Materials Engineers
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.
SOC: 17-2131.00
Common Job Titles
Materials EngineerMaterials Research EngineerMetallurgical EngineerMetallurgist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate material properties and performance characteristics using advanced analytical equipment and spectroscopy techniques to determine suitability for specialized applications.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign novel material compositions and processing methodologies for products requiring specialized performance specifications, integrating chemistry, physics, and engineering principles.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate innovative applications for existing materials by synthesizing knowledge of material science with manufacturing constraints and market requirements.Advanced
- KnowledgeDevelop manufacturing processes and machinery specifications for scaling laboratory materials from research to production, considering cost, safety, and regulatory requirements.Advanced
- MindsetModel continuous learning and technical mentorship practices by training junior engineers and technicians in advanced materials characterization and analysis techniques.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze experimental data from materials testing using statistical software and analytical methods to determine mechanical, thermal, and chemical behavior.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess material failure modes and performance limitations in laboratory and field conditions, applying complex problem-solving to recommend design improvements.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate advanced characterization equipment including scanning electron microscopes, spectrometers, and thermal analyzers following rigorous protocols to obtain precise measurements of material microstructure and properties.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute materials processing procedures including heat treatment, sintering, and coating operations using furnaces, presses, and deposition systems under controlled environmental conditions.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate interdisciplinary perspectives from manufacturing, design, and quality engineering teams when developing materials solutions that balance technical feasibility with production constraints.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate evidence-based material selection criteria and quality standards when communicating with external clients and internal stakeholders to influence project decisions.Proficient
- Hands-onCalibrate mechanical testing systems and analytical instruments to ensure compliance with industry standards and maintain measurement accuracy.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Materials Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
22,770
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $68,040 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $172,000 |
| Workers on average earn | $116,380 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Engineering and Technology4.3/5
- Chemistry4.3/5
- Physics4.2/5
- Production and Processing4.1/5
- Mathematics4.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Autodesk AutoCADC++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WordOracle DatabasePythonSAP softwareThe MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
ANSYS MultiphysicsComputer aided design CAD softwareDassault Systemes CATIADigital image correlation DIC softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareFault detection isolation and recovery FDIR softwareFinite element analysis softwareFormula translation/translator FORTRAN
Tools & Equipment
Abrasion testersAccelerated weathering machinesAccelerometersAcoustic impediography equipmentAdhesion testersAdiabatic bomb calorimetersAmmetersAnalytical balances