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Material engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Maria Benavides Ph.D.,
Peter Rosado
Material engineer example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical material engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for material engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 15.3% of material engineer resumes contained dod as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a material engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 material engineer skills for your resume and career

1. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how material engineers use dod:
  • Supported and directed innovative small businesses and Start-Ups through the DoD SBIR program.
  • Work with vendors and Design to assure DOD compliance and design innovation.

2. Failure Analysis

Failure Analysis is a step-by-step process of determining the reason for a particular machine or equipment failure by way of checking, identification, and examination. It means conducting a test within the system and perform a maintenance check that leads you to a conclusion. A failure analysis takes place to prevent further damages.

Here's how material engineers use failure analysis:
  • Operated electrical failure analysis laboratory.
  • Supervised a failure analysis lab to identify failure mode and to recommend failure solutions for manufacturing engineers and materials engineers

3. Data Analysis

Here's how material engineers use data analysis:
  • Performed extensive data analysis of experimental results for ongoing projects to provide supervisor with recommendations for further proceedings.
  • Performed extensive Minitab-based data analysis evaluating key processing variables for faster material development and better process comprehension.

4. CAD

Here's how material engineers use cad:
  • Create and maintain a list of all CAD drawings of the Life Sciences division in the plant.
  • Approve new product CAD drawings and verify sketches according to ASME Y14.1 standard.

5. ASTM

Here's how material engineers use astm:
  • Executed testing according to ASTM standards to evaluate corrosion resistance of surgical instruments.
  • Tested materials and electrical connectors in accordance with ASTM standards, MIL Specs, and internal specs and standards.

6. Material Properties

Here's how material engineers use material properties:
  • Evaluated competitor's products through various reverse engineering techniques to determine material properties and various manufacturing process specifications.
  • Collaborated with Quality Engineers to improve product integrity by analyzing material properties of finished goods.

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7. Quality Standards

Quality standards are a specific level of standards of products that are set by the companies for the customers that have to be met and maintained throughout the process until the time of delivery. Quality standards are information that includes the customer's requirements, guidelines, and characteristics for the needed final product or service.

Here's how material engineers use quality standards:
  • Analyzed material requirements and ensured that vendor-supplied parts and components met specifications and Caterpillar's quality standards including APQP and PPAP.
  • Traveled to materials manufacturing plants to evaluate production methods and quality standards against specifications (prior to Acquisition Reform).

8. Material Selection

Here's how material engineers use material selection:
  • Performed Pipeline lifetime expectancy calculations, material selection and review of technical documents and data sheets.
  • Provided technical expertise and consulting to Engineering with respect to welding and material selection.

9. Project Management

Here's how material engineers use project management:
  • Provided resources needed to project Management for our activities, provided structural section recommendations to design.
  • Work involves civil, environmental, contracting, project management, performance accountability.

10. SEM

Search Engine Marketing, SEM, is a set of digital marketing tools, techniques, and strategies that help optimize website and page visibility and reach potential website visitors through search engine result pages (SERPs). The aim is to appear more and better positioned among the search results when an Internet user searches for the brand keywords.

Here's how material engineers use sem:
  • Performed failure analyses using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy methods.
  • Performed SEM analysis of amalgam fracture surfaces.

11. Technical Reports

Technical reports are a type of document that is used to indicate either the progress, result, or process of scientific research or the state of problems occurring within such research. A technical report may also showcase the report's overall conclusion and may also include recommendations. This kind of report does not require a peer review and isn't published officially but distributed within the organizations where it was formed.

Here's how material engineers use technical reports:
  • Issued to project or manufacturing engineers formal and informal technical reports of results on testing and evaluations performed.
  • Maintain timely and accurate oral and written technical reports regarding assigned engineering activities.

12. Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is an ongoing process of improvement of products, services, and processes with the help of innovative ideas. It is an organized approach that helps an organization to find its weaknesses and improve them.

Here's how material engineers use continuous improvement:
  • Served on a continuous improvement team and developed procedures for Quality Assurance for Construction Procedures to meet federal regulations.
  • Lead and manage continuous improvement Logistic projects that resulted in efficient movement of material using low cost automation methods.

