Materials Engineer

Explore This Path

Innovate with materials to create cutting-edge products and technologies.
Enhance product performance by solving complex material challenges.
Explore new uses for materials, from metals to polymers, in diverse industries.

💰 Earn $98K-$145K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 7.4% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

1,700 Annually

Median Earnings

$118,270 in California

$104,100 Nationally

$25K

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Materials Engineer? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@nichesocial

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Complex Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Writing

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Materials Engineer

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years