Updated 2019

Details Report for:
17-2131.00 - 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.

Sample of reported job titles: Materials and Processes Manager, Materials Branch Chief, Materials Development Engineer, Materials Engineer, Materials Research Engineer, Metallurgical Engineer, Metallurgist, Process Engineer, Research Engineer, Test Engineer

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance	Category	Task
77	Core	Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
76	Core	Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
75	Core	Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
72	Core	Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
72	Core	Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
72	Core	Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
71	Core	Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration.
71	Core	Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
71	Core	Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary.
69	Core	Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
69	Core	Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
68	Core	Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
67	Core	Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
66	Core	Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
60	Core	Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
57	Core	Teach in colleges and universities.
50	Core	Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components with computers.
55	Supplemental	Design processing plants and equipment.
49	Supplemental	Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
44	Supplemental	Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.

Find occupations related to multiple tasks

Technology Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Analytical or scientific software — Fault detection isolation and recovery FDIR software; Image analysis systems; Minitab ; The MathWorks MATLAB (see all 7 examples)
Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD ; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS ; PTC Creo Parametric
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software — Fused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systems; Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems
Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software ; Microsoft Access ; MTS Testworks; QMC CM4D (see all 5 examples)
Development environment software — Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; Microsoft Visual Basic ; National Instruments LabVIEW
Electronic mail software — IBM Notes ; Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software — SAP
Graphics or photo imaging software — Graphics software; Microsoft Visio
Internet browser software — Web browser software
Object or component oriented development software — C++ ; Microsoft Visual Basic.NET; Python
Office suite software — Microsoft Office
Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software — Microsoft SharePoint
Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
Word processing software — Microsoft Word

Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

Tools Used Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Abrasion testers
Accelerometers
Ageing ovens — Accelerated weathering machines; Solar simulators
Ammeters
Analytical balances — Magnetic susceptibility balances
Atomic absorption AA spectrometers — Atomic absorption AA spectrophotometers
Benchtop centrifuges
Binocular light compound microscopes — Binocular compound microscopes; Optical compound microscopes
Borescope inspection equipment — Fiberscopes
Bubble columns — Flotation columns
Calorimeters — Adiabatic bomb calorimeters; Differential scanning calorimeters
Chromatographic scanners — Gel permeation chromatographs GPC
Colorimeters — Spectrocolorimeters
Compression testers — Compression testing machines; Screw-driven test machines
Concrete or cement testing instruments — Concrete test hammers; Freeze-thaw test units; Stabilometers
Coordinate measuring machines CMM
Crucible furnaces — Melt spinners
Depth gauges — Pit depth gauges
Diffractometers
Digital cameras
Drying cabinets or ovens — Drying ovens
Electromagnetic field meters — Gauss meters
Electrometers
Electron microscopes — Electron microprobe analyzers EMPA
Electronic toploading balances
Extensometers
Fatigue testers — Servohydraulic test machines
Filtering machinery — Filter presses
Flow transmitters — Oscillating water tunnels; Wind tunnels
Flowmeters — Laser Doppler velocimeters LDV
Fume hoods or cupboards — Fume hoods
Gas chromatographs — Gas chromatographs GC
Graphic recorders — Current versus voltage IV curve tracers
Grinders — Lapping wheels
Grinding or polishing machines — Attritors; Polishing machines
Gyratory crushers
Hardness testers — Durometers
Heated walk in environmental or growth chambers — Heated walk-in environmental chambers
High pressure liquid chromatograph chromatography — High pressure liquid chromatograph HPLC equipment
High vacuum combustion apparatus — Microwave sintering furnaces; Plasma-arc furnaces; Rotating furnaces
Homogenizers — Ultrasonic dismembrators; Ultrasonicators
Horizontal turning center — Computerized numerical control CNC lathes
Hydraulic press frames — Hydraulic presses
Immersion circulators — Ultrasonic baths
Impact testers — Charpy impact testers; Drop weight impact towers
Impedance meters — Acoustic impediography equipment
Induction dryers — Solvent dryers
Infrared dryers — Ultraviolet UV exposure units
Infrared imagers — Infrared cameras; Infrared monitors
Infrared spectrometers — Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectroscopes; Optical emission spectrometers
Injection molding machines
Ion exchange apparatus — Deionizers
Isolation glove boxes — Laboratory glove boxes
Jaw crushers
Laboratory balances — Specific gravity balances
Laboratory blenders or emulsifiers — Hot blenders; Laboratory blenders; Slurry blenders
Laboratory box furnaces — Inert atmosphere box furnaces; Muffle furnaces
Laboratory burets — Water burets
Laboratory crushers or pulverizers — Laboratory pulverizers; Laboratory sample splitters; Sample presses
Laboratory evaporators — Vacuum evaporators
Laboratory microwave ovens
Laboratory mills — Ball mills; Jar mills; Rod mills
Laboratory mixers — Counter-current mixers
Laboratory separators — Electrostatic separators; High tension separators; Isodynamic separators; Magnetic separators
Laboratory vacuum pumps — Molecular pumps
Laminators
Lasers — Solid state laser systems
Leak testing equipment — Gas detectors
Linear position sensors — Linear variable differential transformers LVDT
Load frame — Load frames
Mass spectrometers
Metal band sawing machine — Band saws
Metal testing instruments — Adhesion testers
Optical diffraction apparatus — Particle size analyzers
Optical vacuum coating equipment — Vacuum coating systems
Orbital shakers — Mechanical sieve shakers
Orbital shaking water baths — Temperature regulated shaking water baths
Oscilloscopes — Digitizing oscilloscopes
Permeability testing apparatus — Permeability measuring devices
Personal computers
pH meters — pH testers
Photo attachments for microscopes — Microscope photo attachments
Photometers — Flame photometers
Plaster or mortar mixers — Cement mixers
Pneumatic sanding machines — Sanding machines
Polarizing microscopes
Porosimeters — Porosity indicators
Portable data input terminals — Dataloggers
Positioning jig — Holding jigs
Power saws — Masonry cutters; Water-cooled saws
Programmable tube furnaces — Graphite element furnaces
Protective gloves — Safety gloves
Pycnometers
Reflectometers
Roll crushers
Safety glasses
Scanning electron microscopes — Scanning electron microscopes SEM
Scanning probe microscopes — Atomic force microscopes
Semiconductor process systems — Etching equipment; Micromanipulators
Sonometers
Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters — X ray fluorescence XRF analyzers; X ray fluorescence XRF spectrometers
Spectrometers — Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometers EDS
Spectrophotometers
Steam autoclaves or sterilizers — Microwave autoclaves; Steam autoclaves
Stereo or dissecting light microscopes — Stereo microscopes
Strain gauges
Tensiometers — Tension gauges
Tension testers — High temperature material testing systems; High-vacuum tensile testing chambers; Tensile testers
Test sieves — Laboratory test sieves
Thermal differential analyzers — Differential thermal analyzers; Thermal analysis systems
Thermo gravimetry analyzers — Thermogravimetric analyzers
Thickness measuring devices — Film thickness measurement systems
Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe — Lathes
Traveling column milling machine — Computer numerical controlled CNC milling machines
Tube furnaces — Microwave tube furnaces
Turbidimeters
Twin screw extruder — Balling drums; Twin screw extruders; Twin-screw extruders
Ultrasonic examination equipment — Ultrasound inspection equipment
Vacuum ovens — Vacuum furnaces
Vibration testers — Vibration analysis equipment
Vibratory plates — Kneading compactors
Viscosimeters — Viscosity meters
Water conditioners — Liquid conditioners
Wear testers — Friction and wear testers

