JobSOC 17-2131

Materials Engineers

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.

Definition from U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA) (O*NET 31.0 (August 2026)).

01.

Studied through

5 programs

Ceramic Sciences and Engineering14.0601
Materials Engineering14.1801
Metallurgical Engineering14.2001
Textile Sciences and Engineering14.2801
Polymer/Plastics Engineering14.3201

02.

Draws on

Engineering and Technology4.7 of 5
Mathematics4.3 of 5
Production and Processing4.2 of 5
Physics4.1 of 5
English Language3.9 of 5
Chemistry3.8 of 5

Importance as rated in O*NET (1 to 5); areas rated 3.5 or more, up to eight.