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Materials Engineers develop, process, evaluate and select solid-state materials for the economical fabrication of products.   This interdisciplinary field of engineering requires knowledge from the basic sciences of mechanics, physics, chemistry, and mathematics and applies that knowledge to solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear and aerospace.   Since there is a constant demand for new materials with specific properties, materials engineering is a continually expanding field.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Materials Engineers may:

Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors, in order to recommend particular engineering and manufacturing processes and equipment that attain the design and cost objectives of a particular product

Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection based on design objectives, such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost

Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop materials and fabrication procedures for new materials that meet cost and performance standards. Click here.    

Confer with producers of materials including metals, ceramics, polymers and composites (refer to definitions in next section) during the investigation and evaluation of materials for specific product applications

Review product failure data and interpret laboratory tests and analyses to establish or rule out material or process causes

Supervise manufacturing processes to assure the quality of particular products

Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees

Teach in colleges and universities

Write for technical magazines, journal and trade association publications

Tools and equipment used may include:

CAD systems are central to the development process of engineered-material products. The CAD system is a key tool in the development process because it:

Generates the product design (diagram), the mathematical equations representing how the product works and the description language (programming) from which the product is built

Checks all the design rules (documentation practices, materials engineering rules resulting from the technologies used, and chemical, mathematical or physics rules) based on the proposed or selected materials

Completes a functional simulation of the design using a computer model to discover faults in the product before a prototype is built

Communicates all of the design data to the manufacturing section

Produces test data for quality assurance using computer simulations

As a result, stronger, more light-weight, durable, recyclable and easier processed materials are available after a short development cycle and at a significantly lower cost than traditionally engineered products.

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Materials Engineers may specialize in these areas:

019.061-014 MATERIALS ENGINEERS evaluate technical and economic factors, recommending engineering and manufacturing procedures for the attainment of design objectives of process and product, using their knowledge of material science and related technologies. They examine potential materials' properties, such as strength, weight, corrosion resistance plus cost and then recommend appropriate materials which ensure the attainment of the design objectives.

008.061-018 PLASTICS ENGINEERS design equipment and develop processes for manufacturing plastics*. They also conduct research to develop new and improved plastics materials. (* refer to definition of polymeric materials below.)

011.061-022 PHYSICAL METALLURGISTS study the internal structure, the properties and physical characteristics of metals** in order to develop new alloys, new uses for metals through alloying and ways to produce them commercially. (** refer to definition of metallic materials below.) ALSO SEE MOISCRI PT #281 - METALLURGICAL ENGINEER.

006.061-014 CERAMIC ENGINEERS conduct research, design manufacturing facilities and equipment, develop manufacturing processes and direct the technical work concerned with the fabrication of ceramic*** products. (*** refer to definition of ceramic materials below.) ALSO SEE MOISCRI PT #372 -CERAMIC ENGINEER.

006.061-018 CERAMIC RESEARCH ENGINEERS conduct laboratory research to develop new or improved ceramic products and better ceramic manufacturing processes. ALSO SEE MOISCRI PT #372 - CERAMIC ENGINEER

006.061-022 CERAMIC TEST ENGINEERS conduct tests on finished ceramic products. They ensure the ceramics products meet the design specifications required with minimum quality defects, by conducting laboratory tests and analyses. ALSO SEE MOISCRI PT #372 - CERAMIC ENGINEER.

Experienced Materials Engineers may work in management or as technical marketing and sales personnel identifying potential applications and products, selling new materials and manufacturing equipment and providing technical services for clients. They may also teach in colleges and universities or serve as consultants to business, industry or government.

Materials Engineers may also have occupational titles, such as Design Engineer, Laboratory Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Product Engineer or Test Engineer.

Materials science/engineering is usually divided into four major areas of basic and applied science. These divisions comprise specific materials groups:

1. Metallic materials are inorganic substances composed of one or more metallic elements, but may also contain some nonmetallic elements. Metals' tightly packed atomic and orderly crystalline structure result in many of their usual physical properties, including; opaque to and reflective of light, electrically and thermally conductive, ductile (bends before it breaks), the ability to be formed into useful shapes, and strength at room temperature and often remain so even at elevated temperatures. Metals are usually heated to form alloys (combinations of two or more metals) in the liquid state. These alloys then exhibit physical properties different from their individual metal components. Metals and alloys are typically classified as ferrous and nonferrous. Ferrous metals and alloys contain iron as their primary metallic element. Steel is an example of a ferrous alloy. Nonferrous metals and alloys contain metals other than iron as their primary metallic element. Examples of nonferrous metals include aluminum, copper and lead.

2. Ceramic materials are inorganic compounds consisting of metallic and nonmetallic elements that are chemically bonded together. Significant characteristics of ceramics are high hardness, brittleness, often transparent to light, and resistance to high temperatures and chemical change. Ceramics also make good insulators because of their poor electrical and thermal conductivity. Ceramics may be classified as conventional, technical and glasses. Conventional ceramics include clay, silica and feldspar. Most conventional ceramics are porcelain and stoneware. Technical ceramics are composed of one or more pure ceramic materials which are carefully processed to induce controlled chemical bonding, resulting in an advanced ceramic material. Examples of some technical ceramics are alumina (used in automotive spark plug insulators and in "ball and socket" prosthesis used in total hip replacement surgery) and zirconium (coating for high performance ball bearings and the insulator on engine cylinder liners). A final type of ceramic material are glasses. Glasses are inorganic material produced by the fusion (heat) and controlled cooling of silicates and nonmetallic oxides to a rigid state. Glass' non-crystalline structure results in many of their unique properties, such as transparency or translucency to light, greater strength with increased temperatures and their ability to be formed, cut or broken.

3. Polymeric materials, also known as plastics, are generally composed of carbon-containing long molecular chains. Most polymers cannot withstand high temperatures. Many are good thermal and electrical insulators. By increasing the chain length, polymers have increased strength, increased melt temperature but become more difficult to process. Polymers have replaced metals and glass in many applications, particularly in automotive, aircraft and household products. Polymeric materials may be classified as thermoplastics, thermostats and elastomers. Thermoplastics are polymeric materials that can be heated to a soft flowing condition for forming (applying pressure) into a desired shape and then cooled to a rigid state that will retain that shape. Common thermoplastics include polyethylene and polyvinyl and automotive interior parts. Thermoset plastics are cured (hardened) into a permanent shape by an irreversible chemical reaction. They cannot be remelted and remolded once cured, like thermoplastics can. Phenolics and epoxies are two thermoset materials which are used for handles on consumer products or electrical connectors. Elastomers are polymeric materials that exhibit elastic and rubber-like properties. Most elastomers can be stretched to at least two times their original dimension at room temperature and then return to their original shape when force is removed. Elastomers include both natural and synthetic rubbers, as well as silicones. Their applications include adhesives, sealants, industrial tube and hose covers, and automotive tires.

Composite materials are combinations of two or more materials with different chemical composition and form and which are insoluble in each other. Most are produced by imbedding fibers (whiskers) into a variety of materials (matrices). Matrices (material surrounding the fibers) are typically composed of polymeric, metallic and ceramic materials. The fibers may be glass, carbon, alumina, graphite, silica carbide or a number of other materials. By imbedding these fibers in different matrices the characteristics of the matrix material may be enhanced either in strength, toughness, heat resistance or other desired properties. Polymeric-matrix composites typically are lightweight, able to be formed into complex shapes, are non-corrosive and are economical to produce. On the other hand, some advanced polymeric-matrix composites used in golf clubs and tennis racquets are expensive to produce and therefore, are more limited in their application. Metal-matrix composites use fibers to strengthen or increase heat resistant properties of the metal or metal alloy matrices. Applications of metal-matrix composites include automotive pistons and high-performance missile guidance systems.

In addition to learning about the previous occupational specialty titles, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Material Engineers may work alone or with other members of an engineering team. They usually work under the general supervision of a chief engineer and they may supervise technicians and other workers.

Working conditions vary with the particular job. Some Materials Engineers work in offices, laboratories and classrooms that are well lighted and ventilated. Others may work at manufacturing facilities where they may be exposed to odors, fumes, noise, dust and high temperatures.

Materials Engineers generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Those working in manufacturing facilities, may work second or third shifts, rotating shifts, or be on call. They might have to work overtime in order to finish projects. Traveling may be necessary to attend meetings, provide consulting services or supervise plant installations (manufacturing machinery).

