Materials Engineers
Tasks Include:
- Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
- Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
- Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
- Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
- Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.
more »
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +9.0%
National: +5.9%
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Job Zone:
Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$100,140.00
State
$98,400.00
Regional
Materials Engineers
Description
Career Cluster: | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics |
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.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Education
Required Level of Education
- Bachelor's Degree = 47.62%
- Doctoral Degree = 33.33%
- Master's Degree = 9.52%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. = 4.76%
- Post-Doctoral Training = 4.76%
Related Work Experience
- None = 23.81%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 23.81%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 19.05%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 9.52%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 4.76%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 4.76%
- Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 4.76%
- Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years = 4.76%
- Over 10 years = 4.76%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Up to and including 1 month = 19.05%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 19.05%
- None = 14.29%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 14.29%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 9.52%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 9.52%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 9.52%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 4.76%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 33.33%
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 19.05%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 19.05%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 14.29%
- None or short demonstration = 4.76%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 4.76%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 4.76%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
- Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
- Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
- Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
- Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.
- Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
- Design processing plants and equipment.
- Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
- Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
- Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
- Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
- Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
- Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.
- Present technical information at conferences.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Teach in colleges and universities.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Abrasion testers
- Ageing ovens (Accelerated weathering machines)
- Accelerometers
- Impedance meters (Acoustic impediography equipment)
- Metal testing instruments (Adhesion testers)
- Calorimeters (Adiabatic bomb calorimeters)
- Ammeters
- Analytical balances
- Spectrophotometers (Atomic absorption AA spectrophotometers)
- Scanning probe microscopes (Atomic force microscopes)
- Grinding or polishing machines (Attritors)
- Laboratory mills (Ball mills)
- Twin screw extruder (Balling drums)
- Power saws (Band saws)
- Benchtop centrifuges
- Binocular light compound microscopes (Binocular compound microscopes)
- Calorimeters
- Plaster or mortar mixers (Cement mixers)
- Impact testers (Charpy impact testers)
- Colorimeters
- Compression testers (Compression testing machines)
- Milling cutters (Computer numerical controlled CNC milling machines)
- Lathes (Computerized numerical control CNC lathes)
- Concrete or cement testing instruments (Concrete test hammers)
- Coordinate measuring machines CMM
- Laboratory mixers (Counter-current mixers)
- Graphic recorders (Current versus voltage IV curve tracers)
- Portable data input terminals (Dataloggers)
- Ion exchange apparatus (Deionizers)
- Calorimeters (Differential scanning calorimeters)
- Thermal differential analyzers (Differential thermal analyzers)
- Diffractometers
- Digital cameras
- Oscilloscopes (Digitizing oscilloscopes)
- Impact testers (Drop weight impact towers)
- Drying cabinets or ovens (Drying ovens)
- Hardness testers (Durometers)
- Electrometers
- Electron microscopes (Electron microprobe analyzers EMPA)
- Electronic toploading balances
- Laboratory separators (Electrostatic separators)
- Spectrometers (Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometers EDS)
- Semiconductor process systems (Etching equipment)
- Extensometers
- Borescope inspection equipment (Fiberscopes)
- Thickness measuring devices (Film thickness measurement systems)
- Filtering machinery (Filter presses)
- Photometers (Flame photometers)
- Bubble columns (Flotation columns)
- Infrared spectrometers (Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectroscopes)
- Concrete or cement testing instruments (Freeze-thaw test units)
- Wear testers (Friction and wear testers)
- Fume hoods or cupboards (Fume hoods)
- Gas chromatographs (Gas chromatographs GC)
- Leak testing equipment (Gas detectors)
- Electromagnetic field meters (Gauss meters)
- Chromatographic scanners (Gel permeation chromatographs GPC)
- Programmable tube furnaces (Graphite element furnaces)
- Gyratory crushers
- Hardness testers
- Heated walk in environmental or growth chambers (Heated walk-in environmental chambers)
- High pressure liquid chromatograph chromatography (High pressure liquid chromatograph HPLC equipment)
- Tension testers (High temperature material testing systems)
