Materials Scientists
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.
- Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
- Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
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: +4.5%
National: +5.7%
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Job Zone:
Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$104,380.00
State
$81,370.00
Regional
Materials Scientists
Description
Career Cluster: | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics |
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.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Education
Required Level of Education
- Bachelor's Degree = 38.10%
- Master's Degree = 23.81%
- Doctoral Degree = 23.81%
- Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level. = 9.52%
- Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 4.76%
Related Work Experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 33.33%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 23.81%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 14.29%
- None = 9.52%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 9.52%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 4.76%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 4.76%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 28.57%
- None = 23.81%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 14.29%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 14.29%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 9.52%
- Up to and including 1 month = 4.76%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 4.76%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 19.05%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 19.05%
- None or short demonstration = 14.29%
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 14.29%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 14.29%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 9.52%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 9.52%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
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)
Materials Scientists
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Accelerometers
- Vacuum ovens (Annealing ovens)
- Atomic absorption AA spectrometers (Atomic absorption AA spectroscopes)
- Scanning probe microscopes (Atomic force microscopes)
- Spectrometers (Auger electron spectrometers)
- Light scattering equipment (Backscatter detectors)
- Laboratory mills (Ball mills)
- Wear testers (Ball-on-disk tribometers)
- Laboratory mixers (Blungers)
- Laboratory box furnaces (Box furnaces)
- Manometers (Capacitance manometers)
- Rheometers (Capillary rheometers)
- Photo attachments for microscopes (Charge-coupled device CCD cameras)
- Presses (Cold isostatic presses)
- Milling cutters (Computerized numerical control CNC machining centers)
- Viscosimeters (Cone viscometers)
- Surface tension measuring instruments (Contact angle goniometers)
- Creep testers (Creep testing equipment)
- Crystal growing equipment (Crystal growers)
- Desktop computers
- Power saws (Diamond wafering saws)
- Spectrometers (Dielectric spectrometers)
- Calorimeters (Differential scanning calorimeters)
- Thermal differential analyzers (Differential thermal analyzers)
- Oscilloscopes (Digital oscilloscopes)
- Volumeters (Dilatometers)
- Volumeters (Double push rod dilatometers)
- Electronic actuators (Dynamic actuators)
- Light scattering equipment (Dynamic light scattering equipment)
- Thermal differential analyzers (Dynamic mechanical analyzers DMA)
- Laboratory box furnaces (Electrode furnaces)
- Metal markers or holders (Electrolytic etching machines)
- Thickness measuring devices (Ellipsometers)
- Abrasion testers (Erosion testers)
- Extruders (Extruding machines)
- Milling cutters (Fast tool servos)
- Scanning electron microscopes (Field emission scanning electron microscopes)
- Infrared spectrometers (Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectrometers)
- Freeze dryers or lyopholizers (Freeze dryers)
- Fume hoods or cupboards (Fume hoods)
- Signal generators (Function generators)
- Spectrometers (Gamma ray spectrometers)
- Mass spectrometers (Gas chromatograph mass spectrometers GC-MS)
- Isolation glove boxes (Glove box systems)
- Power grinders (Grinding spindles)
- Laboratory evaporators (High vacuum evaporation systems)
- Power saws (High-speed cutoff saws)
- Sampling manifolds (High-vacuum manifolds)
- Tube furnaces (Horizontal tube furnaces)
- Presses (Hot isostatic presses)
- Hydraulic press frames (Hot mounting presses)
- Hydraulic press frames (Hydraulic presses)
- Thickness measuring devices (Imaging ellipsometers)
- Impact testers
- Crucible furnaces (Induction furnaces)
- Inductively coupled plasma ICP spectrometers (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers ICP-MS)
- X ray radiography examination equipment (Industrial computed tomography CT scanners)
