Materials Engineer

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Work Tasks

• Make new types of metals and materials
• Look at the weight, strength, and cost of the materials
• Draw plans and then make the material
• Test the material to see if it meets all conditions
• Work for aircraft manufacturers, machinery and electrical equipment manufacturers, engineering firms, research and testing services, the government, and schools
• Work with metal alloys, graphite, composites, other materials, lab and testing equipment, manufacturing machinery, and computers

Salary, Size & Growth

• $80,000 average per year ($38.50 per hour)
• A small occupation (21,800 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.9% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in engineering
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in materials engineering
• Certification/Licensing: Registration may be needed.