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 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.

Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results in order to determine causes of problems and develop solutions. Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products in order to ensure their quality. Design and direct the testing and/or control of processing procedures. Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials. Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives. Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration. Plan and implement laboratory operations for the purpose of developing material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards. Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection based on design objectives, such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost. Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear and aerospace. Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or non-metallic materials production operations. Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees. Design processing plants and equipment. Guide technical staff engaged in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices. Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments. Perform managerial functions such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports. Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives as necessary. Remove metals from ores, and refine and alloy them to obtain useful metal. Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components with computers. Supervise the work of technologists, technicians and other engineers and scientists. Sell and service metal products. Teach in colleges and universities. Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.

Engineering and Technology -- 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. Mathematics -- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. Design -- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. English Language -- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Production and Processing -- Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Judgment and Decision Making -- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Operations Analysis -- Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design. Critical Thinking -- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Science -- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. Mathematics -- Using mathematics to solve problems. Technology Design -- Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs. Active Listening -- 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. Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Speaking -- Talking to others to convey information effectively. Complex Problem Solving -- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Inductive Reasoning -- The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). Deductive Reasoning -- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. Written Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Number Facility -- The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. Mathematical Reasoning -- The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Speech Clarity -- The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Making Decisions and Solving Problems -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information -- Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. Processing Information -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. Analyzing Data or Information -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. Provide Consultation and Advice to Others -- Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge -- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People -- Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others -- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.