- Laboratory separators (High tension separators)
- Tension testers (High-vacuum tensile testing chambers)
- Positioning jig (Holding jigs)
- Laboratory blenders or emulsifiers (Hot blenders)
- Hydraulic press frames (Hydraulic presses)
- Impact testers
- Laboratory box furnaces (Inert atmosphere box furnaces)
- Infrared imagers (Infrared cameras)
- Infrared imagers (Infrared monitors)
- Injection molding machines (Injection molders)
- Laboratory separators (Isodynamic separators)
- Laboratory mills (Jar mills)
- Jaw crushers
- Vibratory plates (Kneading compactors)
- Laboratory blenders or emulsifiers (Laboratory blenders)
- Isolation glove boxes (Laboratory glove boxes)
- Laboratory microwave ovens
- Laboratory crushers or pulverizers (Laboratory pulverizers)
- Laboratory crushers or pulverizers (Laboratory sample splitters)
- Test sieves (Laboratory test sieves)
- Laboratory vacuum pumps
- Laminators
- Grinders (Lapping wheels)
- Flowmeters (Laser Doppler velocimeters LDV)
- Lathes
- Linear position sensors (Linear variable differential transformers LVDT)
- Water conditioners (Liquid conditioners)
- Load frame (Load frames)
- Laboratory separators (Magnetic separators)
- Analytical balances (Magnetic susceptibility balances)
- Power saws (Masonry cutters)
- Mass spectrometers
- Orbital shakers (Mechanical sieve shakers)
- Crucible furnaces (Melt spinners)
- Semiconductor process systems (Micromanipulators)
- Photo attachments for microscopes (Microscope photo attachments)
- Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Microwave autoclaves)
- High vacuum combustion apparatus (Microwave sintering furnaces)
- Tube furnaces (Microwave tube furnaces)
- Laboratory vacuum pumps (Molecular pumps)
- Laboratory box furnaces (Muffle furnaces)
- Binocular light compound microscopes (Optical compound microscopes)
- Infrared spectrometers (Optical emission spectrometers)
- Flow transmitters (Oscillating water tunnels)
- Optical diffraction apparatus (Particle size analyzers)
- Permeability testing apparatus (Permeability measuring devices)
- Personal computers
- pH meters (pH testers)
- Depth gauges (Pit depth gauges)
- High vacuum combustion apparatus (Plasma-arc furnaces)
- Polarizing microscopes
- Grinding or polishing machines (Polishing machines)
- Porosimeters (Porosity indicators)
- Pycnometers
- Reflectometers
- Laboratory mills (Rod mills)
- Roll crushers
- High vacuum combustion apparatus (Rotating furnaces)
- Safety glasses
- Protective gloves (Safety gloves)
- Laboratory crushers or pulverizers (Sample presses)
- Pneumatic sanding machines (Sanding machines)
- Scanning electron microscopes (Scanning electron microscopes SEM)
- Compression testers (Screw-driven test machines)
- Fatigue testers (Servohydraulic test machines)
- Laboratory blenders or emulsifiers (Slurry blenders)
- Ageing ovens (Solar simulators)
- Lasers (Solid state laser systems)
- Induction dryers (Solvent dryers)
- Sonometers
- Laboratory balances (Specific gravity balances)
- Colorimeters (Spectrocolorimeters)
- Spectrometers
- Spectrophotometers
- Concrete or cement testing instruments (Stabilometers)
- Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Steam autoclaves)
- Stereo or dissecting light microscopes (Stereo microscopes)
- Strain gauges
- Orbital shaking water baths (Temperature regulated shaking water baths)
- Tension testers (Tensile testers)
- Tensiometers (Tension gauges)
- Thermal differential analyzers (Thermal analysis systems)
- Calorimeters (Thermogravimetric analyzers)
- Tube furnaces
- Turbidimeters
- Twin screw extruder (Twin screw extruders)
- Twin screw extruder (Twin-screw extruders)
- Immersion circulators (Ultrasonic baths)
- Homogenizers (Ultrasonic dismembrators)
- Homogenizers (Ultrasonicators)
- Ultrasonic examination equipment (Ultrasound inspection equipment)
- Infrared dryers (Ultraviolet UV exposure units)
- Optical vacuum coating equipment (Vacuum coating systems)
- Laboratory evaporators (Vacuum evaporators)
- Vacuum ovens (Vacuum furnaces)
- Vibration testers (Vibration analysis equipment)
- Viscosimeters (Viscosity meters)
- Laboratory burets (Water burets)
- Power saws (Water-cooled saws)
- Flow transmitters (Wind tunnels)
- Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters (X ray fluorescence XRF analyzers)
- Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters (X ray fluorescence XRF spectrometers)
Technologies Include:
- Analytical or scientific software
- ANSYS Multiphysics
- Digital image correlation DIC software
- Fault detection isolation and recovery FDIR software
- Image analysis systems
- Charting software
- Microsoft Office Visio
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Autodesk AutoCAD software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- PTC Pro/ENGINEER software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Fused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systems
- Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems
- Data base user interface and query software
- Data entry software
- MTS Testworks
- QMC CM4D
- Development environment software
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Graphics software
- Internet browser software
- Web browser software
- Object or component oriented development software
- C++
- Microsoft Visual Basic.NET
- Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
- Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
- Word processing software
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Special Requirements
If your work as an engineer affects public health, safety, or property, you must register with the state. To become licensed as a professional engineer in Virginia, applicants must meet the following requirements:
EIT (Engineer-in-Training) EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must meet one of the following:
• Graduate of approved curriculum of 4 years or more OR Graduate of non-approved curriculum + 2 years of experience
• Must be enrolled in an ABET accredited curriculum and within 12 months of degree.
