Materials Engineers
The short answer
This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 37 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a third of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 81% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Teach in colleges and universities.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Chemical Engineers
Very similar work+3% pay28 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 3% more—$132,675 vs your $129,426 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Chemistry
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Written Comprehension
New skills to build
- Troubleshooting
- Systems Evaluation
- Judgment and Decision Making
Engineers, All Other
Very similar workslightly less pay1,540 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$120,894 vs your $129,426 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Materials Scientists
Somewhat similar work+5% pay40 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 5% more—$135,427 vs your $129,426 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Chemistry
- Engineering and Technology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Written Comprehension
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Somewhat similar work+38% pay1,869 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 38% more—$178,657 vs your $129,426 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a bachelor's degree, with 5 years or more of experience.
Getting ready typically takes two to four years.
Skills you already have
- Engineering and Technology
- Written Comprehension
- Mathematics
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
Your current skills largely cover this move.