Materials Scientists

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Job Description: 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.

Materials Scientists spend a lot of their time Processing Information. They are naturally good at Oral Expression, Oral Comprehension, Written Expression, and Inductive Reasoning. Materials Scientists are typically characterized as being Investigative and Realistic. They are usually very knowledgable about Chemistry, Engineering and Technology, and Mathematics and are skilled at Science and Reading Comprehension.

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Work Activities

Processing Information
  
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  
Analyzing Data or Information
  
Getting Information
  
Thinking Creatively
  
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
  
Documenting/Recording Information
  
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
  
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
  
Developing Objectives and Strategies
  
Controlling Machines and Processes
  
Scheduling Work and Activities
  
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
  
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  
Interacting With Computers
  
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  
Training and Teaching Others
  
Coaching and Developing Others
  
Performing Administrative Activities
  
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  
Handling and Moving Objects
  
Performing General Physical Activities
  
Selling or Influencing Others
  
Developing and Building Teams
  
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  
Staffing Organizational Units
  
Assisting and Caring for Others
  
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
  
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  

Abilities

Oral Expression
  
Oral Comprehension
  
Written Expression
  
Inductive Reasoning
  
Originality
  
Deductive Reasoning
  
Written Comprehension
  
Problem Sensitivity
  
Category Flexibility
  
Information Ordering
  
Near Vision
  
Flexibility of Closure
  
Mathematical Reasoning
  
Visualization
  
Fluency of Ideas
  
Speech Recognition
  
Speech Clarity
  
Selective Attention
  
Number Facility
  
Visual Color Discrimination
  
Perceptual Speed
  
Speed of Closure
  
Far Vision
  
Auditory Attention
  
Hearing Sensitivity
  
Finger Dexterity
  
Time Sharing
  
Depth Perception
  
Memorization
  
Control Precision
  
Arm-Hand Steadiness
  
Manual Dexterity
  
Wrist-Finger Speed
  
Multilimb Coordination
  
Reaction Time
  
Response Orientation
  
Rate Control
  

Interests

Investigative
  
Realistic
  
Enterprising
  
Conventional
  
Artistic
  
Social
  

Knowledge

Chemistry
  
Engineering and Technology
  
Mathematics
  
English Language
  
Education and Training
  
Administration and Management
  
Computers and Electronics
  
Production and Processing
  
Clerical
  
Physics
  
Customer and Personal Service
  
Geography
  
Public Safety and Security
  
Sales and Marketing
  
Mechanical
  
Design
  
Personnel and Human Resources
  
Law and Government
  
Communications and Media
  
Transportation
  
Psychology
  
Economics and Accounting
  
Building and Construction
  
Medicine and Dentistry
  
Foreign Language
  
Telecommunications
  

Wages

New Mexico
$109,280  
 
New Hampshire
$100,310  
 
Oregon
$99,160  
 
Maryland
$97,170  
 
New Jersey
$94,870  
 
Utah
$94,270  
 
Massachusetts
$94,090  
 
Connecticut
$90,680  
 
Minnesota
$90,250  
 
Georgia
$90,030  
 
Indiana
$87,720  
 
California
$87,440  
 
Arizona
$84,600  
 
New York
$83,740  
 
Virginia
$83,740  
 
Maine
$83,420  
 
Colorado
$83,420  
 
Washington
$82,960  
 
Illinois
$82,170  
 
Ohio
$81,610  
 
Florida
$80,740  
 
Texas
$79,360  
 
North Carolina
$77,940  
 
Wisconsin
$76,840  
 
Delaware
$75,480  
 
Pennsylvania
$74,640  
 
Missouri
$73,720  
 
Tennessee
$73,230  
 
South Carolina
$71,640  
 
Alabama
$66,770  
 
Kentucky
$41,850  
 

Skills

Science
  
Reading Comprehension
  
Critical Thinking
  
Operations Analysis
  
Writing
  
Monitoring
  
Complex Problem Solving
  
Speaking
  
Active Learning
  
Active Listening
  
Judgment and Decision Making
  
Coordination
  
Mathematics
  
Time Management
  
Instructing
  
Systems Evaluation
  
Systems Analysis
  
Social Perceptiveness
  
Service Orientation
  
Persuasion
  
Negotiation
  
Management of Personnel Resources
  
Quality Control Analysis
  
Operation Monitoring
  
Learning Strategies
  
Operation and Control
  
Troubleshooting
  
Management of Financial Resources
  
Management of Material Resources
  
Technology Design
  

Work Values

Achievement
  
Recognition
  
Independence
  
Working Conditions
  
Support
  
Relationships
  

Work Styles

Analytical Thinking
  
Innovation
  
Achievement/Effort
  
Initiative
  
Dependability
  
Leadership
  
Persistence
  
Adaptability/Flexibility
  
Independence
  
Integrity
  
Cooperation
  
Stress Tolerance
  
Self Control
  
Attention to Detail
  
Concern for Others
  
Social Orientation
  

Work Context

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Electronic Mail
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Telephone
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Contact With Others
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Level of Competition
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Letters and Memos
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Consequence of Error
  
