According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions. | 86% |
| Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures. | 84% |
| Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration. | 83% |
| Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality. | 82% |
| Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives. | 81% |
| Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments. | 81% |
| Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials. | 81% |
| Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices. | 81% |
| Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost. | 79% |
| Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists. | 78% |
| Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards. | 77% |
| Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary. | 76% |
| Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations. | 75% |
| Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace. | 73% |
| Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees. | 71% |
| Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports. | 69% |
| Teach in colleges and universities. | 68% |
| Present technical information at conferences. | 67% |
| Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers. | 64% |
| Design processing plants and equipment. | 63% |
| Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications. | 63% |
