Materials Engineers Go Back to List 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.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Analytical or scientific software

Tasks
	Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
	Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration.
	Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
	Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
	Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
	Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
	Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
	Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
	Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary.
	Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.

Skills
	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.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
	Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Knowledge
	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.
	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 m
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	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.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
	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.

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Education & Training   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.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $116,341.00 $55.93  $41.03  $44.74 - $63.54  Bridgeport/Stamford $134,772.00 $64.79  $46.42  $51.58 - $80.61  Hartford $98,910.00 $47.55  $37.79  $38.74 - $57.12  New Haven $107,203.00 $51.54  $39.35  $45.37 - $63.16

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   33   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.