Overview

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.

Examples of Occupations

Chemists

Female scientist looking at scientific sample in lab

 

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

Scientist handling advanced materials

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.

Find Your Training Program

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