Materials Engineers
Also known as: Automotive Sheet Metal Engineer, Ceramic Design Engineer, Ceramic Engineer (+35 more)
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.
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What You'll Do
- Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Monitor material performance, and evaluate its 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.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
- Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
- Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
Common styles
Attention to Detail, Innovation, Dependability, Intellectual Curiosity, Cautiousness
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Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Strengths
Common Strengths for This Career
- Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.8/5)
- Innovation (High importance: 4.65/5)
- Dependability (High importance: 4.61/5)
- Intellectual Curiosity (High importance: 4.61/5)
- Cautiousness (High importance: 4.52/5)
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Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.
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Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
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