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
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
41 mapped
Core skills
ScienceReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningWritingSpeakingActive LearningJudgment and Decision MakingMathematicsSystems EvaluationPersuasionOperations AnalysisMonitoringTime ManagementSystems AnalysisSocial PerceptivenessLearning StrategiesCoordinationQuality Control AnalysisInstructingService OrientationOperations MonitoringNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTroubleshootingOperation and ControlTechnology DesignProgrammingRepairingEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceInstallation
Knowledge areas
Engineering and TechnologyChemistryPhysicsMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsProduction and ProcessingDesignMechanicalEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeBiologySales and MarketingBuilding and ConstructionTelecommunicationsPersonnel and Human ResourcesLaw and GovernmentEconomics and AccountingCommunications and MediaPublic Safety and SecurityTransportationMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguagePsychologyFood ProductionHistory and ArcheologyGeographyTherapy and CounselingSociology and AnthropologyPhilosophy and TheologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
ANSYS LS-DYNAANSYS MultiphysicsAccelrys Materials StudioAdvanced Chemistry Development Analytical LaboratoryBruker AXS EVABruker AXS LEPTOSBruker AXS TOPASChempute Software HSC ChemistryCrystalMakerDassault Systemes AbaqusEmail softwareGAMESS-USGeneral Structural Analysis System GSASHypertext markup language HTMLIBM SPSS StatisticsInternational Centre for Diffraction Data ICDD DDViewMaplesoft MapleMaterials Data Incorporated JadeMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMultichannel microelectrode analyzer MMA softwareNational Instruments LabVIEWOlympus Image AnalysisPANalytical X'Pert Data CollectorPANalytical X'Pert EpitaxyPWscfPythonRRIETANSolidWorks COSMOSWorksStewart Computational Chemistry MOPACThe MathWorks MATLABVAMP/VASPWeb browser softwareWolfram Research Mathematica
Representative tasks
Processing InformationGetting InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsWorking with ComputersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeThinking CreativelyDocumenting/Recording InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkTraining and Teaching OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDeveloping and Building TeamsScheduling Work and ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCoaching and Developing OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesControlling Machines and ProcessesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentStaffing Organizational UnitsSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsAssisting and Caring for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicPerforming General Physical Activities
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.
Analytical ScientistApplications ScientistMaterial Science EngineerMaterials Research EngineerMaterials ScientistMetal Alloy ScientistMetallurgical EngineerMetallurgistMicro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist)Plastics ScientistPolymer Materials ConsultantPolymer SpecialistR and D Scientist (Research and Development Scientist)Research Development SpecialistResearch ScientistScientist