microelectronics-materials-engineer/references/tasks.md

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.