Materials Engineers may join professional associations such as the American Society for Materials (ASM International), the Materials Research Society or the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering. Some Materials Engineers may wish to join the National Society of Professional Engineers. Those who choose to join, pay periodic membership dues, but some employers reimburse their employees for these costs.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities which require creative imagination

You Should Be Able To:

• Think logically in a clear and organized manner

• Perform a variety of duties using a variety of skills

• Plan and direct the activities and work of others

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Compare/see differences in shape/size/form of objects/lines/figures

• Understand mathematical, chemical and physical concepts

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Calculate the number of atoms per cubic meter in aluminum.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

A crystalline material is one in which the atoms are situated in a repeating or periodic array over large atomic distances; that is, long range order exists, such that upon solidification, the atoms will position themselves in a repetitive three-dimensional pattern, in which each atom is bonded to its nearest-neighbor atoms.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You may be asked to write a report regarding the three possible results of stress-strain testing on a new metal composition. Of the three types--tension, compression and shear--what where the conditions and results of your testing?

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

In the forming or shaping of a piece of metal used for the manufacture of a product, you have to decide what method is best: forging, rolling, extrusion or drawing.

Engineers whose work affects public life, health or property must be licensed by the Board of Professional Engineers of the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services.   The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click  here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Engineer for specific licensing information. Very few Materials Engineers are registered professional engineers.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OP PORT UNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for the occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH, 2900 SCIENCE

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

058 ENGINEERING (PRE-PROFESSIONAL)

Pre-Engineering Programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills required for admission to professional engineering colleges.

Many Michigan colleges and universities offer programs which may satisfy the prerequisites for admission to engineering schools. Students should contact the engineering schools of their choice for admission requirements and consult their school's pre-professional adviser to ensure that admission prerequisites will be met.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

The most common requirements for entering a community college are a High School diploma, or GED, or being at least 18 years old and completing application forms. In college preparatory programs, a grade point average acceptable to the school to which you apply, and passing entrance examinations.

095 MATERIALS ENGINEERING

Programs in Materials Engineering provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment conducting research, designing machinery, developing processing techniques, and directing technical work concerned with the manufacturer of ceramic, polymer, and silicone products. Materials Engineers work in the aerospace, automotive, chemical, electronics and nuclear energy industries.

Courses within this program vary from college to college buy may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

 ***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at  http://www.myfuture.com.

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS

Because the military is so large, small savings in personnel or equipment costs can result in savings of millions of dollars. Industrial engineers design ways to improve how the military uses its people and equipment.

What They Do

Industrial Engineers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Study how workers and tasks are organized

• Measure work load and calculate how many people are needed to perform work tasks

• Study and improve the way work is done and equipment is used

• Plan and oversee the purchase of equipment and services

• Plan and direct quality control and production control programs

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree in industrial engineering, industrial management, or a related field is required to enter this occupation.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in technical work

• Ability to plan and organize studies

• Interest in working with mathematical models and formulas

• Interest in working closely with people

Work Environment

Industrial engineers usually work in offices. They may work outdoors while performing field studies or overseeing the installation of equipment and systems.

Training Provided

Job training is offered for some specialties. Training length varies from 8 to 16 weeks of classroom instruction, depending on the specialty. Course content typically includes:

* Management standards, principles, and policies

* Problem analysis and decision making

* Production and purchasing methods

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian industrial engineers work primarily in manufacturing and consulting firms. They also work in other industries and businesses, including insurance companies, retail stores, banks, public utilities, and hospitals. Civilian industrial engineers perform duties similar to those performed in the military. Depending on the specialty, they may also be called production engineers, safety engineers, production planners, or quality control engineers.

Opportunities

The services have about 200 industrial engineers. On average, they need 10 new industrial engineers each year. After job training, industrial engineers are usually assigned to an engineering, management evaluation, or procurement unit. With experience, they may advance to command or policy-making positions in engineering, administration, or other fields.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

High school students may participate in the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS), or science and engineering fairs. Part-time, work/study, or summer jobs with research laboratories of manufacturers may provide college and university students with opportunities for experience in the field. Postsecondary education programs in material engineering may offer work-study programs which include practical experience.

