O*NET-SOC 19-2032.00
Materials Scientists
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.
From O*NET 30.3
Tasks
From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them
Free · O*NET 30.3- Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.Core9087
- Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.Core9098
- Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.Core9097
- 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.Core9090
- Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.Core20214
- Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.Core9085
- Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.Core9091
- Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.Core20215
- Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.Core9094
- Perform experiments and computer modeling to study the nature, structure, and physical and chemical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.Core20213
- Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.Core9089
- Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.Core9092
- Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.Core9086
- Teach in colleges and universities.Supplemental9099
- Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.Core9093
- Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.Core21175
Technology Skills
From O*NET 30.3, 37 examples in 11 categories, 9 Hot Technology
Free · O*NET 30.3Analytical or scientific software
- Accelrys Materials Studio
- Advanced Chemistry Development Analytical Laboratory
- ANSYS LS-DYNA
- ANSYS Multiphysics
- Bruker AXS EVA
- Bruker AXS LEPTOS
- Bruker AXS TOPAS
- Chempute Software HSC Chemistry
- CrystalMaker
- Dassault Systemes Abaqus
- GAMESS-US
- General Structural Analysis System GSAS
- IBM SPSS StatisticsHot Technology
- Maplesoft Maple
- Materials Data Incorporated Jade
- Multichannel microelectrode analyzer MMA software
- Olympus Image Analysis
- PANalytical X'Pert Data Collector
- PANalytical X'Pert Epitaxy
- PWscf
- RIETAN
- SolidWorks COSMOSWorks
- Stewart Computational Chemistry MOPAC
- The MathWorks MATLABHot Technology
- VAMP/VASP
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
Electronic mail software
- Email software
Web platform development software
- Hypertext markup language HTMLHot Technology
Data base user interface and query software
- International Centre for Diffraction Data ICDD DDView
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand
Office suite software
- Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPointHot TechnologyIn Demand
Word processing software
- Microsoft WordHot Technology
Development environment software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
Object or component oriented development software
- PythonHot TechnologyIn Demand
- RHot TechnologyIn Demand
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 30.3Getting Information
Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Conduct research to gain information about products or processes.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (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 quality of materials or finished products.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Thinking Creatively
Devise research or testing protocols.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Design research studies to obtain scientific information.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (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
Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Documenting/Recording Information
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (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 openWFA (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 clients to exchange information.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (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
Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (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
Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (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 30.3Job 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 openPilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.
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.