(Career Asssessments, Exploration & Counselling)
Career: Materials Engineers
Job Description
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 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.
Job Tasks
Importance %age |
Task Description |
96
|
Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration. |
91
|
Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions. |
89
|
Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists. |
86
|
Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary. |
85
|
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives. |
84
|
Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality. |
78
|
Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports. |
76
|
Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures. |
71
|
Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace. |
67
|
Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection based on design objectives, such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost. |
64
|
Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials. |
62
|
Plan and implement laboratory operations for the purpose of developing material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards. |
60
|
Guide technical staff engaged in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices. |
59
|
Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications. |
48
|
Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations. |
42
|
Design processing plants and equipment. |
39
|
Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees. |
34
|
Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments. |
34
|
Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components with computers. |
13
|
Teach in colleges and universities. |
Work Activities
Importance %age |
Activity Description |
85
|
Processing Information
|
79
|
Thinking Creatively
|
78
|
Analyzing Data or Information
|
75
|
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
|
74
|
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
|
70
|
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
|
67
|
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
|
65
|
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
|
64
|
Documenting/Recording Information
|
64
|
Getting Information
|
64
|
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
|
63
|
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
|
60
|
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
|
60
|
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
|
60
|
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
|
60
|
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
|
58
|
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
|
57
|
Interacting With Computers
|
56
|
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
|
54
|
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
|
52
|
Training and Teaching Others
|
49
|
Selling or Influencing Others
|
49
|
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
|
48
|
Coaching and Developing Others
|
48
|
Developing Objectives and Strategies
|
47
|
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
|
47
|
Scheduling Work and Activities
|
47
|
Controlling Machines and Processes
|
46
|
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
|
43
|
Developing and Building Teams
|
42
|
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
|
41
|
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
|
39
|
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
|
36
|
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
|
34
|
Performing Administrative Activities
|
33
|
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
|
30
|
Staffing Organizational Units
|
30
|
Handling and Moving Objects
|
27
|
Assisting and Caring for Others
|
23
|
Performing General Physical Activities
|
14
|
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
|