Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a variety of products.

Materials engineers develop, process, and test different materials. They also study the properties and structures of materials.

Materials they work with include:

• Metals
• Ceramics
• Plastics
• Semiconductors

New materials are used to improve or refine products ranging from computer chips to snow skis.

Materials engineers find out the special requirements of the products they are working on. For example, they find out if the product needs to be strong or flexible. As they identify potential materials they carry out laboratory tests to find out which materials meet product requirements.

Materials engineers also create new materials when required to meet product needs. For example, they may try to make a plastic that can withstand high temperatures but still keep its shape. In the laboratory, engineers manipulate the structure of the molecules in substances to make new substances.

They review and interpret the results from all their tests. They try to discover why a material fails and use that information to make modifications. They also test materials to find new ways to use them. Materials engineers write reports and keep detailed records.

Engineers must take into consideration the cost and ability to produce materials quickly and easily. They try to identify several materials that will meet product needs so that manufacturers have options to choose from.

Materials engineers who work with metals are called metallurgical engineers. Those who work with nonmetallic materials, such as glass, clay, and fiberglass, are called ceramic engineers.