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Advanced ManufacturingTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Materials Engineer

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.

Annual openings

46

Median wage

$124,030

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

No previous work experience is required. However, jobs as a technician can help you gain experience for this job.

For smaller companies, Engineers often work in the factory. With bigger companies, Engineers often work in a local or regional office.
Some Employers identified previous production experience gaining knowledge of the manufacturing process and the ability to communicate with those creating a product is an advantage. Plus some will pay for college while you work.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsMay vary

Interests it draws on

  • Engineering and Science
  • Engineering

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
  2. Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
  3. Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
  4. Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
  5. Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
  6. Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
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