Knowledge Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Knowledge
91		Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
87		Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
82		Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
82		Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
74		Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
72		English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
65		Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
64		Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
62		Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
48		Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
42		Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
40		Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
35		Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
35		Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
33		Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
31		Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
30		Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
30		Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
30		Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
29		Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
28		Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
26		Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
26		Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
19		Foreign Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
19		Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
17		Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
14		Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
10		History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
8		Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
8		Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
7		Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
7		Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
5		Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Skill
75		Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
75		Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
72		Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
69		Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
66		Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
66		Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
66		Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
63		Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
56		Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
56		Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
56		Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
53		Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
53		Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
50		Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50		Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
50		Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
50		Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
50		Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
50		Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
50		Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
47		Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
47		Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
47		Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
44		Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
41		Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
38		Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
38		Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
35		Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
28		Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
28		Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
25		Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
16		Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
0		Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
0		Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
0		Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Abilities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Ability
75		Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
75		Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
75		Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
75		Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
75		Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
72		Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
72		Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
72		Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
66		Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
66		Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
63		Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
60		Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
60		Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
56		Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
56		Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
56		Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
53		Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
53		Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
53		Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
53		Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
50		Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
41		Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
38		Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
38		Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
35		Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
31		Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
31		Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
31		Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
28		Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
28		Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
28		Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
28		Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
25		Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
22		Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
19		Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
16		Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
16		Response Orientation — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
3		Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
0		Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0		Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
0		Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
0		Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0		Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of glare or bright lighting.
0		Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
0		Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
0		Night Vision — The ability to see under low light conditions.
0		Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
0		Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
0		Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
0		Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
0		Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
0		Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Activity
90		Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
87		Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
85		Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
83		Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
82		Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
80		Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
80		Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
79		Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
77		Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
76		Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
73		Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
72		Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
72		Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
71		Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
71		Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
68		Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
63		Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
62		Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
62		Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
62		Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
60		Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
60		Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
55		Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
53		Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
52		Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
51		Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
51		Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
49		Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
47		Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
46		Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
39		Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
35		Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
35		Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
34		Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
32		Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
30		Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
27		Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
24		Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
23		Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
22		Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
20		Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Detailed Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Direct quality control activities.
Test characteristics of materials or structures.
Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
Prepare operational reports.
Prepare project budgets.
Prepare proposal documents.
Direct design or development activities.
Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
Determine operational methods.
Resolve operational performance problems.
Direct industrial production activities.
Design industrial processing systems.
Create models of engineering designs or methods.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.

Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities

Work Context Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Work Context

Percentage of Top Responses

Electronic Mail — How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

See more occupations related to this work context.


100	Every day

Telephone — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?


69	Every day
23	Once a week or more but not every day

Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?


62	Every day
36	Once a week or more but not every day

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?


79	Every day

Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?


36	Extremely important
54	Very important

Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?


31	A lot of freedom
59	Some freedom

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?


33	Every day
49	Once a week or more but not every day
18	Once a month or more but not every week

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?


33	Extremely important
46	Very important
21	Important

Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.


54	More than 40 hours
46	40 hours

Structured versus Unstructured Work — To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?


21	A lot of freedom
67	Some freedom
13	Limited freedom

Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?


33	Constant contact with others
28	Contact with others most of the time
28	Contact with others about half the time

Letters and Memos — How often does the job require written letters and memos?


21	Every day
49	Once a week or more but not every day
23	Once a month or more but not every week

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?


38	Important results
46	Moderate results

Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?


47	More than half the time
45	About half the time

Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?


54	Once a week or more but not every day
38	Once a month or more but not every week

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?


23	Very high responsibility
26	High responsibility
28	Moderate responsibility
23	Limited responsibility

Coordinate or Lead Others — How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?


44	Very important
38	Important

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?


33	High responsibility
36	Moderate responsibility
23	Limited responsibility

Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?


13	Extremely serious
24	Very serious
37	Serious
16	Fairly serious
11	Not serious at all

Frequency of Decision Making — How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?


13	Every day
18	Once a week or more but not every day
38	Once a month or more but not every week
31	Once a year or more but not every month

Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?


33	Highly competitive
41	Moderately competitive
21	Slightly competitive

Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?


13	Every day
18	Once a week or more but not every day
31	Once a month or more but not every week
23	Once a year or more but not every month
15	Never

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?


