Materials Engineers
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 engineers 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. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
How AI Impacts Each Task
21 tasks analyzed
Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration.
Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary.
Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
Teach in colleges and universities.
Design processing plants and equipment.
Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components with computers.
Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
Present technical information at conferences.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 8% | |
| Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 7% | |
| Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 8% | |
| Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality. | 67Estimated | 76.0% | 6% | |
| Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards. | 40Estimated | 43.0% | 6% | |
| Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 6% | |
| Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 5% | |
| Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 5% | |
| Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 5% | |
| Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 5% | |
| Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 5% | |
| Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 4% | |
| Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 4% | |
| Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 4% | |
| Teach in colleges and universities. | 59.38Observed | 38.8% | 2% | |
| Design processing plants and equipment. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 3% | |
| Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components with computers. | 80Estimated | 59.0% | 4% | |
| Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications. | 80Estimated | 59.0% | 3% | |
| Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 3% | |
| Present technical information at conferences. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 3% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Materials Engineers skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
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Upskill to Reduce Risk
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis