Materials Engineers

17-2131.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

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

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - ANSYS Multiphysics; Digital image correlation DIC software; Fault detection isolation and recovery FDIR software; Finite element analysis software; Image analysis systems; Minitab; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Computer aided design CAD software; 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 - Microsoft Access 🔥; MTS Testworks; Oracle Database 🔥; QMC CM4D
• 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 - Enterprise resource planning ERP software; SAP software 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Graphics software
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic.NET; Python 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint ; Presentation software
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• 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.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• 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.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• 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 materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the 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.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• 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.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
• Direct quality control activities.
• Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
• Test characteristics of materials or structures.
• Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
• Prepare materials for processing.
• Determine operational methods.
• Direct design or development activities.
• 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.
• Prepare detailed work plans.
• Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
• Direct industrial production activities.
• Resolve operational performance problems.
• Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
• Prepare proposal documents.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Prepare project budgets.
• Present research results to others.
• Create models of engineering designs or methods.
• Design industrial processing systems.
• Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
• Teach classes in area of specialization.
• Teach social science courses at the college level.