"What’s it made of?"

One of the first considerations when designing a new product - or improving an old one - is the material itself.

Materials engineers select materials, improve their properties, lower their processing cost and increase their durability. They make steel stronger, ceramics tougher, composites less costly and computer chips faster. They have developed biomaterials for skin grafts and implants and replaced copper wire with fiberoptics to revolutionize telecommunications.

Materials engineering is truly the career that shapes the future.

Where do materials engineers work?

Because materials are the starting point for new products, materials engineers work on the leading edge in many industries.

In microelectronics, materials engineers focus on making microelectronic units smaller, less expensive and faster. They work to increase the capacity of magnetic memory devices such as hard drives and the storage capacity of permanent magnetic devices.

Materials engineers have enhanced monitor resolution, decreased weight and increased battery life for computers.

Advances in materials have made telecommunications and cellular phones more affordable.

Safety, fuel efficiency and reduced pollution are just a few of the assignments for materials engineers in the automotive industry where composites and polymers are replacing steel body panels and aluminum and ceramics are finding new uses.

Materials engineers are leading the development of strong, light weight composites in high-tech industries such as aeronautical and aerospace.

By developing artificial skin for burn victims and chromium alloy hip implants, materials engineers are improving quality of life for many people. Other contributions to health care include new diagnostic equipment like ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

Energy production is becoming a cleaner process due to pollution controls. New power sources, like solar cells which convert sunlight to electricity, are becoming more cost-effective thanks to research by materials scientists. New developments in permanent magnetic material have revolutionized their application. New ceramic engines will be able to operate at higher temperatures, increasing engine efficiency.

In sports, materials engineers have delivered stiffer golf clubs to increase distance, low-friction bearings for roller blades, lighter-weight bicycles and more reliable and controllable parachutes.

What shape can my career take?

Materials engineering is a hands-on career that often begins in manufacturing or technical support and moves on into management, research, development, sales or consulting.

In manufacturing, beginning materials technicians and engineers might ensure that incoming material specifications are met, that production lines run smoothly, and that products meet appropriate quality standards. They are involved in troubleshooting and competitive analysis. These activities can serve as a foundation for strategic planning and management positions, particularly with the addition of a Masters degree in Business Administration.

Leading-edge research and the invention of new materials from superconductors to radar-absorbing coatings to infrared sensors is carried out by engineers with an MS or Ph.D. degree.

Development of new production methods and new products is critical for businesses to become and remain competitive. Engineers with all levels of education (BS, MS, Ph.D.) can pursue this path.

Consulting positions reward materials engineers with a variety of short-term assignments, an array of technical experience and significant financial compensation. This is a good training ground for new graduates who are seeking a challenging and varied career.

Materials engineers may even enter the law, a career that benefits from training in logic and the ability to handle complex technical issues. A BS in engineering, along with biology and chemistry courses, can also provide excellent preparation for medical school, particularly for individuals interested in developing and testing new devices.

Materials engineering is a financially-rewarding field

The need for capable, well-educated materials specialists translates into starting salaries that are competitive with those in other engineering fields and higher than those in many other disciplines.

Where do I start?

If you’re interested in a career in materials engineering, you should develop a strong background in chemistry, physics and math, along with social studies, languages, the humanities and the arts. You should also be interested in applying your knowledge to developing materials, products and production processes.

The ASM International Foundation, ASM’s Chapter Department, your local ASM chapter and school guidance office can help you explore scholarship opportunities, find schools with materials and related programs, and network with students and professionals.

In pursuing the really interesting field of what we can do in a microgravity environment, I achieved a life-long dream of becoming an astronaut. And with the space station being build I think there will be more and more of these opportunities.

David H. Matthiesen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineer, Case Western Reserve University, Payload Specialist, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

I started at Honda right out of college, working in the paint department on corrosion improvement. As an entry-level engineer, I had 12 suppliers reporting to me. Engineering is not just parts, it’s how everything functions together. It’s about solving problems. Everything we deal with is materials-related.

Sue Baik-Kromalic, Engineering Coordinator, Honda of America

I find the materials engineering field very exciting. I came to work at Hi TecMetal the year I graduated from the University of Cincinnati. In six years, I’ve worked my way up from a process engineer on the floor to Division Manager.

Tony Schaffeld, Division Manager, Hi TecMetal Group

As part of my undergraduate experience at Johns Hopkins, I worked on a new type of processing for magnetic Nd-Fe-B ceramics at the Josef Stephan Institute in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Materials engineering opens a whole world of opportunity.

Christine Esber, graduate student, Stanford University

For more information about materials science and engineering, visit the following sites:
www.crc4mse.org
www.engr.sjsu.edu/WofMatE/
www.materials-careers.org.uk
www.materials-careers.org.uk
www.aimat.es (in Spanish)