Occupation AtlasMaterials Scientists
O*NET · 19-2032.00
Materials Scientists
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
Also called Analytical Scientist · Applications Scientist · Material Science Engineer · Materials Research Engineer · Materials Scientist · MEMS Device Scientist · Metal Alloy Scientist · Metallurgical Engineer
10 more
Metallurgist · Micro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist) · Plastics Scientist · Polymer Materials Consultant · Polymer Specialist · R and D Scientist · R and D Scientist (Research and Development Scientist) · Research Development Specialist · Research Scientist · Scientist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 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
IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative6.59
- R Realistic5.82
- C Conventional4.15
- A Artistic2.17
- E Enterprising1.86
- S Social1.39
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.
- Related work experience
- None (24%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (38%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (19%)
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.
- SciencebasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- WritingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Operations AnalysisImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
Show the other 23
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- PersuasionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- InstructingImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Service OrientationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- NegotiationImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- ProgrammingImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- RepairingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
15 core · 1 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.Importance 4.4
- Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.Importance 4.4
- Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.Importance 4.2
- Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.Importance 4.2
- Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.Importance 4.1
- Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.Importance 4.1
- Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.Importance 4.0
- Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.Importance 4.0
- Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.Importance 3.8
- Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.Importance 3.8
- Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.Importance 3.8
- Perform experiments and computer modeling to study the nature, structure, and physical and chemical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.Importance 3.8
Show the other 4
- Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.Importance 3.7
- Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.Importance 3.6
- Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.Importance 3.5
- Teach in colleges and universities.Importance 3.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 4.8Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Plan for the impact of weather in designing a bridge
- ChemistryImportance 4.6Level 5.7
- MathematicsImportance 4.4Level 5.7
- PhysicsImportance 4.4Level 5.6
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- DesignImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- English LanguageImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
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- MechanicalImportance 3.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- AdministrativeImportance 2.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.3Level 2.6
- BiologyImportance 2.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Building and ConstructionImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.1Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TransportationImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Food ProductionImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- PsychologyImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- GeographyImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.2Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
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- Information OrderingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- OriginalityImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Number FacilityImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- VisualizationImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- MemorizationImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Rate ControlImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.3Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Processing InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.7
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.3Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.2Level 5.7
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
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- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.1Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.4Level 2.8
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.9
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.2Level 2.8
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
37 toolsSoftware 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 (5)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Pythonhot
- Rhot
Hot (4; 5 more marked hot above)
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Word
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Other tools (28)
- Accelrys Materials Studio
- Advanced Chemistry Development Analytical Laboratory
- ANSYS LS-DYNA
- ANSYS Multiphysics
- Bruker AXS EVA
- Bruker AXS LEPTOS
- Bruker AXS TOPAS
- Chempute Software HSC Chemistry
- CrystalMaker
- Dassault Systemes Abaqus
- Email software
- GAMESS-US
- General Structural Analysis System GSAS
- International Centre for Diffraction Data ICDD DDView
- Maplesoft Maple
- Materials Data Incorporated Jade
- Multichannel microelectrode analyzer MMA software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Olympus Image Analysis
- PANalytical X'Pert Data Collector
- PANalytical X'Pert Epitaxy
- PWscf
- RIETAN
- SolidWorks COSMOSWorks
- Stewart Computational Chemistry MOPAC
- VAMP/VASP
- Web browser software
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
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.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Monitoring −0.7, Quality Control Analysis −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Soil and Plant Scientists
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Analysis +0.5, Equipment Maintenance −0.4
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Validation Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Monitoring +0.8, Active Learning −0.5
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Hydrologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Installation +0.8, Equipment Maintenance +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Materials Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Technology Design +0.9, Management of Material Resources +0.5
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination +0.6, Management of Personnel Resources +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Microbiologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Learning Strategies +0.6, Science +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −0.7, Equipment Maintenance +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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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.