# Tasks & work activities — microelectronics materials engineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 17-2131.00 (Materials Engineers) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 2152; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Present technical information at conferences.
- **[Core]** Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- **[Core]** Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
- **[Core]** Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
- **[Core]** Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- **[Core]** Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- **[Core]** Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- **[Core]** Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
- **[Core]** Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
- **[Core]** Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.
- **[Core]** Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
- **[Core]** Design processing plants and equipment.
- **[Core]** Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- **[Core]** Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
- **[Core]** Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
- **[Core]** Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- **[Core]** Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
- **[Core]** Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
- **[Core]** Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
- **[Core]** Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.
- **[Supplemental]** Teach in colleges and universities.

## Detailed work activities

- Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
- Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
- Create models of engineering designs or methods.
- Design industrial processing systems.
- Determine operational methods.
- Direct design or development activities.
- Direct industrial production activities.
- Direct quality control activities.
- Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications.
- Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
- Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
- Prepare detailed work plans.
- Prepare materials for processing.
- Prepare operational reports.
- Prepare project budgets.
- Prepare proposal documents.
- Present research results to others.
- Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
- Resolve operational performance problems.
- Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
- Teach classes in area of specialization.
- Teach social science courses at the college level.
- Test characteristics of materials or structures.
- Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
- Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.