Materials Engineers
Additional Information
Duties
The following is a typical list of the tasks that materials engineers perform:
- New projects should be planned and evaluated in consultation with other engineers and managers, if needed.
- Management responsibilities include writing proposals, analyzing expenses, and preparing reports.
- To supervise engineers, scientists, and other types of technical personnel.
- Direct and oversee the development and testing of processing methods.
- Maintain an eye on the performance of materials and examine how they degrade over time.
- Identify the root reasons of product failure and devise solutions to these issues.
- Analyze process or product design goals in terms of technical requirements and economic variables.
- Analyze the environmental effects of the manufacturing process.
At the atomistic level, materials engineers design and analyze new materials. They utilize computers to comprehend and model the properties of materials and its constituent parts. Mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear and aerospace engineering are some of the sectors in which they work.
It is possible for materials engineers to specialize on a particular area of study. Types of materials engineers include, but are not limited to:
For LCD flat panel displays to rocket nozzles, ceramic engineers design the materials and methods needed to make them functional.
Composites engineers create materials with tailored qualities that may be used in aviation, vehicles, and other applications.
Metallurgical engineers work with alloyed metals, such as steel and aluminum, that have had other elements added to give them certain qualities they require.
Polymer engineers are responsible for the development and testing of novel plastics for a wide range of new uses.
Researchers in the field of microelectronics create novel materials for computing, sensing, and other uses using materials science and engineering concepts.
Education
High school students interested in materials engineering should take math, science, and computer programming classes.
A materials engineer's entry-level job normally requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. A typical four-year program teaches students engineering ideas and methods in the classroom and laboratory.
Several colleges and universities offer five-year bachelor's and master's degree programs. Engineers with advanced degrees may educate or work in R&D.
Internship and co-op programs are popular among colleges and institutions. Students can acquire a degree while gaining real-world experience.
Employers may favor graduates from ABET-accredited engineering colleges. A recognized degree is required to become a licensed professional engineer.
Important Characteristics
Analysis skills Materials engineers commonly collaborate with other engineers. Determine how the materials will be used and built to endure various scenarios.
Mathematical ability Materials engineers commonly use calculus and other advanced math topics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting.
Solving skills Material scientists and engineers must understand how materials' structure, properties, production processes, and products interact. They must also determine the root reason of a product's failure, create a fix, and test the product to assure it does not fail again. These skills include identifying underlying causes when a multitude of factors are involved.
Speaking ability Materials engineers must be able to communicate successfully with other engineers, technicians, and techs. Engineers must be able to explain technical concepts to non-engineers to management.
Writing ability Materials engineers should be able to communicate their plans and reports to non-materials engineers.
Licenses and certifications
While most engineering professions require licensure, it is not required for entry-level jobs in materials engineering. A Professional Engineer (PE) license allows for greater leadership and flexibility. A "professional engineer" is a licensed engineer (PEs). A PE can manage others, approve projects, and provide direct public services. State licensing is often required.
ABET-certified engineering degree.
An acceptable FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) result.
Qualifying work experience usually requires four years.
PE exam passing score.
The first FE test can be taken after a bachelor's degree. Engineers who pass this test are usually referred to as interns or EITs (EIs). After meeting the work experience criterion, EITs and EIs can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering test (PE).
Each state has its own license. To be recognized, the licensing state's standards must meet or exceed those of the receiving state. Several states require engineers to complete continuing education to keep their licenses current.
ASM International and other materials science organizations offer metallography certification.
ASM International also offers advanced training in metallurgy and materials science, such as corrosion and failure analysis.
Pay
The median annual wage for materials engineers was $108,310 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,040, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $172,000.
Job Projections
Employment of materials engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
