materials engineering
The study of existing materials and substances properties to produce new materials or enhance several existing properties such as chemical or physical ones. It involves knowledge on the structure, on the performance of diverse materials and on the transferability of the new or improved materials to different industries.
materials engineering — the study of existing materials and substances properties to produce new materials or enhance several existing properties such as chemical or physical ones. McKinsey's Skill Change Index places it in the enduring band (SCI 42.74/100) — a human-connection anchor whose value is projected to hold or grow through 2030. ESCO classifies it as a cross-sector (useful across many industries) skill within knowledge. It is currently listed by 8 occupations in our catalogue, including Chemical engineers, Nanosystems Engineers, battery manufacturing technician, and material testing technician.
Occupations that require materials engineering
Showing top 8 of 8 occupations · ranked by India employment volume, then AI-durability.
Frequently asked questions
What is materials engineering?
The study of existing materials and substances properties to produce new materials or enhance several existing properties such as chemical or physical ones. It involves knowledge on the structure, on the performance of diverse materials and on the transferability of the new or improved materials to different industries.
What category of skill is materials engineering?
ESCO classifies materials engineering under the knowledge category, specifically in the building and civil engineering subcategory.
Is materials engineering an AI-durable skill?
McKinsey's Skill Change Index places it in the enduring band (SCI 42.74/100) — a human-connection anchor whose value is projected to hold or grow through 2030. This is a durable skill to invest in — high human-connection skills consistently resist automation.
Which jobs require materials engineering?
In our catalogue, 8 occupations list materials engineering as a required or important skill. The top occupations by employment volume include Chemical engineers, Nanosystems Engineers, battery manufacturing technician, material testing technician, microelectronics materials engineer, process metallurgist.
How transferable is materials engineering between industries?
ESCO tags materials engineering as a cross-sector (useful across many industries) skill — a signal of how portable it is when you change field.
Is materials engineering the same as materials technology?
Yes — materials engineering is also known as materials technology, materials science, or battery material. They refer to the same underlying capability in the ESCO taxonomy.
How can I learn materials engineering?
The most reliable path is to pick a job or project that demands materials engineering and learn through delivery. Complement that with role-specific roadmaps and short courses. Explore the occupations below to see where this skill is used in practice.