            School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

join a science club, like the Junior Engineering Technical Society

community service work with an agency

Methods of entering the field include applying directly to employers and taking civil service exams. Assistance in locating a job may be available through college and university placement offices. Employers may send recruiters to college campuses or interview job seekers during professional society meetings or job fairs. Professional societies also advertise job openings in trade journals such as "The Chemical", "Engineering News", "Advanced Materials and Processes", and "Engineering Times". Job openings may be located by consulting newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

           You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Materials Engineers depend upon their experience, capabilities, job responsibilities, education; and on the type, size and location of the employer. Materials Engineers with supervisory and managerial responsibilities generally earn higher salaries than others in this occupation.

Nationally, recent college graduates of bachelor's degree programs in Materials Engineering were offered starting salaries averaging $54,484 per year (mid 2006). Metallurgical Engineering graduates with bachelor's degrees were offered starting salaries averaging $51,700 annually in mid 2006. Metallurgical Engineering graduates with master's degrees were offered annual starting salaries averaging $60,100, while those with a doctorate were offered $75,000+.

Experienced Metallurgical Engineers employed nationally earned annual average salaries in early 2006:

The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $33,852 in 2005.

Depending on their college records, Materials Engineers employed by the federal government in 2006 earned annual starting salaries of:

The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Experienced Metallurgical Engineers in the Great Lakes region, which includes Michigan , earned average annual salaries of $68,600 and ranged between $65,200 and $89,500 in early 2006. Materials Engineers in Michigan had similar earnings.

Some Material Engineers receive supplemental income such as bonuses and consulting fees.

Depending on the employer, fringe benefits may include paid vacations and holidays; health, accident, and disability insurance; life insurance and sick leave; retirement plans; tuition reimbursement plans; and savings and stock investment plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Materials Engineers usually start as junior engineers or trainees in a formal training program. As they gain experience, they become senior engineers. A career ladder may follow this sequence: engineering trainee, Materials Engineer, Materials Engineering supervisor, chief Materials Engineer. With additional experience and/or education, materials Engineers may become chief engineers; advance to positions as research directors or executive, administrators, sales engineers, or consultants; or teach materials science/engineering at colleges and universities. Graduate study is becoming increasingly important for advancement to top-level positions.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally in 2006, there were approximately 21,430 Metallurgical, Ceramic and Material Engineers employed. An additional number of Materials Engineers worked as college and university faculty members. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as   the average for all occupations through the year 2014.   The industry distribution for Metallurgical, Ceramic and Materials Engineers looked like this:

More materials engineers will be needed to develop new materials for electronics and plastics products.

Nanotechnology is a major part of the development of materials research, and it is advancing rapidly in markets for improved products, which offer incremental improvements in common items such as sunscreen, and tougher conductive plastics. However, many of the manufacturing industries in which materials engineers are concentrated-such as primary metals and stone, clay, and glass products-are expected to experience declines in employment, reducing employment opportunities for materials engineers.

As firms contract out to meet their materials engineering needs, however, employment growth is expected in many services industries, including research and testing, personnel supply, health, and engineering and architectural services. Nanotechnology has tremendous potential to change the present paradigms in U.S. industry, including manufacturing, healthcare, materials, and electronics and communications; and it offers tremendous opportunities for enhancements to U.S. economic competitiveness. There are approximately1,220 Metallurgical, Ceramic and Materials Engineers employed in Michigan . Most worked in the manufacturing industry. Others worked for various services, the federal government, and utilities. 

Employment of Metallurgical, Ceramic and Materials Engineers in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average the average for all occupations through the year 2012. An average of 30 annual openings is expected, all due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Materials Engineers will be needed to develop new materials and adapt current ones for use in communications and transportation equipment, computers, and spacecraft. As the supply of high-grade ores and fossil fuels diminished, Materials Engineers will be required to develop ways of recycling solid waste materials; including metals, plastics and composites; and processing low-grade ores now regarded as unprofitable to mine. The need for new processing methods, to reduce pollution and conserve energy will provide continued employment for Materials Engineers. Industry is sensitive to economic conditions and employment of Materials Engineers may reflect those ups and downs.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2002-2012   

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

Copyright © 2006 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth