Materials Scientists

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

• Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
• Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
• 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.
• Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
• 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.
• Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
• Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
• Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
• 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.
• 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.
• Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
• Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.
• Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

• Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
• Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
• Teach in colleges and universities.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)