Materials Engineers

In general, advancing through the ranks of materials engineers is similar to advancement in other disciplines. Working in entry-level positions usually means executing the research, plans, or theories which someone else has originated. With additional experience and education, materials engineers begin to tackle projects solo or, at least, accept responsibility for organizing and managing them for a supervisor. Those materials engineers with advanced degrees or a great deal of experience can move into supervisory or administrative positions within any one of the major categories, such as research, development, or design. Eventually, materials engineers who have distinguished themselves by consistently producing successful projects, and who have polished their business and managerial skills, will advance to become the directors of engineering for an entire plant or research division. Others become college professors.