17-2131.00 · Task explorer
Materials Engineers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
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.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 21 tasks, including 16 marked Core and 5 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2026.
21 tasks shown
Core · Task 9006 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
Core · Task 9010 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
Core · Task 9005 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
Core · Task 9008 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
Core · Task 9014 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
Core · Task 9001 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
Core · Task 9015 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
Core · Task 9013 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
Core · Task 9004 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
Core · Task 9009 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.
Core · Task 9003 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
Core · Task 9017 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
Core · Task 9007 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
Core · Task 9002 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
Core · Task 9019 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.
Core · Task 9016 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
Supplemental · Task 9012 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
Supplemental · Task 9020 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Teach in colleges and universities.
Supplemental · Task 9011 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Design processing plants and equipment.
Supplemental · Task 21167 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Present technical information at conferences.
Supplemental · Task 9018 · 08/2026 · Occupational Expert
Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
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