Do you enjoy studying the pressure and temperature thresholds at which materials bend, break and burn before losing their properties? Are you interested in how advanced materials are processed and characterized? The research and production of innovative materials are critical to supporting the advanced manufacturing field and offers significant career growth. High-tech companies depend on the development and advancement of innovative materials in chemical, polymer, plastics, rubber, fiber and other specialty, high-tech material industries.
Overview
Examples of Occupations
Description
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Median Wage:
- Virginia: $95,590
- GO Virginia Region 3: $75,381
Virginia Employment: 1,570
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Chemical Technicians
Description
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Median Wage:
- Virginia: $46,210
- GO Virginia Region 3: $43,500
Virginia Employment: 1,254
Education: Associate’s Degree
Chemical Engineers
Description
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Median Wage:
- Virginia: $112,110
- GO Virginia Region 3: $84,833
Virginia Employment: 1,143
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Materials Engineers
Description
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
Median Wage:
- Virginia: $95,590
- GO Virginia Region 3: $65,870
Virginia Employment: 504
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Materials Scientists
Description
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
Median Wage:
- Virginia: $85,190
- GO Virginia Region 3: Building pipeline
Virginia Employment: 343
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Training Providers
Visit our GO TEC training partners page and expand the Advanced Materials section to find a training provider near you.
Other GO TEC Careers
