All About Materials Engineers
Materials Engineer Job Description 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.
Daily Life Of a Materials Engineer
- Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
- Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary.
- Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
- Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
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Materials Engineer Needed Skills
Materials Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Types of Materials Engineer Jobs
- Materials Engineer
- Welding Engineer
- Material Analyst
- Failure Analysis Technician
- Corrosion Engineer
Are There Job Opportunities for Materials Engineers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 27,000 jobs in the United States for Materials Engineer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 1.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 500 new jobs for Materials Engineer by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,900 positions for Materials Engineer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Materials Engineer are Utah, Nevada, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Kansas, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Materials Engineer Salary
Materials Engineers make between $57,110 and $148,110 a year.
Materials Engineers who work in New Mexico, Maryland, or Tennessee, make the highest salaries.
How much do Materials Engineers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $94,590 |
| Alaska | $99,010 |
| Arizona | $90,020 |
| Arkansas | $87,780 |
| California | $107,570 |
| Colorado | $100,940 |
| Connecticut | $98,310 |
| Florida | $99,570 |
| Georgia | $86,240 |
| Illinois | $84,310 |
| Indiana | $80,560 |
| Iowa | $94,930 |
| Kansas | $106,350 |
| Kentucky | $74,720 |
| Louisiana | $109,410 |
| Maine | $93,630 |
| Maryland | $116,380 |
| Massachusetts | $95,640 |
| Michigan | $82,570 |
| Minnesota | $96,780 |
| Mississippi | $85,330 |
| Missouri | $93,100 |
| Montana | $65,110 |
| Nebraska | $81,710 |
| Nevada | $95,070 |
| New Hampshire | $93,230 |
| New Jersey | $90,740 |
| New Mexico | $124,780 |
| New York | $100,880 |
| Ohio | $91,360 |
| Oklahoma | $92,470 |
| Oregon | $91,690 |
| Pennsylvania | $89,180 |
| South Carolina | $87,470 |
| Tennessee | $111,670 |
| Texas | $99,790 |
| Utah | $88,100 |
| Vermont | $90,970 |
| Virginia | $97,470 |
| West Virginia | $88,320 |
| Wisconsin | $82,410 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Materials Engineers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Materials Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft SharePoint
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Minitab
- National Instruments LabVIEW
How do I Become a Materials Engineer?
Are there Materials Engineers education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Materials Engineer?
Where Materials Engineers Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Materials Engineers employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those interested in being a Materials Engineer may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Panoramedia via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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