Materials engineer
Also known as: building materials engineer, building materials engineering consultant, construction materials engineering specialist, building materials engineering specialist, construction materials engineering expert, material engineer
About this occupation
Materials engineers research and design new or improved materials for a diverse number of applications. They analyse the composition of materials, conduct experiments, and develop new materials for industry-specific use that can range from rubber, to textiles, glass, metals, and chemicals. They advise companies in damage assessments, quality assurance of materials, and recycling of materials.
Essential skills and knowledge
- thermoplastic materials
- chemistry
- test materials
- perform chemical experiments
- assess environmental impact
- materials science
- composite materials
- apply health and safety standards
- work with chemicals
- approve engineering design
- integrate new products in manufacturing
- analyse production processes for improvement
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar (O*NET 17-2199.03). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Identify and recommend energy savings strategies to achieve more energy-efficient operation.
- Collect data for energy conservation analyses, using jobsite observation, field inspections, or sub-metering.
- Monitor and analyze energy consumption.
- Prepare energy-related project reports or related documentation.
- Monitor energy related design or construction issues, such as energy engineering, energy management, or sustainable design.
- Conduct energy audits to evaluate energy use and to identify conservation and cost reduction measures.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$122,930 a year (2025), 154,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.3)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.3)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.2)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (4.1)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Energy Auditors
- Wind Energy Engineers
- Wind Energy Development Managers
- Biomass Power Plant Managers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Solar Energy Installation Managers
- Environmental Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.