Time Pressure
  
Public Speaking
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Duration of Typical Work Week
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Physical Proximity
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Degree of Automation
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Work Schedules
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  

-40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-A lot of freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-About half the time-

Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  

-Completely automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Constant contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others about half the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others most of the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Continually or almost continually-

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  

-Every day-

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Electronic Mail
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Telephone
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Letters and Memos
  
Public Speaking
  
Time Pressure
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  

-Extremely competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Extremely important-

Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  

-Extremely serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Fairly important-

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  

-Fairly serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-High responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Highly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Highly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)-

Physical Proximity
  

-I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Important-

Deal With External Customers
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  

-Important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)-

Work Schedules
  

-Less than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-Less than half the time-

Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Sitting
  

-Limited freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-Limited responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Minor results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderate responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Moderate results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderately automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Moderately close (at arm's length)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Moderately competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-More than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-More than half the time-

Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  

-Never-

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Public Speaking
  
Letters and Memos
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Telephone
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Time Pressure
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Electronic Mail
  

-No contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-No freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-No responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-No results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Not at all automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Not at all competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Not important at all-

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  

-Not serious at all-

Consequence of Error
  

-Occasional contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Once a month or more but not every week-

Public Speaking
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Time Pressure
  
Letters and Memos
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Telephone
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Electronic Mail
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  

-Once a week or more but not every day-

Frequency of Decision Making
  
Letters and Memos
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Time Pressure
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Public Speaking
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Telephone
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Electronic Mail
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  

-Once a year or more but not every month-

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Public Speaking
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Time Pressure
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Telephone
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Letters and Memos
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Electronic Mail
  

-Regular (established routine, set schedule)-

Work Schedules
  

-Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)-

Work Schedules
  

-Serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Slightly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Slightly close (e.g., shared office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Slightly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Some freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-Very close (near touching)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Very high responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Very important-

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  

-Very important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Very little freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Very serious-

Consequence of Error
  

Task Ratings

- Importance Core-

Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
  
Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
  
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.
  
Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
  
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
  
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.
  
Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  
Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
  
Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
  

- Importance Supplemental-

Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
  
Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
  
Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
  
Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
  
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.
  
Teach in colleges and universities.
  

- Relevance of Task Core-

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.
  
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.
  
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
  
Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
  
Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
  
Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
  
Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
  
Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
  

- Relevance of Task Supplemental-

Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
  
Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
  
Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
  
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.
  
Teach in colleges and universities.
  

-Daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

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.
  
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.
  
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
  
Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  
Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
  
Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
  
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
  
Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
  
Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
  

-Daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
  
Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
  
Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
  
Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
  
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.
  
Teach in colleges and universities.
  

-Hourly or more Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

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.
  
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
  
Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
  
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
  
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 of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
  
Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
  
Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  
Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
  

-Hourly or more Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
  
Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
  
Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
  
Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
  
Teach in colleges and universities.
  
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.
  

-More than monthly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
  
Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
  
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 individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
  
Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
  
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
  
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.
  
Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
  

-More than monthly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
  
Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
  
Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
  
Teach in colleges and universities.
  

-More than weekly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
  
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
  
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.
  
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
  
Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
  
Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  
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.
  
Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
  
Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
  

-More than weekly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
  
Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
  
Teach in colleges and universities.
  
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.
  
Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
  

-More than yearly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
  
Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
  
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.
  
Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
  
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.
  
Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
  

-More than yearly Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
  
Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
  
Teach in colleges and universities.
  
Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
  
Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
  
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.
  

-Several times daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

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.
  
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
  
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.
  
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
  
Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
  
Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
  
Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  
Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
  

-Several times daily Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
  
Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
  
Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
  
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.
  
Teach in colleges and universities.
  

-Yearly or less Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Core-

Visit suppliers of materials or users of products to gather specific information.
  
Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  
Confer with customers to determine how to tailor materials to their needs.
  
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
  
Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
  
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 of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
  
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
  
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.
  

-Yearly or less Frequency of Task (Categories 1-7) Supplemental-

Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
  
Study the nature, structure and physical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
  
Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
  
Monitor production processes in order to ensure that equipment is used efficiently and that projects are completed within appropriate time frames and budgets.
  

Education Training Experience

-On-Site or In-Plant Training-

None
  
Up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  
Over 10 years
  

-On-the-Job Training-

None or short demonstration
  
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  
Over 10 years
  

-Related Work Experience-

Up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
  
Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
  
Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
  
Over 10 years
  

-Required Level of Education-

High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
  
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
  
Bachelor's Degree
  
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master
  
Master's Degree
  
Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level
  
Doctoral Degree
  
Post-Doctoral Training