Description
Plan and execute materials science and testing programs to validate and improve material performance for product design and manufacturing. Develop test methods and standards, conduct characterization and failure analysis, and guide material selection and processing across metals, polymers, ceramics, glass, and composites. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
- • Analyze failure data and laboratory results to determine root causes and define corrective actions.
- • Monitor in-service material performance and assess degradation mechanisms over time.
- • Supervise and mentor lab technologists and testing technicians.
- • Design and lead materials characterization plans and verification/validation test programs.
- • Evaluate technical specifications, acceptance criteria, and cost–risk trade-offs for material selection.
- • Conduct and oversee tests on raw materials, prototypes, and finished goods to verify quality and compliance.
- • Manage lab operations, including schedules, budgets, equipment calibration, and technical reporting.
- • Collaborate with mechanical, chemical, manufacturing, and quality teams to resolve materials issues.
- • Plan and scope new test projects and R&D experiments, aligning resources and timelines.
- • Review new product designs and recommend materials based on strength, weight, thermal, electrical, and cost targets.
- • Design custom test fixtures, jigs, and data acquisition setups for specialized evaluations.
- • Develop and qualify heat treatments, surface treatments, and conditioning protocols to achieve target properties.
- • Guide staff in translating test results into material formulations, processing parameters, and design inputs.
- • Establish and implement laboratory SOPs to develop and validate fabrication and joining procedures.
- • Select and qualify fabrication and joining methods; create associated test protocols and acceptance criteria.
- • Train engineers, technicians, suppliers, and customers on material behavior, test methods, and standards.
- • Oversee material qualification, incoming inspection, and production acceptance testing.
- • Document methods and results; prepare technical publications, data sheets, and internal standards.
- • Use modeling and statistical analysis to predict and validate material behavior.
- • Ensure compliance with ASTM, ISO, and regulatory requirements; maintain EHS and quality-system practices.
- • Present technical findings to stakeholders and at industry events; represent materials testing in design reviews.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Advanced Manufacturing
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
