Materials Engineers
Medium47.91%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$63,340
Median$104,100
High (90th %)$165,580
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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.
The occupation of "Materials Engineers" has an automation risk of 47.9%, which is close to its calculated base risk of 48.8%. This moderate risk level reflects a balance between tasks that are susceptible to automation and those that require human expertise and creativity. Many responsibilities in this occupation rely on knowledge-intensive processes, critical analysis, and innovative design work, but there are also repetitive and data-driven elements that are increasingly vulnerable to automation technologies like machine learning and advanced robotics. Among the most automatable tasks for materials engineers are analyzing product failure data and laboratory test results, designing and directing the testing or control of processing procedures, and monitoring material performance and evaluating its deterioration. These tasks are heavily dependent on data collection, pattern recognition, and the application of standardized testing protocols—all of which are well-suited to automation tools that excel at processing large volumes of information reliably and efficiently. As advancements in artificial intelligence continue, tasks that involve routine analysis and quality control are likely to see further automation, making parts of a materials engineer’s job more streamlined but also less reliant on human oversight. Conversely, the occupation retains some strong safeguards against automation due to tasks that demand high levels of originality, communication, and complex system design. The most resistant tasks include teaching in colleges and universities, writing for technical publications, and designing processing plants and equipment. These activities require creativity, advanced subject matter expertise, and the ability to synthesize information in novel ways—skills for which current automation technologies have significant limitations. The bottleneck skills identified—originality at 3.4% and 4.0%—underscore the importance of creative problem-solving and original critical thinking in this field, slowing the pace of full automation and ensuring that materials engineers will continue to play a crucial role in industries where unique, non-routine challenges are present.
Filter by Automatable Status
Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
Partially Automatable
Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
Partially Automatable
Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
Partially Automatable
Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
Partially Automatable
Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
Partially Automatable
Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
Partially Automatable
Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
Partially Automatable
Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
Partially Automatable
Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
Partially Automatable
Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
Partially Automatable
Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
Partially Automatable
Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
Partially Automatable
Present technical information at conferences.
Partially Automatable
Design processing plants and equipment.
Partially Automatable
Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
Partially Automatable
Teach in colleges and universities.
Partially Automatable
Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
Partially Automatable
Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
Partially Automatable
Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologyForeign LanguageHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingTherapy and CounselingSales and MarketingSociology and AnthropologyGeography
Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Microsoft Visual BasicMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMinitabOracle DatabasePythonAutodesk AutoCADMicrosoft SharePointIBM NotesMicrosoft AccessDassault Systemes CATIAGraphics softwareC++Computer aided design CAD softwarePresentation softwareFormula translation/translator FORTRANNational Instruments LabVIEWMicrosoft Visual Basic.NETANSYS MultiphysicsFault detection isolation and recovery FDIR softwareFused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systemsImage analysis systemsMTS TestworksSAP softwareThe MathWorks MATLABMicrosoft VisioMinitabOracle DatabaseDigital image correlation DIC softwareMicrosoft SharePointWeb browser softwareIBM NotesPythonGraphics softwareC++Computer aided design CAD softwarePresentation softwareFormula translation/translator FORTRANANSYS MultiphysicsFused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systemsImage analysis systemsMTS TestworksFinite element analysis softwareWord processing softwarePTC Creo ParametricPTC Creo ParametricDassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes SolidWorksNational Instruments LabVIEWMicrosoft Visual Basic.NETAutodesk AutoCADThe MathWorks MATLABWord processing softwareDassault Systemes SolidWorksFault detection isolation and recovery FDIR softwareStereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systemsStereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systemsFinite element analysis softwareDigital image correlation DIC softwareQMC CM4DQMC CM4DEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft WordSAP softwareWeb browser softwareMicrosoft Access
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Medium49.05%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Medium49.00%
Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.
Chemical Engineers
Medium50.90%
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Electrical Engineers
Medium51.39%
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Medium47.85%
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Industrial Engineers
Medium52.84%
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
Manufacturing Engineers
Medium46.99%
Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.
Mechanical Engineers
Medium50.83%
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Mechatronics Engineers
Medium50.13%
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
Microsystems Engineers
Medium45.90%
Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Nanosystems Engineers
Medium47.02%
Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.78%
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium51.17%
Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.38%
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Chemists
Medium51.25%
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Materials Scientists
Medium49.08%
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
Chemical Technicians
Medium50.77%
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Medium44.65%
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Medium49.08%
Conduct subsurface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes, and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium40.92%
Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.