Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials that create products ranging from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs or biomedical devices. They study the properties and structures of metals, ceramics, plastics, or nanometals to create new materials that meet specific mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements. Materials engineers develop new ways to use existing materials, and they evaluate new projects and consult with other engineers and managers on projects as necessary.
Materials engineers prepare proposals and budgets, analyze labor costs, and write reports. They perform other managerial tasks including supervising technicians, technologists, and other engineers and scientists. They design and direct the testing of processing procedures, monitor how materials perform, and evaluate how materials deteriorate. Materials engineers determine the cause of product failure, and they develop ways to overcome future failures. Materials engineers need a bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering or a related engineering field.