Many elements have to be examined, such as material composition and structure (chemistry), fracture and stress analysis (mechanical engineering), conductivity (electrical engineering), and optical and thermal properties (physics). Generally, Materials Engineers evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Most Materials Engineers specialize in a particular material.
As a branch of materials science, metallurgy is concerned with the technology and science of metallic materials, the production of metals and alloys, their adaptation and performance in service. As such, it is attentive to the chemical reactions involved in the processes by which metals are produced, as well as the chemical, physical, and mechanical behavior of metallic materials. The field of metallurgy may be divided into process metallurgy and physical metallurgy.
In the nuclear energy industry, Materials Engineers use their training as physical metallurgists to analyze the properties of the materials out of which nuclear plants and their various equipment are constructed. Their responsibility is to ensure that these materials will maintain their integrity during the processes of nuclear energy production and under the dynamic loads that are produced by the plant in operation.
They conduct nondestructive examination testing—both failure analysis and structural analysis testing—using sophisticated computer software, to make certain that the nuclear plant equipment and structure will withstand the temperatures, pressures, and neutron flux generated by the plant's operation. They work closely with metallurgical technicians, nuclear engineers, chemical engineers, and mechanical engineers on materials specifications and periodic testing of materials through nondestructive examination and evaluation. They generate reports on their findings and analyses for senior management.
Along with nuclear plant service engineers, Materials Engineers identify and specify the purchasing requirements of the plant's operations. They may meet with vendors, solicit bids, and evaluate needed products and services. They can be responsible for managing supply room facilities to ensure that the right materials and parts of the proper quality and quantity are maintained and purchased at the best price. Much of this purchasing side of their job is accomplished by utilizing the e-commerce techniques of the Internet. Materials Engineers generally report directly to nuclear plant operational managers.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual salaries in May 2004 for Materials Engineers ranged from a low of US Dollars 44,130 to a high of US Dollars 101,120. According to a 2005 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting salary for a Materials Engineer with a bachelor's degree was US Dollars 50,982.
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