Definition of Occupation

Develops and designs new and improved materials for wide variety of applications--e.g. automotive, aerospace, electronic--based on fundamental principles of microstructure, property and performance. Helps select materials and manufacturing processes for specific products; must consider design, performance, compatibility, quality, ease of production, cost effectiveness and environmental effect. Analyzes failures to determine root cause--fatigue, overload, corrosion etc. Often works to meet specific requirements, such as greater impact, heat resistance, stiffness, strength or modifications in physical properties such as thermal expansion. May specialize in one material (plastics, ceramics, semiconductors, composites, metals etc.), one aspect of all materials (chemical, mechanical, conductivity etc.) or in materials processing. May work in research, development, production or sales. Most work in industry, some in research institutes, academia or government.