How do they match: 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.

  • Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.
  • Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
  • Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
  • Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
  • Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.
  • Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.

  • Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
  • Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications.
  • Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
  • Prepare detailed work plans.