Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and manmade materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.

Conduct research into the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics in order to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials, or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials. Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics. Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors. Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments. Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials in order to develop such products as ceramic fillings for teeth, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses. Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces. Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression and shear, to determine the cause of metal failures. Confer with customers in order to determine how materials can be tailored to suit their needs. Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets. Receive molten metal from smelters, and further alloy and refine it in oxygen, open-hearth or other kinds of furnaces. Teach in colleges and universities. Test individual parts and products in order to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met. Test metals in order to determine whether they meet specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat and cold. Visit suppliers of materials or users of products in order to gather specific information.

Mathematics -- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 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. Chemistry -- 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. English Language -- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Physics -- 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. Administration and Management -- 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. Communications and Media -- Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Science -- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. Writing -- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Mathematics -- Using mathematics to solve problems. Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Active Learning -- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Speaking -- Talking to others to convey information effectively. Quality Control Analysis -- Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. Complex Problem Solving -- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. 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.

Written Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Mathematical Reasoning -- The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. Originality -- 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. Deductive Reasoning -- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. Fluency of Ideas -- 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). Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Near Vision -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Number Facility -- The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. Analyzing Data or Information -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. Processing Information -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge -- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates -- Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. Thinking Creatively -- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates -- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Controlling Machines and Processes -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).