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Materials Engineer

Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials that create products ranging from computer chips to biomedical devices. They 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 Engineer

What does a Materials Engineer do?

Materials Engineer

Materials engineers are responsible for developing, processing, and testing materials used to create a wide variety of products. These professionals study and evaluate the properties and structure of different materials, including plastics, metal, ceramics, and composites, to create new products. 

Materials engineers determine the cause of product failure, and they develop ways to overcome future failures. They also perform other tasks that include providing technical advice on suitable materials, diagnosing faults, and providing advice on planning and conducting inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Additionally, they may also oversee the work of other scientists like technicians and evaluate the technical and economic factors surrounding the design aspects of products. 

  • Data Analysis

    Materials engineers perform extensive data analysis of experimental results for ongoing projects to provide supervisor with recommendations for further proceedings. They develop procedures and documentation supporting the data.

  • Project Management

    Materials engineers assist with business development, project delivery and will manage projects from start to completion. They create test procedures, quality plans, and transferrable documents associated with new materials and processes for successful implementation.

  • Failure Analysis

    Failure analysis is a step-by-step process of determining the reason for a particular machine or equipment failure by way of checking, identification, and examination. It means conducting a test within the system and perform a maintenance check that leads you to a conclusion. A failure analysis takes place to prevent further damages.

  • Team Player

    Ensure project team understands the results expected and their role, train, direct and review their work and give feedback as appropriate.

Senior Production Planner

Senior production planners design the blueprint for how products are made. They decide which products should be manufactured and the exact quantities their company needs. They set quotas for the manufacturing process and generate feasible timetables that will meet those quotas. Senior production planners also make sure to do quality checks, taking into account carefully researched consumer data and feedback.
Most employers require their senior production planners to at least have a college diploma. Common degrees include business, supply chain management, and management. Other qualifications include strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Manufacturing Scheduler

A manufacturing scheduler, who can also be referred to as a production scheduler, is responsible for determining the products to be built, and the machines or production lines to be used in producing them in a manufacturing company.

A manufacturing scheduler’s job description entails planning and organizing a manufacturing company’s work (production) schedule. Manufacturing schedulers do this by making use of information from job orders and available inventory.

Master Scheduler

As a master scheduler, your primary job duties are the creation and implementation of schedules for your organization’s production or manufacturing needs, to ensure efficient operations. Exact responsibilities vary widely by industry, though manufacturing industries often hire master schedulers as part of best practices. A key aspect of your position is to monitor the implementation of scheduling to determine better future practices, evaluating success to further streamline all processes. You likely collaborate with others within your organization, especially information technology workers, to develop computer applications for schedule management.

Production Manager

Production managers provide daily supervision of production operators, coordinate activities to meet the forecasted demand of consumables, train and develop production operators, compile and present production metrics, and help to create/update manufacturing work instructions. As needed, the production supervisor/manager may be required to perform consumables production alongside the production operators. This individual must be a strong communicator, as understanding and interpreting detailed instructions, along with the ability to relay those instructions to others both verbally and in writing, is a key element of this role.

Salary

Salary

The estimated total pay for a materials engineer is $86,000 per year.

Starting-level

Starting-level materials engineer earnings begin at:

 
$31 per hour
$64,000 per year
Senior-level

Senior-level materials engineer earnings begin at:

 
$34.99 per hour
$72,770 per year
Mid-level

Mid-level materials engineer earnings begin at:

 
$42 per hour
$86,972 per year
Top-level

Top-level materials engineer earnings begin at:

 
$34.99 per hour
$72,770 per year
Junior-level

Junior-level materials engineer earnings begin at:

 
$36 per hour
$74,000 per year

These are 2021 national salary averages and may fluctuate based on location.

What does the workplace for a Materials Engineer look like?

Materials engineers often work in offices where they have access to computers and design equipment. Others work in factories or research and development laboratories. Materials engineers may work in teams with scientists and engineers from other backgrounds.

Materials engineers may work in a lab and use specialized tools and computer technology to study the atomic structure of materials. Research or educational institutions, manufacturers, or consulting firms may employ you to perform cutting-edge research and innovation.

Materials engineers generally work full time. Some materials engineers work more than 40 hours per week.

How to Become a Materials Engineer?

Materials Engineer

Materials engineers need a bachelor’s degree in materials science, electrical engineering, engineering, or a related engineering field. As a materials engineer, master’s degrees are also common. Your job will be to develop, process, and test materials for other industries to use, such as manufacturing, telecommunications, or civil engineering.

Typical Qualifications:

  • Experience with SCADA, SAP 54, C, and CAD Software and systems.
  • Demonstrated leadership and problem solving skills.
  • Fluency in enterprise resource planning, project design, and report writing.
  • Is a critical thinker dedicated to continuous improvement.
  • Solid critical thinking skills.
  • Experience with Modbus and R Language.
  • Expertly skilled in calibration

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