Materials
engineers are involved in the development, processing, and testing of
the materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips
and aircraft wings to golf clubs and snow skis. They work with metals,
ceramics, plastics, semiconductors, and composites to create new
materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical
requirements. They also are involved in selecting materials for new
applications.
Materials
engineers have developed the ability to create and then study materials
at an atomic level, using advanced processes to replicate the
characteristics of those materials and their components with computers.
Most materials engineers specialize in a particular material. For
example, metallurgical engineers specialize in metals such as steel, and
ceramic engineers develop ceramic materials and the processes for making
them into useful products such as glassware or fiber-optic communication
lines.
Everything we see and use is
made of materials: cars, airplanes, computers, refrigerators, microwave
ovens, TVs, dishes, silverware, athletic equipment of all types, DVDs, and
biomedical devices such as replacement joints and limbs. All of these
require materials specifically tailored for their application. Specific
properties are required that result from carefully selecting the materials
and from controlling the manufacturing processes used to convert the basic
materials into the final engineered product. Exciting new product
developments frequently are possible only through new materials and/or
processing. Nanotechnology is a prime example.
New
materials technologies developed through engineering and science will
continue to make startling changes in our lives in the future, and
people in materials science and engineering will continue to be key in
these changes and advances. These engineers deal with the science and
technology of producing materials that have properties and shapes suitable
for practical use.
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Materials Science and Engineering Resources |
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Online |
Overview:
Overview of materials science and engineering |
The Field:
Materials; Processing; Structure; Properties; Performance |
Preparation:
Pre-College; College Programs; Coursework; Concentrations;
Graduate School; Study Abroad |
Day in the Life:
Teams and Coworkers, Tasks, the Workplace |
Earnings:
Employer Options, Salary Ranges, Types of Employers |
Employment:
Statistics, Industries, Employers |
Industries:
Sectors; Organizational Size; Stability |
Professional Development:
Marketability; Registration; Networking; Continuing
Ed |
Career Path Forecast:
Predictions, Employers |
Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support |
Internet Resources:
 ASM
International
American Ceramic Society
Materials Research Society
Strange
Matter
The
Minerals, Metals & Materials Society |
Note:
Some resources in this section are provided by The Minerals, Metals &
Materials Society
and the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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