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Occupation AtlasMaterials Engineers

O*NET · 17-2131.00

Materials Engineers

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.

Also called Automotive Sheet Metal Engineer · Ceramic Design Engineer · Ceramic Engineer · Ceramic Research Engineer · Ceramics Test Engineer · Characterization Engineer · Corrosion Engineer · Extractive Metallurgist
21 more

Extrusion Engineer · Failure Analysis Engineer · Forensic Materials Engineer · Foundry Metallurgist · Foundry Process Engineer · Glass Science Engineer · Material Science Engineer · Materials Development Engineer · Materials Research Engineer · Metallographer · Metallurgical Engineer · Metallurgical Specialist · Metallurgist · Physical Metallurgist · Plastics Engineer · Polymer Engineer · Process Engineer · Process Metallurgist · Smelting Engineer · Textile Engineer · Welding Engineer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code RIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Nanosystems Engineers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.88
  • I Investigative5.82
  • C Conventional4.11
  • A Artistic2.54
  • E Enterprising2.06
  • S Social1.38

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
  • Bachelor's Degree80%
  • Master's Degree4%
  • First Professional Degree4%
  • Doctoral Degree8%
Related work experience
None (32%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (20%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (28%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Sciencebasic4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Speakingbasic4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Mathematicsbasic4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Complex Problem Solving4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Active Learningbasic3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Quality Control Analysis3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Operations Analysis3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
Show the other 23
  • Monitoringbasic3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Systems Analysis3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Systems Evaluation3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Operations Monitoring3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Instructing3.03.9Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Coordination3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Time Management3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Persuasion3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Technology Design2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign the handle on a hand tool for easier gripping
  • Service Orientation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Material Resources2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources2.42.9Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Operation and Control2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Troubleshooting1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Equipment Selection1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Programming1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Equipment Maintenance1.3—
  • Repairing1.3—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

16 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.4.3
  2. Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.4.3
  3. Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.4.1
  4. Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.4.0
  5. Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.4.0
  6. Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.3.9
  7. Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.3.9
  8. Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.3.8
  9. Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.3.8
  10. Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.3.8
  11. Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.3.7
  12. Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.3.6
Show the other 9
  1. Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.3.6
  2. Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.3.5
  3. Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.3.5
  4. Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.3.0
  5. Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.3.5
  6. Teach in colleges and universities.2.9
  7. Design processing plants and equipment.2.8
  8. Present technical information at conferences.2.7
  9. Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.2.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Engineering and Technology4.76.3Level 7 looks like: Plan for the impact of weather in designing a bridge
  • Mathematics4.35.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Production and Processing4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Physics4.15.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • English Language3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Chemistry3.84.9Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Computers and Electronics3.44.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Design3.44.6Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
Show all 33
  • Mechanical3.24.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Education and Training2.83.8Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Administration and Management2.73.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Administrative2.63.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Customer and Personal Service2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Communications and Media2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Economics and Accounting2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Public Safety and Security2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Building and Construction2.12.2Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Sales and Marketing2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.02.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Law and Government1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Telecommunications1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Biology1.61.6Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Geography1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Foreign Language1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.4—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.4—
  • Psychology1.4—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Category Flexibility4.05.1Level 6 looks like: Classify man-made fibers in terms of their characteristics, like strength or cost
  • Deductive Reasoning4.05.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering4.04.1
  • Oral Comprehension4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
  • Written Expression4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Near Vision3.93.9
  • Fluency of Ideas3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Originality3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Speech Clarity3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Flexibility of Closure3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Number Facility3.34.1Level 5 looks like: Compute the interest payment that should be generated from an investment
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Visualization3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Recognition3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Far Vision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Speed of Closure2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.8
  • Time Sharing2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Finger Dexterity2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Auditory Attention2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Manual Dexterity2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Memorization2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Depth Perception1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Multilimb Coordination1.80.8
  • Reaction Time1.80.9
  • Trunk Strength1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Rate Control1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Response Orientation1.3—
  • Extent Flexibility1.1—
  • Spatial Orientation1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Dynamic Strength1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.55.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Working with Computers4.54.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.45.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.45.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.24.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.25.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
  • Processing Information4.15.9
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.95.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Thinking Creatively3.75.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.44.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.24.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.24.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Training and Teaching Others3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Developing and Building Teams3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.93.8Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.63.3Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.53.0Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.42.7
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.42.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.12.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.02.9
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Assisting and Caring for Others1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Telephone Conversations4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.3
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.2
  • Contact With Others4.1
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers3.8

Technology

34 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (3)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot

Hot (13; 3 more marked hot above)

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • C++
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Python
  • SAP software
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
Other tools (18)
  • ANSYS Multiphysics
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Digital image correlation DIC software
  • Fault detection isolation and recovery FDIR software
  • Finite element analysis software
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • Fused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systems
  • Graphics software
  • IBM Notes
  • Image analysis systems
  • Microsoft Visual Basic.NET
  • Minitab
  • MTS Testworks
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • QMC CM4D
  • Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Materials Scientists
  2. Chemical Engineers
  3. Manufacturing Engineers
  4. Industrial Engineers
  5. Mechanical Engineers
  6. Nanosystems Engineers
  7. Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  8. Commercial and Industrial Designers
  9. Electrical Engineers
  10. Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.