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 Engineer
Materials Research Engineer
Metallurgical Engineer
Metallurgist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key 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
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $68,040. 25th percentile: U.S. $85,820. 50th percentile: U.S. $108,310. 75th percentile: U.S. $138,370. 90th percentile: U.S. $172,000. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Autodesk AutoCAD
C++
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Word
Oracle Database
Python
SAP software
The MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
ANSYS Multiphysics
Computer aided design CAD software
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Digital image correlation DIC software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Fault detection isolation and recovery FDIR software