13. Lean Manufacturing

Here's how material engineers use lean manufacturing:
  • Led a team of up to 5 employees including process engineers and identified and eliminated waste using Lean Manufacturing Principles.
  • Performed work in the capacity of Material Handling and Lean Manufacturing consultant to meet Customer projects.

14. Additive Manufacturing

Here's how material engineers use additive manufacturing:
  • Evaluate customer prototype designs for manufacturing feasibility in support of qualification efforts of additive manufacturing processes for advanced hardware.
  • Experience and knowledge of additive manufacturing techniques, wet chemistry, and corrosion engineering.

15. Engineering Support

Engineering support means providing assistance to different engineers working in the company. It enables them to complete their tasks effectively and timely. Engineering support revolves around diagnosing and resolving software and hardware problems. They also look for network issues and resolve them in a timely manner.

Here's how material engineers use engineering support:
  • Provided materials engineering support for automotive substrate and diesel filter extruded ceramic products in Corning's Environmental Technologies Division.
  • Engaged in project engineering support regarding selection and review, fabrication and field testing of polymer materials for new production facilities.
top-skills

What skills help Material Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on material engineer resumes?

Dr. Maria Benavides Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chemistry Program Coordinator, Assistant Chair, University of Houston - Downtown

Apart from a good foundation in the chemistry discipline, skills that will stand out on resumes include: experience in various analytical techniques, excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing, ability to work collaboratively (team player), and the ability to think critically to find solutions to problems (problem solving). Another valuable skill nowadays would be to be competent in the use of technology for communication purposes (Zoom, etc.).

What material engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Peter RosadoPeter Rosado LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Georgia College and State University

I tell students to call their "gap" year more of a "Developmental" year. If a graduate desires to have such a year, they should focus on their whole as a goal, which means not only developing their professionalism but have other experiences. For example, travel to another country, learn a new language, intern at a company outside of the US, get involved further in the field of study. What stands out in candidates is how they made use of their time, skills that they acquired, and how they could weave them into the position they are applying for. That the candidate has had experiences outside of their comfort zone tells me, as an employer, that they are flexible and can adapt to situations that are new and unpredictable.

What technical skills for a material engineer stand out to employers?

Rick Wise Ph.D.Rick Wise Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Director, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Arkansas

Materials Science and Engineering graduates with MS and/or PhD degrees are expected to have a working knowledge of materials characterization equipment and how to interpret measurement results. Most will have an in-depth knowledge of materials used in a particular field (electronics, photonics, nanomaterials, energy, biological, etc.), in the fabricatoin/processing of those materials, and how to control and optimize the properties to meet the desired application. Especially valued is the capability to combine that knowledge with creativity to bring about innovations which help solve problems and create markets.

What soft skills should all material engineers possess?

William Cross Ph.D.William Cross Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

The soft skills that all graduates should possess are primarily in communication - speaking/writing clearly, and listening/reading comprehension - and in teamwork skills. Being able to function in a variety of roles on a team is very important to success in many jobs.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about material engineer

List of material engineer skills to add to your resume

Material engineer skills

The most important skills for a material engineer resume and required skills for a material engineer to have include:

  • DOD
  • Failure Analysis
  • Data Analysis
  • CAD
  • ASTM
  • Material Properties
  • Quality Standards
  • Material Selection
  • Project Management
  • SEM
  • Technical Reports
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Engineering Support
  • Construction Materials
  • Technical Support
  • Process Specifications
  • R
  • Heat Treatment
  • Material Specifications
  • Sigma
  • Troubleshoot
  • Test Data
  • API
  • Test Methods
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Mechanical Properties
  • ISO
  • Asphalt
  • Material Characterization
  • Destructive Testing
  • DOE
  • DSC
  • Corrective Action
  • Test Results
  • Materials Lab
  • Material Flow
  • FTIR
  • Product Development
  • Process Improvement
  • Prototyping
  • Composite Materials
  • Brazing
  • Material Review
  • Extrusion
  • Design Engineering
  • Cost Reduction
  • Product Quality

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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