Materials Engineers
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications.
About the profession
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 to Get Started
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Career Match Test →Explore the Career Path section to see progression from junior to senior
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Jump to Learning Path →Personality Fit
Based on the Materials Engineers role, here are the RIASEC personality types that tend to thrive in this career. While these alignments are common, individual success depends on motivation, skill development, and finding the right work environment.
Realistic
Hands-on, practical, technical work
Investigative
Research, analysis, problem-solving
Conventional
Organizing, detail-oriented, structured
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Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Junior Materials Engineer → Associate Materials Engineer → Senior Materials Engineer → Lead Materials Engineer
Where are you on this career path?
Click a level below to set your current position
Salary Growth
4
Levels
166K
Top Salary
8+
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $63,340 - $88,900/year With equity/bonuses: $69,674 - $106,680 Top markets (SF/NYC): $72,841 - $106,680 Execute core tasks using Reading…
Day in Life
Junior vs Senior, daily schedule breakdown
9am, Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1: Entry level $44,338 - $80,010 Year 2-3: Junior level $88,900 - $108,737 Year 4-6: Mid level $108,737 - $117,894 Year 7-10: Senior level $117,894 - $147,021 Year 10+:…
Is this for me?
15 questions, answer honestly
You find the craft of a Materials Engineer genuinely interesting, not just a paycheck You enjoy working with Reading Comprehension and Active Listening You communicate clearly…
💰 Salary Range
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Related Reading
Related Holland / RIASEC Types