26	Once a week or more but not every day
33	Once a month or more but not every week
18	Once a year or more but not every month
15	Never

Deal With External Customers — How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?


13	Very important
36	Important
36	Fairly important

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?


32	Once a week or more but not every day
29	Once a month or more but not every week
18	Once a year or more but not every month
18	Never

Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?


64	Slightly close (e.g., shared office)
28	I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?


21	Once a week or more but not every day
23	Once a month or more but not every week
28	Once a year or more but not every month
21	Never

Public Speaking — How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?


18	Once a week or more but not every day
23	Once a month or more but not every week
54	Once a year or more but not every month

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?


21	Once a week or more but not every day
33	Once a month or more but not every week
28	Once a year or more but not every month
18	Never

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?


13	More than half the time
62	Less than half the time

Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?


37	About half the time
61	Less than half the time

Frequency of Conflict Situations — How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?


26	Once a month or more but not every week
56	Once a year or more but not every month

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?


18	Very important
18	Important
23	Fairly important
38	Not important at all

Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?


28	Moderately automated
44	Slightly automated
23	Not at all automated

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?


18	Once a month or more but not every week
64	Once a year or more but not every month
15	Never

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?


15	Once a month or more but not every week
51	Once a year or more but not every month
26	Never

Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?


15	Once a month or more but not every week
41	Once a year or more but not every month
36	Never

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?


13	Once a month or more but not every week
46	Once a year or more but not every month
36	Never

Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?


49	Once a year or more but not every month
38	Never

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)


28	Fairly important
54	Not important at all

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?


21	Once a month or more but not every week
21	Once a year or more but not every month
54	Never

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?


18	Once a month or more but not every week
31	Once a year or more but not every month
49	Never

Spend Time Walking and Running — How much does this job require walking and running?


62	Less than half the time
33	Never

Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?


13	Once a month or more but not every week
37	Once a year or more but not every month
50	Never

Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?


31	Once a year or more but not every month
56	Never

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?


13	Once a month or more but not every week
26	Once a year or more but not every month
59	Never

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?


42	Less than half the time
53	Never

Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?


28	Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)
72	Regular (established routine, set schedule)

Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?


31	Once a year or more but not every month
69	Never

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?


31	Less than half the time
69	Never

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?


28	Less than half the time
72	Never

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, or poles?


24	Less than half the time
76	Never

Deal With Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?


13	Once a year or more but not every month
85	Never

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?


18	Less than half the time
82	Never

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer)?


92	Never

Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?


95	Never

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?


95	Never

Job Zone Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Title	Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education	Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Related Experience	A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Job Zone Examples	Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
SVP Range	(7.0 to < 8.0)

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
51	Bachelor's degree
31	Master's degree
8	Doctoral degree

Credentials

Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Occupational Interest		Interest
100		Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
83		Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
56		Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
39		Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
28		Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
6		Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Styles Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Style
91		Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
88		Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
83		Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
82		Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
81		Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
80		Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
79		Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
78		Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
74		Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
73		Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
69		Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
63		Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
61		Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
58		Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
50		Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
35		Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Extent		Work Value
78		Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
72		Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
72		Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
67		Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
61		Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
33		Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Related Occupations Save Table (XLS/CSV)

13-1081.01	Logistics Engineers
17-2011.00	Aerospace Engineers
17-2071.00	Electrical Engineers
17-2111.03	Product Safety Engineers
17-2112.00	Industrial Engineers Bright Outlook
17-2199.01	Biochemical Engineers
17-2199.02	Validation Engineers Green
17-2199.03	Energy Engineers
19-2031.00	Chemists
19-2032.00	Materials Scientists

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2019)	$44.88 hourly, $93,360 annual
State wages
Local wages	ZIP Code:

Employment (2018)	27,700 employees
Projected growth (2018-2028)	Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Projected job openings (2018-2028)	1,700
State trends

Top industries (2018)	Manufacturing (57% employed in this sector) Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (23%) (see all industries)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018-2028). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

Sources of Additional Information

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