- Injection molding machines (Injection molders)
- Interferometers (Interferometric microscopes)
- Ion selective electrode ISE meters (Ion analyzers)
- Analytical balances (Laboratory analytical balances)
- Ultra pure water systems (Laboratory water purification systems)
- Notebook computers (Laptop computers)
- Interferometers (Laser interferometers)
- Linear position sensors (Linear variable differential transformers LVDT)
- Loadcells (Load cells)
- Hardness testers (Macrohardness testers)
- Grinders (Manual grinders)
- Laboratory evaporators (Metal evaporation chambers)
- Metallurgical microscopes (Metallographic microscopes)
- Calorimeters (Microcalorimeters)
- Photo attachments for microscopes (Microscope digital cameras)
- Mass spectrometers (Mobile mass spectrometers)
- Spectrometers (Mossbauer spectroscopes)
- Laboratory box furnaces (Muffle furnaces)
- Corrosion testers (Multisample autoclaves)
- Scanning probe microscopes (Nanoscope atomic force microscopes)
- Reflectometers (Neutron reflectometers)
- Laboratory box furnaces (Nitrogen furnaces)
- Binocular light compound microscopes (Optical compound microscopes)
- Surface testers (Optical profilometers)
- Radiation detectors (Peltier cooled solid-state detectors)
- Personal computers
- Polarizing microscopes (Petrographic microscopes)
- Induction heaters (Plasma arc melting furnaces)
- Viscosimeters (Plate viscometers)
- Porosimeters (Pore sizers)
- Potentiometers (Potentiostats)
- Surface testers (Profilometers)
- Microcontrollers (Programmable logic controllers PLC)
- Laboratory crushers or pulverizers (Pulverizers)
- Laboratory balances (Quartz crystal microbalances)
- Thickness measuring devices (Quartz crystal thickness monitors)
- Spectrometers (Raman scattering spectroscopes)
- Semiconductor testers (Reactive ion etchers RIE)
- Viscosimeters (Rotational viscometers)
- Safety glasses
- Goggles (Safety goggles)
- Corrosion testers (Salt spray chambers)
- Scanning electron microscopes (Scanning electron microscopes SEM)
- Scanning probe microscopes (Scanning Kelvin probes)
- Scanning probe microscopes (Scanning probe microscopes SPM)
- Scanning probe microscopes (Scanning tunneling microscopes STM)
- Abrasion testers (Scratch testers)
- Injection molding machines (Screw injection molding machines)
- Spectrometers (Secondary ion mass spectrometers SIMS)
- Particle size measuring apparatus (Sedigraphs)
- Laboratory balances (Semi-microbalances)
- Power grinders (Semiautomatic grinders)
- Fatigue testers (Servohydraulic test machines)
- Laboratory mills (Shaker ball mills)
- Abrasion testers (Slurry abrasion testers)
- Ultrasonic examination equipment (Sonic modulus testers)
- Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters (Spectrofluorimeters)
- Spectrophotometers
- Frequency analyzers (Spectrum analyzers)
- Semiconductor process systems (Sputter deposition systems)
- Electronic actuators (Static actuators)
- Stereo or dissecting light microscopes (Stereo microscopes)
- Roughness measuring instruments (Stylus profilometers)
- Swaging tools
- Casting machines (Tape casters)
- Thermo gravimetry analyzers (Thermal gravimetric analyzers)
- Blow torches (Thermal spray torches)
- Diffractometers (Theta-theta diffractometers)
- Corrosion testers (Titanium autoclaves)
- Transmission electron microscopes (Transmission electron microscopes TEM)
- Tube furnaces
- Laboratory box furnaces (Ultra high temperature furnaces)
- Laboratory balances (Ultra microbalances)
- Lathes (Ultraprecision lathes)
- Ultrasonic examination equipment (Ultrasonic analyzers)
- Ultrasonic cleaning equipment (Ultrasonic cleaners)
- Wear testers (UV exposure chambers)
- Magnetometer geophysical instruments (Vibrating sample magnetometers)
- Tumblers or polishers (Vibratory polishers)
- X ray diffraction equipment (X ray diffractometers)
- X ray generators
Technologies Include:
- Analytical or scientific software
- 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
- Dassault Systemes Abaqus
- ESM Software CrystalMaker
- GAMESS-US
- General Structural Analysis System GSAS
- Maplesoft Maple
- Materials Data Incorporated Jade
- Multichannel microelectrode analyzer MMA software
- Olympus analysis software
- PANalytical X'Pert Data Collector
- PANalytical X'Pert Epitaxy
- PWscf
- RIETAN
- SolidWorks COSMOSWorks
- Stewart Computational Chemistry MOPAC
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- VAMP/VASP
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
- Data base user interface and query software
- International Centre for Diffraction Data ICDD DDView
- Development environment software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Internet browser software
- Web browser software
- Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Additional Resources
General information on career opportunities and earnings for chemists is available from:
American Chemical Society
Education Division
1155 16th St. NW.
