Occupation · SOC 19-2032
Materials Scientists
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite 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. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
Median wage
—
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
—
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
41 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningScienceCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingWritingSpeakingActive Learning
Knowledge areas
Engineering and TechnologyChemistryPhysicsMathematicsComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Analytical or scientific softwareElectronic mail softwareWeb platform development softwareData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet software
Representative tasks
Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, anTest metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratioTest material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of Research or design methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop products, such as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.Review and select materials for products to meet product design and cost requirements.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Material samples and standard test protocols — execute routine mechanical and physical property tests under direct supervision in a laboratory setting.Metal specimens under tension, compression, and shear — perform prescribed tolerance tests following established procedures with senior scientist oversight.Laboratory instruments and analytical software — operate and record data outputs under guidance during materials characterization experiments.Research literature and technical reports — read and summarize findings on metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics to support ongoing team projects.Standard spreadsheet and word processing tools — organize experimental data and draft preliminary sections of technical reports as directed.Material property specifications — compare test results against defined benchmarks for mechanical strength and corrosion resistance with supervisor review.Laboratory safety protocols and equipment checklists — follow established procedures to ensure compliant and safe handling of materials samples.Experimental observations and measured data — document findings accurately in laboratory notebooks and electronic databases under researcher direction.Introductory chemistry and physics principles — apply foundational knowledge to interpret basic material behavior observed during supervised testing.Team meetings and project briefings — listen actively and ask clarifying questions to build understanding of materials science project goals and methods.
developing
Metals and alloy samples — conduct mechanical strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance tests with limited oversight and interpret results against applicable specifications.Experimental plans and feasibility protocols — design routine laboratory experiments to evaluate material properties and processing techniques in a production-support environment.Analytical and scientific software platforms — analyze material characterization data, identify trends, and generate visualizations to support research conclusions.Technical reports and manuscripts — draft clear, well-structured documents for internal scientists and external sponsors with moderate editorial input.Material failure investigations — apply deductive and inductive reasoning to determine probable causes of metal failures under tension, compression, or shear loading.Existing material formulations — adapt composition or processing parameters to improve specific properties such as magnetic response or heat resistance for familiar applications.Database and query tools — retrieve, filter, and cross-reference materials property data to support product development decisions.Laboratory experiments in progress — monitor equipment performance, track procedural milestones, and flag deviations from planned protocols to project leads.Multidisciplinary project teams — communicate materials test findings clearly in both written summaries and verbal presentations to colleagues across engineering and science functions.New developments in materials science literature — apply active learning strategies to integrate emerging methods and findings into routine laboratory practice.
proficient
Research programs on metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics — independently design and execute comprehensive investigations to obtain data supporting new product development or product enhancement.Complex material failure scenarios — autonomously diagnose root causes by integrating mechanical testing data, microstructural analysis, and environmental exposure history.Novel material combinations and processing routes — develop and validate approaches for achieving specific properties—such as high strength-to-weight ratios or extreme thermal resistance—for demanding applications.Material selection recommendations — provide authoritative guidance on optimal materials for reliable performance across varied service environments, including corrosive or high-load conditions.Full-scope technical manuscripts, proposals, and manuals — author publication-quality documents independently, tailored to audiences ranging from peer scientists to non-technical sponsors.Laboratory feasibility studies — plan and lead multiphase experiments confirming viability of advanced production techniques, adjusting methods in response to non-routine findings.Production monitoring responsibilities — oversee manufacturing processes to ensure efficient equipment use, adherence to revised specifications, and on-time, on-budget project delivery.Cross-functional problem-solving — apply systems evaluation and operations analysis to identify process inefficiencies and recommend evidence-based improvements in materials production.Advanced analytical and development software environments — leverage modeling, simulation, and data analysis tools to accelerate materials characterization and prediction of performance outcomes.Junior scientists and technicians — mentor developing staff on experimental design, data interpretation, and technical communication within an R&D or manufacturing context.
advanced
Organizational research strategy for materials science — set long-range direction and define priority research areas aligned with business and technology development goals.Cross-departmental materials development programs — lead multidisciplinary teams spanning research, engineering, and production to deliver breakthrough material solutions at organizational scale.Enterprise-wide materials selection and qualification standards — establish and govern frameworks ensuring consistent, reliable material performance across all product lines and application environments.Major technical proposals and funding applications — direct the preparation and presentation of high-stakes documents to executive sponsors, government agencies, and strategic partners.Organizational capability in analytical methods and scientific software — champion adoption of advanced tools and platforms, setting standards for data quality and computational practice across the function.Complex resource and budget allocation for laboratory operations — oversee production process monitoring systems and make strategic decisions to optimize efficiency, compliance, and project throughput.Talent development pipelines in materials science — design and implement mentoring, training, and learning strategies that build organizational expertise from emerging to proficient levels.External scientific and industry communities — represent the organization at conferences, on standards bodies, and in peer-reviewed publications, shaping field-wide knowledge and practice.Ambiguous, high-stakes materials challenges — exercise senior judgment and decision-making to evaluate novel risk scenarios, balance competing technical and business trade-offs, and commit to strategic courses of action.Innovation culture within materials research teams — model intellectual curiosity and systematic rigor, creating an environment where experimentation, evidence-based risk-taking, and continuous learning are organizational norms.
Also known as
16 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Plastics ScientistResearch ScientistPolymer Materials ConsultantScientistMaterials Research EngineerResearch Development SpecialistR and D Scientist (Research and Development Scientist)Metal Alloy ScientistMaterial Science EngineerPolymer SpecialistMicro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist)Applications ScientistAnalytical ScientistMetallurgical EngineerMaterials ScientistMetallurgist