Materials Engineer
SOC 17-2131.00 · ESCO 2146 · OSCA 243133
Role snapshot
Overview
Develops and tests metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites to meet specific performance requirements for products and structures. Analyses how materials behave under stress, heat, and corrosion to recommend the best options for manufacturing or construction. Materials Engineers innovate and apply knowledge of material properties to design, process, and characterise materials for a wide range of applications, from aerospace to biomedical devices.
Contributes to the development of safer, more efficient, and more sustainable products and infrastructure by selecting and designing materials with optimal properties. Drives innovation in various industries by enabling new technologies and improving existing ones.
On the job
- Conduct experiments to test material properties such as strength, durability, and conductivity.
- Analyse material failures and provide recommendations for improvement or alternative materials.
- Design and develop new materials or modify existing ones to meet specific performance criteria.
- Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and R&D teams to integrate materials into product development.
- Monitor and control manufacturing processes to ensure material quality and consistency.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
GrowingJob growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Education & training
A bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering, metallurgical engineering, ceramic engineering, or a related engineering field is typically required.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
high
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
Testing material properties, failure analysis, and new material design are increasingly supported by AI in terms of data analysis, simulation, and predictive modeling.
End-to-end automation
moderate
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
While AI can accelerate material discovery and property prediction, the actual synthesis of novel materials, hands-on testing, and complex integration into diverse product development cycles require human expertise.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
High, as material science is a key area for innovation, cost reduction, and performance improvement across many industries, driving investment in AI tools.
Human dependence
moderate
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Interpreting complex material behaviour, diagnosing root causes of failure, and making critical recommendations for high-stakes applications demand significant human judgment and experience.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The field is characterised by continuous advancements in materials, testing techniques, and applications, requiring engineers to constantly learn and adapt.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Automated analysis of material test data and properties.
- Predictive modeling of material behaviour under stress.
- Identification of material defects through image analysis.
- Assisted design of new material compositions.
- Generating reports on material performance and suitability.
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Developing truly novel materials with bespoke properties.
- Diagnosing root causes of complex material failures in application.
- Collaborating with R&D and manufacturing on material integration.
- Making critical decisions on material selection for high-stakes products.
- Ensuring material compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Mentoring and guiding junior materials scientists.
How the role may evolve
Innovating new materials, not just characterising old ones.
The role will shift from repetitive characterisation tasks to leveraging AI for material discovery, allowing engineers to focus on pioneering new materials and integrating them into complex systems.
Strengthen your future fit
- Proficiency in AI/ML for material informatics and design.
- Expertise in advanced characterisation techniques.
- Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills with product teams.
- Understanding of sustainable and circular material design.
- Critical thinking for failure analysis and material selection.
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- Medium
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Materials Engineer
Chemical & Process Engineering
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RIC
Individuals who enjoy hands-on problem-solving, scientific investigation, and working with data and precise methods often thrive as Materials Engineers.
Personality characteristics
Analytical Thinker
Possesses a strong desire to understand complex material phenomena and explore innovative solutions.
Detail-oriented
Applies meticulous attention to detail in experimental design, data collection, and analysis to ensure accuracy.
Methodical
Favours a systematic and structured approach to problem-solving, experimentation, and process optimisation.
Collaborative
Works effectively with interdisciplinary teams, sharing knowledge and integrating feedback.
Resilient
Remains calm and focused when faced with experimental failures or challenging material problems.
Practical
Enjoys applying scientific principles and research findings to tangible engineering challenges and product development.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy understanding how things work at a fundamental level and improving them.
- Engineers who are passionate about materials science and its application in diverse industries.
- Problem-solvers who thrive on scientific investigation and experimental validation.
Watch out for
- Requires meticulous attention to detail and patience for iterative testing and analysis.
- Can involve long hours in a lab environment and adherence to strict safety protocols.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Materials Engineer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Materials Engineer roles
What does a Materials Engineer do?
A Materials Engineer develops and tests metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites to meet specific performance requirements for products and structures. Analyses how materials behave under stress, heat, and corrosion to recommend the best options for manufacturing or construction. Materials Engineers innovate and apply knowledge of material properties to design, process, and characterise materials for a wide range of applications, from aerospace to biomedical devices. Contributes to the development of safer, more efficient, and more sustainable products and infrastructure by selecting and designing materials with optimal properties. Drives innovation in various industries by enabling new technologies and improving existing ones.
How much does a Materials Engineer earn?
A Materials Engineer earns a median of $95,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $75,000 to $130,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a Materials Engineer?
To become a Materials Engineer, a bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering, metallurgical engineering, ceramic engineering, or a related engineering field is typically required.
What personality suits a Materials Engineer?
Materials Engineer roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 84/100) and open and curious — drawn to variety, ideas and new approaches (Openness 74/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Analytical Thinker, Detail-oriented, Methodical and Collaborative. Possesses a strong desire to understand complex material phenomena and explore innovative solutions. On interests, Materials Engineer maps to a RIC Holland Code profile — individuals who enjoy hands-on problem-solving, scientific investigation, and working with data and precise methods often thrive as Materials Engineers.
Who does a Materials Engineer role suit?
A Materials Engineer role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Realistic and Investigative alignment: the role requires hands-on experimentation and scientific problem-solving. High Conventional aspect for precision, data analysis, and adherence to technical specifications. Opportunity to apply scientific principles to tangible, real-world engineering challenges.
What are the downsides of being a Materials Engineer?
Materials Engineer roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Requires meticulous attention to detail and patience for iterative testing and analysis. Can involve long hours in a lab environment and adherence to strict safety protocols.
What is the work environment like for a Materials Engineer?
Work as a Materials Engineer is mostly lab-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and medium exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 73% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a Materials Engineer?
Core skills for a Materials Engineer include Material characterisation, Failure analysis, Material selection, Process optimisation, Experimental design and Data interpretation.
How do you become a Materials Engineer?
Common entry routes into Materials Engineer roles include Junior Materials Engineer, Materials Technician and Research Assistant.
What career progression is there for a Materials Engineer?
From a Materials Engineer role, common next steps include Senior Materials Engineer and Research Scientist (Materials); lateral moves include Quality Control Manager and Product Development Engineer.
What is the job outlook for Materials Engineer roles?
The outlook for Materials Engineer roles is currently rated growing. Job growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Will AI replace Materials Engineer roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Materials Engineer roles at 61 out of 100, which is strong. AI-powered tools will streamline material property testing and failure analysis, enabling engineers to prioritise the development of entirely new materials and complex problem-solving in product integration. AI is most likely to take on automated analysis of material test data and properties., predictive modeling of material behaviour under stress. and identification of material defects through image analysis.. Developing truly novel materials with bespoke properties., diagnosing root causes of complex material failures in application. and collaborating with r&d and manufacturing on material integration. stay with people. Innovating new materials, not just characterising old ones. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.