O*NET-SOC 17-2131.00

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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3

Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.Core9001
Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.Core9004
Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.Core9002
Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.Core9006
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.Core9005
Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.Core9012
Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.Core9015
Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.Core9013
Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.Core9010
Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.Core9003
Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.Core9014
Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.Core9009
Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.Core9017
Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.Core9008
Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.Core9016
Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.Core9007
Teach in colleges and universities.Supplemental9020
Present technical information at conferences.Core21167
Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.Core9019
Design processing plants and equipment.Core9011
Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.Core9018

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 34 examples in 16 categories, 16 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Analytical or scientific software

ANSYS Multiphysics
Digital image correlation DIC software
Fault detection isolation and recovery FDIR software
Finite element analysis software
Image analysis systems
Minitab
The MathWorks MATLABHot Technology

Computer aided design CAD software

Autodesk AutoCADHot Technology
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Dassault Systemes SolidWorksHot Technology
PTC Creo Parametric

Object or component oriented development software

C++Hot Technology
Microsoft Visual Basic.NET
PythonHot Technology

Development environment software

Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
Microsoft Visual BasicHot Technology
National Instruments LabVIEW

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

Fused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systems
Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems

Graphics or photo imaging software

Graphics software

Electronic mail software

IBM Notes
Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

Microsoft AccessHot Technology
MTS Testworks
Oracle DatabaseHot Technology
QMC CM4D

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand

Office suite software

Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPointHot TechnologyIn Demand

Document management software

Microsoft SharePointHot Technology

Process mapping and design software

Microsoft VisioHot Technology

Word processing software

Microsoft WordHot Technology

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

SAP softwareHot Technology

Internet browser software

Web browser software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Test characteristics of materials or structures.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Analyzing Data or Information

Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Determine operational methods.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Prepare detailed work plans.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

Prepare materials for processing.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Design industrial processing systems.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Create models of engineering designs or methods.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

Present research results to others.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Prepare proposal documents.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Prepare operational reports.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Resolve operational performance problems.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Training and Teaching Others

Teach classes in area of specialization.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Teach social science courses at the college level.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Direct design or development activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Direct quality control activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Prepare project budgets.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Direct industrial production activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 25

Distinct tools0

Level mix

No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.