $89,180 |
| South Carolina | $87,470 |
| Tennessee | $111,670 |
| Texas | $99,790 |
| Utah | $88,100 |
| Vermont | $90,970 |
| Virginia | $97,470 |
| West Virginia | $88,320 |
| Wisconsin | $82,410 |
What Tools & Technology do Materials Engineers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Materials Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Minitab
- National Instruments LabVIEW
How do I Become a Materials Engineer?
Individuals working as a Materials Engineer have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Materials Engineer?
Materials Engineers Sector
Materials Engineers work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Materials Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Panoramedia via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
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