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Career overview · SOC 17-2131

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.

Also called: Extrusion Engineer · Materials Development Engineer · Materials Engineer · Materials Research Engineer · Metallurgical Engineer · Metallurgist

Median pay (national)
$108,310
$68,040–$172,000 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
22,770
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+5.7%
~1,500 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for materials engineers shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $172,000 versus $68,040 at the bottom 10% — 2.5x. The median of $108,310 leaves roughly 59% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +5.7% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 1,500 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 46 states with released data, Washington pays the most for this role (median $140,810, +30% vs the national median), while Iowa sits lowest at $76,640 — a 84% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Science as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Science
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Mathematics
  • Active Learning
  • Monitoring
  • Learning Strategies

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • C++
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Oracle Database
  • Python
  • SAP software
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • ANSYS Multiphysics
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Digital image correlation DIC software
  • Fault detection isolation and recovery FDIR software

Knowledge areas

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Production and Processing
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • Design
  • Computers and Electronics