Materials Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$108K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

5.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Materials Engineer?

Materials Engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from computer chips to aircraft wings. Their work combines elements of chemistry, physics, and engineering to innovate and improve materials used in various industries.

Sample job titles:

Materials Engineer, Materials Research Engineer, Metallurgical Engineer, Metallurgist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Materials Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Materials Engineer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$68K per year	$86K per year	$108K per year	$138K per year	$172K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $59K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Materials Engineer do?

Work environment

Materials Engineers typically work in laboratories, industrial plants, or offices. They may be employed in sectors like manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, biomedical engineering, and government agencies. The role often involves collaboration with scientists, engineers, and processing specialists.

Quick task list

Develops new materials and tests their properties.
Analyzes the performance of materials under different conditions.
Modifies materials to improve their properties.
Ensures materials meet regulatory requirements.
Collaborates with other engineers to determine the suitability of materials for specific products.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Metallurgical Engineering: Specializing in metals and alloys, focusing on their development, production, and processing.
Polymer Engineering: Developing and testing plastic-based materials for various applications.
Ceramics Engineering: Working with ceramic materials and developing products ranging from glass to advanced ceramics.
Composite Materials Engineering: Focusing on materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties.
Nanomaterials Engineering: Developing materials at the nanoscale to create new products with unique properties.

Description

Materials Engineers are integral in the advancement of technology and product development. They work at the forefront of innovation, developing materials that can withstand extreme conditions, have superior strength, are lighter, or more environmentally friendly. Their expertise is crucial in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics.

The occupation requires a deep understanding of materials science and engineering principles, including the structure, properties, and behavior of various materials. Materials Engineers must be skilled in problem-solving and critical thinking to develop new materials and improve existing ones. They also need to be proficient in using specialized equipment and software for materials analysis and testing.

Materials Engineers must keep up with the latest advancements in the field and be able to work in multidisciplinary teams. They often bridge the gap between research and practical application, transforming scientific discoveries into tangible products. This role requires not only technical knowledge but also creativity and a willingness to explore new ideas.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to significant technological advancements and innovations.
The variety and challenge of working on diverse projects across different industries.
The intellectual stimulation from solving complex material-related problems.

You might make a good Materials Engineer if you are...

Fascinated by how materials can be altered and improved for various uses.
A strong problem solver with keen analytical skills.
Interested in chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Detail-oriented and capable of conducting precise, meticulous work.
Curious and eager to keep learning about new advancements in materials science.

Pros:

Involvement in cutting-edge technology and product development.
High demand for materials expertise in various industries.
Opportunities for innovation and creative problem-solving.

Cons:

The need for continual learning and adaptation to new technologies and materials.
Can be challenging to keep up with the rapid pace of advancements in the field.
Some roles may require working in environments with hazardous materials or under stringent conditions.

How to become a Materials Engineer

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, or a related engineering field is typically required, which takes about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some advanced research positions may require a master's degree or Ph.D.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced Mathematics and Chemistry for foundational knowledge in material properties and engineering.
Physics to understand the principles affecting materials.
Computer Science for skills in modeling and simulation.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in science fairs or engineering competitions.
Joining clubs related to robotics, chemistry, or environmental science.
Engaging in DIY projects or maker fairs focusing on material creation and use.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, or a related field.
Seek internships or cooperative education opportunities in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, or biomedical engineering.
Stay updated with advancements in the field through journals, workshops, and conferences.

More resources

Materials Research Society (MRS) - Offers resources and networking opportunities for materials researchers.
ASM International - Provides educational courses and materials engineering certifications.
The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) - A professional organization that connects materials experts.
American Ceramic Society - Offers resources for professionals working with ceramic materials.

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