# Materials Engineers > Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers. - Code: 17-2131.00 (O*NET-SOC; SOC 2018 17-2131) - Family: [Architecture & Engineering](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations#family-17), one of its 59 occupations - Tasks: 21 tasks (20 core and 1 supplemental) - Page: https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-2131.00 - JSON: https://foundation.org.ai/data/tasks/17-2131.00.json ## What the work is made of 1. Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions. Core task · Task 9001 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 2. Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures. Core task · Task 9004 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 3. Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration. Core task · Task 9002 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 4. Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality. Core task · Task 9006 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 5. Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives. Core task · Task 9005 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 6. Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments. Core task · Task 9012 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 7. Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials. Core task · Task 9015 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 8. Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices. Core task · Task 9013 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 9. Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost. Core task · Task 9010 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 10. Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists. Core task · Task 9003 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 11. Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards. Core task · Task 9014 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 12. Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary. Core task · Task 9009 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 13. Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations. Core task · Task 9017 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 14. Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace. Core task · Task 9008 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 15. Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees. Core task · Task 9016 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 16. Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports. Core task · Task 9007 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 17. Present technical information at conferences. Core task · Task 21167 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 18. Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers. Core task · Task 9019 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 19. Design processing plants and equipment. Core task · Task 9011 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 20. Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications. Core task · Task 9018 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 21. Teach in colleges and universities. Supplemental task · Task 9020 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2020 ## More in Architecture & Engineering - [Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-3021.00): 11 tasks - [Aerospace Engineers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-2011.00): 16 tasks - [Agricultural Engineers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-2021.00): 14 tasks - [Architects, Except Landscape and Naval](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-1011.00): 24 tasks - [Architectural and Civil Drafters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-3011.00): 28 tasks - [Automotive Engineering Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-3027.01): 18 tasks - [Automotive Engineers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-2141.02): 25 tasks - [Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-2031.00): 30 tasks - [Calibration Technologists and Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/17-3028.00): 15 tasks - 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