Description
Evaluate and select materials, and develop machinery and processes to manufacture them for products that meet specific design and performance requirements. Develop new uses and applications for existing materials. Work with composites or specialize in materials such as graphite, metals and alloys, ceramics and glass, polymers, and natural materials, with possible focus areas in metallurgy, ceramics, or welding.
- • Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine root causes and develop corrective actions.
- • Monitor material performance and evaluate deterioration over time and service conditions.
- • Supervise technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
- • Design and direct testing programs and process control procedures.
- • Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors for process or product design objectives.
- • Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials and finished products to ensure quality.
- • Prepare proposals and budgets, analyze labor and material costs, and write technical reports.
- • Solve multidisciplinary engineering problems across mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace domains.
- • Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with engineers, manufacturing, and executives as needed.
- • Review new product plans and recommend materials based on strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, durability, and cost.
- • Design processing plants, production lines, and equipment.
- • Modify properties of metal alloys using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- • Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific applications and devices.
- • Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, specification, and performance targets.
- • Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- • Conduct training sessions on new materials, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and employees.
- • Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, including refining, smelting, foundry, or nonmetallic operations.
- • Model and replicate material characteristics and component behavior using computer simulations.
- • Present technical information at customer meetings and industry conferences.
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Related Pathways
Advanced Manufacturing
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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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