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.acs.org
Information on obtaining a position as a chemist with the Federal Government is available from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) through a telephone-based system. Consult your telephone directory under U.S. Government for a local number or call (912) 757-3000; Federal Relay Service: (800) 877-8339 The first number is not tollfree and charges may result. Information also is available from the OPM Internet site:
http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1900/1980b.htm
For general information on materials science, contact:
Materials Research Society (MRS)
506 Keystone Dr.
Warrendale, PA 15086-7573
http://www.mrs.org
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
94.00 | 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. |
88.75 | 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. |
88.00 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
84.50 | 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. |
73.75 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
73.75 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
65.50 | Design | Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
62.50 | Production and Processing | Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
60.75 | Education and Training | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
78.00 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
78.00 | Science | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
78.00 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
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. |
72.00 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
72.00 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
72.00 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
65.50 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
65.50 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
59.50 | Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
59.50 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
56.25 | Operations Analysis | Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design. |
53.00 | Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
53.00 | Instructing | Teaching others how to do something. |
53.00 | Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
53.00 | 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 | 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. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
81.25 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
78.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
78.00 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
78.00 | 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 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
75.00 | 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. |
75.00 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
72.00 | 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). |
72.00 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
68.75 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
59.50 | Mathematical Reasoning | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
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 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
53.00 | 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). |
53.00 | 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. |
53.00 | Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
53.00 | 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. |
53.00 | Visualization | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
53.00 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
50.00 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
92.75 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
92.50 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
88.00 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
87.00 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
86.25 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
85.75 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
85.75 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
85.00 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
84.50 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
79.75 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
78.50 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
75.00 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
73.75 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
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. |
67.75 | Developing Objectives and Strategies | Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
65.50 | Providing Consultation and Advice to Others | Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
64.25 | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
63.00 | 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. |
63.00 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
63.00 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
62.50 | 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. |
62.00 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
58.75 | Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates | Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
57.25 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
57.25 | Developing and Building Teams | Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
52.50 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
91.75 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
89.25 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
87.00 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
87.00 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
82.25 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
82.25 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
77.50 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
76.25 | 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. |
73.75 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
73.75 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
66.75 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
63.00 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
62.00 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
59.50 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
77.83 | 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. |
72.17 | 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. |
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. |
69.50 | 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. |
50.00 | 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. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
99.00 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
96.20 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
92.40 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
84.80 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
83.80 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
83.80 | 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? |
82.80 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
82.00 | 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? |
77.20 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
77.20 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
73.40 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
73.40 | 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? |
70.40 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
70.00 | 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? |
69.60 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
65.80 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
64.80 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
62.00 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
62.00 | Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions? |
62.00 | 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? |
59.00 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
56.20 | Public Speaking | How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job? |
56.20 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
54.20 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
54.20 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
53.40 | 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? |
50.40 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
50.40 | 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? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Job Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
- Examples
- These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $61,730.00 | $104,380.00 | $135,250.00 |
Virginia | $46,870.00 | $81,370.00 | $122,920.00 |
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 | $48,670.44 | $48,670.44 | $65,294.75 |
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 | $103,708.56 | $151,106.92 | $184,783.39 |
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 |
* 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 Scientists
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 7,000 | 7,400 | +5.7% |
Virginia | 132 | 138 | +4.5% |
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 Scientists
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 Engineers
- Microsystems Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Chemists
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Electrical Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Chemical Technicians
- Photonics Technicians
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Photonics Engineers
- Fuel Cell Engineers
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Careers in Science and Mathematics Pathway:
- Anthropologists and Archeologists
- Astronomers
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Biochemists and Biophysicists
- Bioinformatics Scientists
- Biological Scientists, All Other
- Biostatisticians
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Chemists
- Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Clinical Data Managers
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Conservation Scientists
- Data Scientists
- Economists
- Environmental Economists
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Geneticists
- Geographers
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Historians
- Hydrologic Technicians
- Hydrologists
- Industrial Ecologists
- Life Scientists, All Other
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
- Materials Scientists
- Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
- Mathematicians
- Microbiologists
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Park Naturalists
- Physical Scientists, All Other
- Physicists
- Political Scientists
- Precision Agriculture Technicians
- Quality Control Analysts
- Range Managers
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Remote Sensing Technicians
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
- Sociologists
- Statisticians
- Survey Researchers
- Transportation Planners
- Urban and Regional Planners
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
View Videos
CareerOneStop Video
View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Videos
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 Scientists
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 Scientists
Titles
- Development Engineer
- Engineer
- Materials Engineer
- Materials Lab Technician
- Materials Research Engineer
- Materials Scientist
- Metal Alloy Scientist
- Metallurgical Engineer
- Metals Research Engineer
- Microelectricalmechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist)
- Nanotechnologist
- Plastics Scientist
- Polymer Materials Consultant
- Polymer Specialist
- Product Development Manager
- Professor
- Research and Development Scientist (R and D Scientist)
- Research Associate
- Research Professor
- Research Scientist
- Technology Officer
- Textile Technologist
- Thin Film Development Engineer
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Materials Scientists
Related Schools
- Norfolk State University
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)