Research the structure and properties of materials and develop new ones for specific products and conditions.
You may also see this posted as: Materials Research Engineer, Research Scientist, Scientist, Applications Scientist, Metallurgical Engineer, Micro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist).
Laboratories, manufacturing plants, and offices.
Usually full-time with regular schedules.
Investigative
solving problems, analyzing evidence, and figuring out how things work
Realistic
working with tools, equipment, materials, or the physical world
Conventional
organizing information, following systems, and getting details right
O*NET job zone 4 of 5
High preparation—usually a four-year degree plus experience—is common.
Examples employers report—not a checklist you must already know.
May 2025 BLS wage & employment data · 2024–34 BLS employment projections.
Openings a year counts new jobs plus the ones that open when people retire or move on — a truer picture of your odds than growth alone.
“Median” means half earn more and half earn less. Your city, employer, and years on the job move it a lot — that is what the 10th-to-90th range shows.
BLS estimates 1.1% of workers in this occupation are self-employed.
Statewide medians are a better starting point than the national number. Your city and experience still matter.
Bachelor's degree
Training path: Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemistry, or a related field.
Related work experience: None.
On-the-job training: None.
No license required to start in most places.
Licensing rules and available programs change by state. These federal tools take you to the current official listings.
Develops and tests metals, polymers, ceramics, batteries, and other materials used in real products.
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Standard Occupational Classification 19-2032. Pay and employment from the BLS May 2025 OEWS survey; outlook and openings from the 2024–34 employment projections; job context from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; tasks, interests, work styles, software examples, and job zone from O*NET 30.3. See something off? Tell us.