Materials Engineers

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.83
Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.82
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.78
Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.75
Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.74
Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.72
Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.71
Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.71
Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.70
Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.69
Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.69
Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.65

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Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.64
Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.64
Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.63
Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.63
Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.50
Teach in colleges and universities.48
Design processing plants and equipment.45
Present technical information at conferences.44
Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.38

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving75
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Mathematics75
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Science75
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making66
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Quality Control Analysis60
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Monitoring56
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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Operations Analysis56
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Systems Analysis56
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation56
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Operations Monitoring53
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources50
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Negotiation47
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Service Orientation44
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Technology Design44
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Management of Material Resources41
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Financial Resources35
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operation and Control31
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Troubleshooting22
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection19
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Equipment Maintenance6
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing6
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Engineering and Technology93
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics81
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing79
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Physics78
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
English Language72
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Chemistry69
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Computers and Electronics61
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design60
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical55
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Education and Training44
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Administration and Management42
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Administrative40
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

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Customer and Personal Service33
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Communications and Media31
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Economics and Accounting29
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Public Safety and Security29
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Building and Construction28
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Sales and Marketing27
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Personnel and Human Resources24
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Law and Government22
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Telecommunications18
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Transportation18
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Biology16
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Geography16
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Foreign Language11
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Medicine and Dentistry9
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology9
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Psychology9
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
History and Archeology8
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sociology and Anthropology6
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Food Production5
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Therapy and Counseling5
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Category Flexibility75
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering75
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Mathematical Reasoning72
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Fluency of Ideas69
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

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Originality69
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speech Clarity63
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Flexibility of Closure56
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Number Facility56
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed53
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visualization53
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visual Color Discrimination44
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Time Sharing35
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Finger Dexterity31
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Manual Dexterity28
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Depth Perception22
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Wrist-Finger Speed22
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Multilimb Coordination19
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Reaction Time19
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Rate Control16
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Response Orientation6
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Extent Flexibility3
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information88
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers87
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing Data or Information84
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems84
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings82
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events81
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Documenting/Recording Information79
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards79
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information78
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates76
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials75
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge73
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information69
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Thinking Creatively67
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others65
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization61
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Developing Objectives and Strategies61
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work61
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others61
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships60
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment56
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People56
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Training and Teaching Others56
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Controlling Machines and Processes53
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Developing and Building Teams53
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Scheduling Work and Activities52
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others49
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Coaching and Developing Others47
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates43
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Selling or Influencing Others41
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources38
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others36
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing Administrative Activities35
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment28
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment26
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Handling and Moving Objects25
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Assisting and Caring for Others23
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing General Physical Activities23
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Staffing Organizational Units22
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment18
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public10
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail90
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Innovation83
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Dependability80
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Intellectual Curiosity80
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Cautiousness76
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Achievement Orientation70
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Integrity66
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance59
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Adaptability57
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative50
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Confidence49
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Leadership Orientation46
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

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Tolerance for Ambiguity44
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Cooperation42
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Stress Tolerance35
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control34
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Social Orientation20
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Sincerity19
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism14
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility9
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Empathy4
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic81
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative80
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional52
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Artistic26
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising18
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social6
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day100%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day76%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day64%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important60%
- Very important32%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important44%
- Very important44%
- Important12%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day60%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Never12%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others20%
- Contact with others most of the time68%
- Contact with others about half the time12%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom24%
- Some freedom60%
- Limited freedom16%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom28%
- Some freedom52%
- Limited freedom16%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility25%
- High responsibility38%
- Moderate responsibility25%
- Limited responsibility13%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually12%
- More than half the time56%
- About half the time24%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day28%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%

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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results28%
- Important results28%
- Moderate results28%
- Minor results12%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours28%
- 40 hours72%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important16%
- Very important36%
- Important32%
- Fairly important12%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility28%
- Moderate responsibility48%
- Limited responsibility12%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week76%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious16%
- Very serious16%
- Serious40%
- Fairly serious16%
- Not serious at all12%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week48%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never16%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive20%
- Moderately competitive56%
- Slightly competitive12%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)84%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important12%
- Very important24%
- Important24%
- Fairly important24%
- Not important at all16%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important16%
- Very important12%
- Important32%
- Fairly important16%
- Not important at all24%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never24%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month52%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- More than half the time36%
- Less than half the time44%
- Never16%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never24%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month44%
- Never12%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never24%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated28%
- Slightly automated52%
- Not at all automated12%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never33%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time24%
- Less than half the time72%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month60%
- Never16%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month64%
- Never16%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never46%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time12%
- Less than half the time40%
- Never40%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
- Never40%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time64%
- Never28%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never46%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important12%
- Fairly important28%
- Not important at all52%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never50%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never56%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never60%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time33%
- Never63%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never60%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never64%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never71%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never80%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time32%
- Never68%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time32%
- Never68%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time32%
- Never68%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never88%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never88%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)92%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never92%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Doctoral degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
ANSYS Multiphysics, Image analysis systems, Minitab, The MathWorks MATLAB
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes CATIA, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, PTC Creo Parametric
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access, MTS Testworks, Oracle Database, QMC CM4D
Development environment software
Formula translation/translator FORTRAN, Microsoft Visual Basic, National Instruments LabVIEW
Object or component oriented development software
C++, Microsoft Visual Basic.NET, Python
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Fused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systems, Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Graphics or photo imaging software
Graphics software
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Test characteristics of materials or structures.
Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
Resolve operational performance problems.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
Determine operational methods.
Direct design or development activities.
Direct quality control activities.
Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.

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Direct industrial production activities.
Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
Prepare operational reports.
Prepare project budgets.
Prepare proposal documents.
Create models of engineering designs or methods.
Prepare materials for processing.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
Teach classes in area of specialization.
Teach social science courses at the college level.
Design industrial processing systems.
Present research results to others.
Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Foundry Metallurgist
Materials Engineer

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology