Materials Engineers
Materials engineers evaluate existing materials and develop new ones to meet specific performance requirements for manufactured products. They design machinery and processes for material production, and work with substances like metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Materials engineers work in manufacturing facilities, research laboratories, and engineering firms across industries including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and construction.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against materials engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A materials engineer might spend part of the week testing material samples in a laboratory, analyzing how different compositions perform under stress, temperature, or chemical conditions. Another portion involves collaborating with product design teams to solve material-related problems or reviewing manufacturing processes on the production floor. Documentation, computer modeling of material properties, and meetings to discuss project specifications and test results round out typical weekly activities.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy working hands-on with physical materials and systems while also digging into technical data and problem-solving. If you're naturally curious about how things are made, comfortable with detailed analysis, and prefer concrete, measurable results over abstract work, this career aligns well with your strengths.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Materials Engineer · Nuclear Regulatory Commission · Rockville, Maryland · $143913–$187093
- Senior Materials Engineer · Nuclear Regulatory Commission · Rockville, Maryland · $169279–$197200
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $160,340 | $165,600 | $197,900 | 450 |
| Maryland | $109,970 | $140,640 | $173,720 | 740 |
| Washington | $122,960 | $139,840 | $176,290 | 1,000 |
| Delaware | $100,980 | $131,320 | $165,960 | 40 |
| Louisiana | $92,470 | $128,670 | $155,830 | 90 |
| California | $103,250 | $128,470 | $157,980 | 3,020 |
| Illinois | $91,570 | $126,620 | $136,710 | 290 |
| New York | $88,380 | $125,900 | $162,770 | 590 |
| Colorado | $94,640 | $124,030 | $164,630 | 810 |
| Alaska | $84,240 | $123,360 | $134,550 | 70 |
| Oregon | $98,670 | $122,850 | $147,420 | 120 |
| Connecticut | $104,420 | $122,300 | $137,130 | 420 |
All 45 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Materials & Resource Professional (CMRP) — Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management
- Corrosion and Materials Professional (API) — American Petroleum Institute
- Principles and Practice of Engineering - Metallurgical and Materials (PE-M&M) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) — American Society for Quality
- Certified Welding Engineer — American Welding Society
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against materials engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2131.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.