Materials Engineers
What is a Materials Engineer?
Materials Engineers are professionals who specialize in the development, processing, and testing of materials used to create a wide range of products, from everyday items to advanced technological components. They study the properties and structures of various materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, to enhance or innovate their performance in specific applications. By understanding the relationships between a material's structure and its properties, Materials Engineers can determine how to best utilize those materials to meet the demands of manufacturing, product design, and sustainability.
Materials Engineers collaborate with scientists and other engineers to explore innovative ways to create materials that are stronger, lighter, more durable, or more cost-effective. They are involved in various phases of product development, from initial design through to production, often conducting experiments and simulations to assess how materials behave under different conditions. Their work is crucial in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and biomedical engineering, where material selection can significantly impact safety, efficiency, and overall performance.
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.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software
- ANSYS Multiphysics
- Image analysis systems
- Minitab
- The MathWorks MATLAB
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Computer aided design CAD software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- PTC Creo Parametric
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Data base user interface and query software
- Microsoft Access
- MTS Testworks
- Oracle Database
- QMC CM4D
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Development environment software
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- National Instruments LabVIEW
Tools Used
- Laboratory separators
- Laboratory mills
- Tension testers
- Twin screw extruder
- Concrete or cement testing instruments
Knowledge
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Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Skills
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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.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Doctoral degree
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Detailed Work Activities
- Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
- Direct quality control activities.
- Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
- Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
- Test characteristics of materials or structures.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$63340.0 - $165580.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.