A typical day involves technology reviews, product reviews, and customer calls. I also attend presentations both internally and externally. A lot of my time is spent meeting with colleagues and peers. We also have a lot of brainstorming sessions. I'd say that about 60% of my time is spent traveling to attend conferences, meet with customers and suppliers, or attend board meetings for any of the boards I serve on.
CAREER
Materials Scientists
Overview
Salary Median (2023)
$106,160
Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
+6% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Materials Scientists Do
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.
Other Job Titles Materials Scientists May Have
Applications Scientist, Materials Research Engineer, Materials Scientist, Metallurgical Engineer, Micro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist), Polymer Materials Consultant, R and D Scientist (Research and Development Scientist), Research Scientist, Scientist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I arrive at the office and meet with students who have interesting technical results, discussing those results, and then discussing the next steps for them to take, moving towards writing, editing, and submitting a publication. Of course, a great day is always highlighted by good news, meaning that one of our students' pieces has been accepted and published.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
- Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
- Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
- 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.
- Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Materials Scientists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (62%)
Bachelor's degree
Doctoral degree
Master's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Chemistry, General
Bachelor
History, General
Doctorate
Organic Chemistry
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Birthing and Parenting Knowledge and Skills
Graduate
Materials Chemistry
Doctorate
Materials Chemistry
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
It's important to be able to embrace change and take calculated risks. It's also critical to be able to think big—that's the difference between ordinary and extraordinary.
Oftentimes in the STEM fields, we're not explicitly taught how to teach or mentor, or even how to collaborate with our peers. It's often thought of as a singular event, and it is, through much of your early career, but as you progress, you really have to learn how to work with a team of peers and how to mentor others.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
I don't think there's necessarily one set first step that you should take; rather, it's a series of steps. You need a solid education up to college, then you need to choose a college major that aligns with your talents, then you can move on to graduate school.
Talk to people working in this field. Be the feet on the ground. Get an internship, shadow an engineer, volunteer and certainly never stop being curious. I'd also recommend joining organizations. I joined a National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry - Iota Sigma Pi. This non-profit organization helps women (professionals and students); promote/mentor chemistry-related careers and education.
College Students
This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
