Materials Engineers

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.

Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.

Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.

Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.

Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.

Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration.

Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.

Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary.

Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.

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.

Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.

Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.

Teach in colleges and universities.

Design processing plants and equipment.

Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components with computers.

Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.

Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.