Semiconductor processing engineers apply materials science and engineering principles to develop new microelectronic materials for computing, sensing, and related applications. Materials engineers held about 25, jobs in The largest employers of materials engineers were as follows:. Materials engineers often work in offices where they have access to computers and design equipment.
Materials engineers may work in teams with scientists and engineers from other backgrounds. Materials engineers generally work full time. Some materials engineers work more than 40 hours per week. Completing internships and cooperative engineering programs while in school can be helpful in getting a position as a materials engineer.
Students interested in studying materials engineering should take high school courses in math, such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus; in science, such as biology, chemistry, and physics; and in computer programming. A graduate degree allows an engineer to work as a postsecondary teacher or to do research and development. Many colleges and universities offer internships and cooperative programs in partnership with industry.
In these programs, students gain practical experience while completing their education. Many engineering programs are accredited by ABET. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have graduated from an accredited program. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.
Analytical skills. Materials engineers often work on projects related to other fields of engineering. They must determine how materials will be used and how they must be structured to withstand different conditions. Math skills. Materials engineers use the principles of calculus and other advanced topics in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work. Problem-solving skills. They must also figure out why a product might have failed, design a solution, and then conduct tests to make sure that the product does not fail again.
These skills involve being able to identify root causes when many factors could be at fault. Speaking skills. While working with technicians, technologists, and other engineers, materials engineers must state concepts and directions clearly.
When speaking with managers, these engineers must also communicate engineering concepts to people who may not have an engineering background. Writing skills. Materials engineers must write plans and reports clearly so that people without a materials engineering background can understand the concepts. Licensure for materials engineers is not as common as it is for other engineering occupations, nor it is required for entry-level positions.
Licensed engineers are called professional engineers PEs. A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public.
State licensure generally requires. Each state issues its own licenses. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses.
Certification in the field of metallography, the science and art of dealing with the structure of metals and alloys, is available through ASM International and other materials science organizations.
Junior materials engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers. In large companies, new engineers may receive formal training in classrooms or seminars. As engineers gain knowledge and experience, they move on to more difficult projects where they have greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions.
Eventually, materials engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. Many become engineering managers or move into other managerial positions or sales work. For more information, see the profiles on architectural and engineering managers and sales engineers.
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U. Source: U. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
In May , the median annual wages for materials engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:. Most materials engineers work full time. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program. About half of all materials engineers work in manufacturing industries, where they develop and create new materials and manufacturing processes.
Developing new materials or improving existing ones often requires collaboration with various engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and chemical. As demand continues to increase for materials use, demand for employment also will increase. A greater focus on environmental sustainability also may create demand for materials engineers. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.
Materials scientists even work in museums, helping to analyze, preserve and restore artifacts and artwork. Materials scientists work with diverse types of materials e. Students who major in MSE at Maryland tailor their education by choosing a specialization area that covers one, or more of these topics:. Prospective Undergraduate Students: We invite you to attend one of our virtual events where you can learn more about the major, interact with current students, and enjoy individualized sessions with faculty members.
Whether developing a new type of shatterproof glass for phone screens, or a heat-resistant compound to support Mars mission equipment, materials engineers and materials scientists have their fingerprints all over innovations in the industry. While both develop new products and improve existing ones, materials scientists focus on the structure and properties of materials, while materials engineers apply that knowledge to develop products. Both usually specialize in a principal material, such as ceramics, glass, metal, or semiconductors.
Materials scientists improve materials such as metallic alloys or superconducting materials so that products can have features and functions that were not possible previously. They also develop new materials. Materials scientists conduct experiments and analyze their results.
Materials engineers select materials for specific products and develop new ways to use existing materials, continuously designing improvements. They prepare proposals and budgets, analyze labor costs, and may supervise technologists and technicians. These professionals team up with other specialists, and generally work in offices, manufacturing facilities, or research and development labs.
A graduate degree allows an engineer to work as a college-level teacher or to do research and development.
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