What Does it Take to Be a Materials Engineer?
Position Description 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.
Life As a Materials Engineer
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Teach in colleges and universities.
- Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
- Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
- Design processing plants and equipment.
Materials Engineer Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Materials Engineers say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Types of Materials Engineer
- Stress Engineer
- Materials Research Engineer
- Test Engineer
- Metallurgical Specialist
- Welding Engineer
Materials Engineer Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 27,000 jobs for Materials Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 1.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 500 new jobs for Materials Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,900 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Materials Engineer are Utah, Nevada, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Kansas, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Materials Engineer Make?
The typical yearly salary for Materials Engineers is somewhere between $57,110 and $148,110.
Materials Engineers who work in New Mexico, Maryland, or Tennessee, make the highest salaries.
How much do Materials Engineers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $94,590 |
| Alaska | $99,010 |
| Arizona | $90,020 |
| Arkansas | $87,780 |
| California | $107,570 |
| Colorado | $100,940 |
| Connecticut | $98,310 |
| Florida | $99,570 |
| Georgia | $86,240 |
| Illinois | $84,310 |
| Indiana | $80,560 |
| Iowa | $94,930 |
| Kansas | $106,350 |
| Kentucky | $74,720 |
| Louisiana | $109,410 |
| Maine | $93,630 |
| Maryland | $116,380 |
| Massachusetts | $95,640 |
| Michigan | $82,570 |
| Minnesota | $96,780 |
| Mississippi | $85,330 |
| Missouri | $93,100 |
| Montana | $65,110 |
| Nebraska | $81,710 |
| Nevada | $95,070 |
| New Hampshire | $93,230 |
| New Jersey | $90,740 |
| New Mexico | $124,780 |
| New York | $100,880 |
| Ohio | $91,360 |
| Oklahoma | $92,470 |
| Oregon | $91,690 |
| Pennsylvania | $89,180 |
| South Carolina | $87,470 |
| Tennessee | $111,670 |
| Texas | $99,790 |
| Utah | $88,100 |
| Vermont | $90,970 |
| Virginia | $97,470 |
| West Virginia | $88,320 |
| Wisconsin | $82,410 |
What Tools do Materials Engineers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Materials Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft SharePoint
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Minitab
- National Instruments LabVIEW
Becoming a Materials Engineer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Materials Engineer?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Materials Engineer?
Where do Materials Engineers Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Materials Engineers employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Materials Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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