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The differences between materials process engineers and research and development engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a research and development engineer has an average salary of $100,169, which is higher than the $90,788 average annual salary of a materials process engineer.
The top three skills for a materials process engineer include failure analysis, material properties and process specifications. The most important skills for a research and development engineer are python, R, and solidworks.
| Materials Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $90,788 | $100,169 |
| Hourly rate | $43.65 | $48.16 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 79,795 | 187,910 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
Materials Process Engineers are licensed engineers who develop different materials, usually for research or production purposes. They may create new materials derived from existing compounds and materials. Materials Process Engineers must document the processes involved in creating these new materials. They would then study the different elements and specifications of this new material. This would help industries that may need a similar material gauge, whether applicable in their area. Material Process Engineers also work on finding new ways to use existing materials. This would help increase the value of the material since there are more and practical uses for it.
Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work in. Responsibilities of these engineers include developing new technologies, designing products, and managing the projects until they are completed. Additionally, they lead the project team members to manage their schedules, design the project plans, and collaborate with key departments in developing new products.
Materials process engineers and research and development engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Materials Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average salary | $90,788 | $100,169 |
| Salary range | Between $69,000 And $118,000 | Between $74,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Everett, WA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a materials process engineer and a research and development engineer in terms of educational background:
| Materials Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Chemical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between materials process engineers' and research and development engineers' demographics:
| Materials Process Engineer | Research And Development Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.3% Female, 21.7% | Male, 85.2% Female, 14.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.3% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 18.3% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.7% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 5% |