Life As a Materials Engineer
Materials Engineer Definition 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.
Daily Life Of a Materials Engineer
- Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
- Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
- Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
- Design processing plants and equipment.
- Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
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Materials Engineer Required Skills
When polled, Materials Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Materials Research Engineer
- Glass Science Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- Plating Engineer
- Ceramics Test Engineer
Materials Engineer Job Outlook
There were about 27,000 jobs for Materials Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Average Materials Engineers Salary
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.
How much do Materials Engineers make 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 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 Visio
- Microsoft SharePoint
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Minitab
- National Instruments LabVIEW
How to Become a Materials Engineer
What kind of Materials Engineer requirements are there?
What work experience do I need to become a Materials Engineer?
Where Materials Engineers Work
Materials Engineers work in the following industries:
Related Careers
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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