• Graduated from a non-approved engineering technology curriculum + 6 years of experience
• Graduated with an undergraduate degree from an institution without an approved curriculum and obtained a graduate degree from an institution with an approved curriculum
Step 1:
|
|
Graduation
The first step is graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program at a college or university. |
Step 2:
|
|
FE Exam
The first exam in the licensure process is the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE). This exam is offered in April and October every year. Most students take the exam right before graduation or soon after while the technical information they've studied is still fresh in their minds. |
Step 3:
|
|
Work Experience
Many jurisdictions have specific requirements about the type of experience you need to gain. Most require that you gain experience under the supervision of someone who is already licensed, and that your experience involve increasing levels of responsibility. Once you begin work, contact your licensing board to find out what experience is needed and talk with professional engineers in your company to find out how you can gain this experience. |
Step 4:
|
|
PE Exam
Once you have gained the appropriate experience, you can take the second exam in the licensure process, the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). This exam is given in a variety of engineering disciplines. Most disciplines are offered in both April and October, but some are offered only in October. |
After completing all the steps in the engineering licensure process—education, experience, and examinations—you are eligible for licensure by your licensing board.
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must have a bachelor’s degree from an approved curriculum + 4 years of professional experience as an EIT OR Graduate of non-approved curriculum + 6 years of professional experience as an EIT
• Graduated from a non-approved engineering technology curriculum of four years or more + 10 years experience
• Graduate from an accredited undergraduate engineering degree and a doctorate degree in engineering from an institution with an accredited undergraduate program + 4 years of experience
• Graduated from an engineering , engineering technology or related science curriculum of four years or more + 20 years
EXAM:
• The Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
• Must provide 3 references from licensed professional engineers
LICENSE RENEWAL: The Professional Engineer license must be renewed every two years.
Required Fees:
The examination fee shall consist of the administration expenses of the department resulting from the board’s examination procedures and contract charges.
For More Information, Contact:
Virginia Department Of Professional And Occupational Regulation
Board For Architects / Prof. Engineers / Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, And Landscape Architects
3600 West Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23230-4917
Phone: 804.367.8512
TTY: 804.367.9753
Fax: 804.367.2475
http://www.state.va.us/dpor/indexie.html
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Additional Resources
For further information about materials engineers contact:
Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society
184 Thorn Hill Rd.
Warrendale, PA 15086
http://www.tms.org
ASM International Foundation
Materials Park, OH 44073-0002
http://www.asm-intl.org
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
82.25 | 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. |
81.25 | 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. |
79.75 | 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. |
77.50 | Production and Processing | Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
77.50 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
71.50 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
65.50 | Design | Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
59.50 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
52.50 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
52.50 | Mechanical | Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
50.00 | Administration and Management | Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
75.00 | 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. |
75.00 | Science | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
75.00 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
72.00 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
68.75 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
68.75 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
68.75 | Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
56.25 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
56.25 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
53.00 | Service Orientation | Actively looking for ways to help people. |
53.00 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
53.00 | Operations Analysis | Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design. |
53.00 | Quality Control Analysis | Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. |
53.00 | Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
53.00 | Instructing | Teaching others how to do something. |
50.00 | Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
50.00 | Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
50.00 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
50.00 | Persuasion | Persuading others to change their minds or behavior. |
50.00 | Operations Monitoring | Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
50.00 | Negotiation | Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences. |
50.00 | Systems Evaluation | Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
50.00 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
50.00 | Management of Personnel Resources | Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
75.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
75.00 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
75.00 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
75.00 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
75.00 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
72.00 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
72.00 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
68.75 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
68.75 | Mathematical Reasoning | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
68.75 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
62.50 | Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
59.50 | Originality | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
56.25 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
56.25 | Flexibility of Closure | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
56.25 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
56.25 | Visualization | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
56.25 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
53.00 | Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
53.00 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
50.00 | Visual Color Discrimination | The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
85.75 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
85.75 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
84.50 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
84.50 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
82.25 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
81.00 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
79.75 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
79.75 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
77.50 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
76.25 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
73.75 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
72.50 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
71.50 | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information | Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
70.00 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
69.00 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
69.00 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
69.00 | Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates | Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
67.50 | Communicating with People Outside the Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
66.75 | Developing Objectives and Strategies | Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
65.50 | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
65.00 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
64.25 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
64.25 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
64.25 | Developing and Building Teams | Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
63.00 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
62.00 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
62.00 | Providing Consultation and Advice to Others | Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
54.75 | Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment | Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used. |
53.50 | Monitoring and Controlling Resources | Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
51.25 | Selling or Influencing Others | Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions. |
50.00 | Performing Administrative Activities | Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
91.75 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
89.25 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
85.75 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
83.25 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
83.25 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
82.25 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
82.25 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
81.00 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
73.75 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
71.50 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
70.25 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
67.75 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
67.75 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
67.75 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
53.50 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
77.83 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
72.17 | Working Conditions | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
72.17 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
66.67 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
61.17 | Recognition | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
100.00 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
93.40 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
90.40 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
88.60 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
85.00 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
83.80 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
83.80 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
82.80 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
82.00 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
77.20 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
74.20 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
73.40 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
72.00 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
70.40 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
70.40 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
69.60 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
69.00 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
66.60 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
61.00 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
58.00 | Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions? |
58.00 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
57.20 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
57.20 | Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment? |
56.20 | Public Speaking | How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job? |
55.20 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
55.00 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
54.20 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
54.20 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
51.40 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
50.40 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
49.60 | Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
- Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $60,700.00 | $100,140.00 | $130,260.00 |
Virginia | $51,220.00 | $98,400.00 | $130,340.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $51,311.18 | $90,336.63 | $110,314.05 |
Central VA/Region2000 | $63,026.81 | $101,703.34 | $104,959.88 |
Crater Area | $68,969.78 | $100,568.33 | $118,556.12 |
Greater Peninsula | $81,634.54 | $132,012.16 | $154,400.84 |
Hampton Roads | $56,317.48 | $84,721.81 | $132,521.00 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | $70,102.71 | $81,933.61 | $100,258.88 |
Northern Virginia | $52,794.07 | $102,179.99 | $141,851.34 |
Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | $33,413.74 | $88,107.11 | $110,812.50 |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 22,100 | 23,400 | +5.9% |
Virginia | 354 | 386 | +9.0% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Hampton Roads | No Data | No Data | No Data |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Materials Scientists
- Chemical Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Chemists
- Electrical Engineers
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Commercial and Industrial Designers
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Chemical Technicians
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Microsystems Engineers
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
Careers in Engineering and Technology Pathway:
- Aerospace Engineers
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Automotive Engineers
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Chemical Engineers
- Computer Hardware Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
- Engineers, All Other
- Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
- Fuel Cell Engineers
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
- Industrial Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
- Materials Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Microsystems Engineers
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Nuclear Engineers
- Petroleum Engineers
- Photonics Engineers
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
- Robotics Engineers
- Solar Energy Systems Engineers
- Validation Engineers
- Wind Energy Engineers
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
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Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Ordnance
- Ship Machinery
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Titles
- Automation Engineer
- Automotive Sheet Metal Engineer
- Ceramic Design Engineer
- Ceramic Engineer
- Ceramic Research Engineer
- Ceramics Test Engineer
- Corrosion Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Extractive Metallurgist
- Failure Analysis Technician
- Forensic Materials Engineer
- Foundry Metallurgist
- Foundry Process Engineer
- Glass Science Engineer
- Green Building Materials Designer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Material Analyst
- Materials and Processes Manager
- Materials Branch Chief
- Materials Development Engineer
- Materials Engineer
- Materials Engineering Superintendent
- Materials Research Engineer
- Materials Specialist
- Metallographer
- Metallurgical Engineer
- Metallurgical Specialist
- Metallurgist
- Nanotechnologist
- Physical Metallurgist
- Plating Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Refining Engineer
- Research Assistant
- Research Engineer
- Smelting Engineer
- Stress Engineer
- Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)
- Test Engineer
- Testing Engineer
- Welding Engineer
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Engineers
Related Schools
- University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)