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Materials Scientists

SOC 19-2032.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers laboratory research, materials testing and failure analysis, product development, technical communication, production oversight, and research leadership within industrial, government, and academic materials science environments at Job Zone 4 preparation level.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Material samples and standard test protocols — execute routine mechanical and physical property tests under direct supervision in a laboratory setting.
  2. Metal specimens under tension, compression, and shear — perform prescribed tolerance tests following established procedures with senior scientist oversight.
  3. Laboratory instruments and analytical software — operate and record data outputs under guidance during materials characterization experiments.
  4. Research literature and technical reports — read and summarize findings on metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics to support ongoing team projects.
  5. Standard spreadsheet and word processing tools — organize experimental data and draft preliminary sections of technical reports as directed.
  6. Material property specifications — compare test results against defined benchmarks for mechanical strength and corrosion resistance with supervisor review.
  7. Laboratory safety protocols and equipment checklists — follow established procedures to ensure compliant and safe handling of materials samples.
  8. Experimental observations and measured data — document findings accurately in laboratory notebooks and electronic databases under researcher direction.
  9. Introductory chemistry and physics principles — apply foundational knowledge to interpret basic material behavior observed during supervised testing.
  10. Team meetings and project briefings — listen actively and ask clarifying questions to build understanding of materials science project goals and methods.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Metals and alloy samples — conduct mechanical strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance tests with limited oversight and interpret results against applicable specifications.
  2. Experimental plans and feasibility protocols — design routine laboratory experiments to evaluate material properties and processing techniques in a production-support environment.
  3. Analytical and scientific software platforms — analyze material characterization data, identify trends, and generate visualizations to support research conclusions.
  4. Technical reports and manuscripts — draft clear, well-structured documents for internal scientists and external sponsors with moderate editorial input.
  5. Material failure investigations — apply deductive and inductive reasoning to determine probable causes of metal failures under tension, compression, or shear loading.
  6. Existing material formulations — adapt composition or processing parameters to improve specific properties such as magnetic response or heat resistance for familiar applications.
  7. Database and query tools — retrieve, filter, and cross-reference materials property data to support product development decisions.
  8. Laboratory experiments in progress — monitor equipment performance, track procedural milestones, and flag deviations from planned protocols to project leads.
  9. Multidisciplinary project teams — communicate materials test findings clearly in both written summaries and verbal presentations to colleagues across engineering and science functions.
  10. New developments in materials science literature — apply active learning strategies to integrate emerging methods and findings into routine laboratory practice.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Research programs on metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics — independently design and execute comprehensive investigations to obtain data supporting new product development or product enhancement.
  2. Complex material failure scenarios — autonomously diagnose root causes by integrating mechanical testing data, microstructural analysis, and environmental exposure history.
  3. Novel material combinations and processing routes — develop and validate approaches for achieving specific properties—such as high strength-to-weight ratios or extreme thermal resistance—for demanding applications.
  4. Material selection recommendations — provide authoritative guidance on optimal materials for reliable performance across varied service environments, including corrosive or high-load conditions.
  5. Full-scope technical manuscripts, proposals, and manuals — author publication-quality documents independently, tailored to audiences ranging from peer scientists to non-technical sponsors.
  6. Laboratory feasibility studies — plan and lead multiphase experiments confirming viability of advanced production techniques, adjusting methods in response to non-routine findings.
  7. Production monitoring responsibilities — oversee manufacturing processes to ensure efficient equipment use, adherence to revised specifications, and on-time, on-budget project delivery.
  8. Cross-functional problem-solving — apply systems evaluation and operations analysis to identify process inefficiencies and recommend evidence-based improvements in materials production.
  9. Advanced analytical and development software environments — leverage modeling, simulation, and data analysis tools to accelerate materials characterization and prediction of performance outcomes.
  10. Junior scientists and technicians — mentor developing staff on experimental design, data interpretation, and technical communication within an R&D or manufacturing context.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational research strategy for materials science — set long-range direction and define priority research areas aligned with business and technology development goals.
  2. Cross-departmental materials development programs — lead multidisciplinary teams spanning research, engineering, and production to deliver breakthrough material solutions at organizational scale.
  3. Enterprise-wide materials selection and qualification standards — establish and govern frameworks ensuring consistent, reliable material performance across all product lines and application environments.
  4. Major technical proposals and funding applications — direct the preparation and presentation of high-stakes documents to executive sponsors, government agencies, and strategic partners.
  5. Organizational capability in analytical methods and scientific software — champion adoption of advanced tools and platforms, setting standards for data quality and computational practice across the function.
  6. Complex resource and budget allocation for laboratory operations — oversee production process monitoring systems and make strategic decisions to optimize efficiency, compliance, and project throughput.
  7. Talent development pipelines in materials science — design and implement mentoring, training, and learning strategies that build organizational expertise from emerging to proficient levels.
  8. External scientific and industry communities — represent the organization at conferences, on standards bodies, and in peer-reviewed publications, shaping field-wide knowledge and practice.
  9. Ambiguous, high-stakes materials challenges — exercise senior judgment and decision-making to evaluate novel risk scenarios, balance competing technical and business trade-offs, and commit to strategic courses of action.
  10. Innovation culture within materials research teams — model intellectual curiosity and systematic rigor, creating an environment where experimentation, evidence-based risk-taking, and continuous learning are organizational norms.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted literature synthesis — submits targeted queries to an AI assistant to retrieve and summarize published research on material properties, then cross-checks the output against primary sources before incorporating findings Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Basic report drafting — uses an AI writing tool to generate first-draft sections of technical reports and manuscripts, reviewing every claim for scientific accuracy before submission Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Property-prediction querying — directs an AI assistant to compare known mechanical, thermal, and electrical property data across material classes, using the output to narrow experimental candidate lists while retaining judgment over final selection Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Failure-analysis framing — feeds test observations and stress-state descriptions to an AI assistant to generate hypotheses about the root causes of metal failures, then validates or refutes each hypothesis through physical testing Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Specification conformance mapping — uses an AI tool to cross-reference material test results against applicable standards and specifications, confirming every flagged discrepancy independently before reporting Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Experimental design augmentation — collaborates with an AI assistant to construct structured test matrices for multi-variable material studies, applying scientific reasoning to constrain the design space the AI proposes Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Material-combination ideation — prompts an AI tool to survey compositional and processing strategies for achieving targeted property profiles, then evaluates the suggestions against thermodynamic and kinetic constraints through independent analysis Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Manuscript acceleration — delegates initial structuring, citation formatting, and draft prose to an AI assistant for reports and proposals, authoring all scientific interpretation and conclusions directly Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Data pattern recognition — hands off large tabular datasets from mechanical and corrosion tests to an AI analysis tool, interpreting the extracted trends and anomalies in the context of microstructural mechanisms Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. End-to-end research workflow orchestration — directs AI agents across sequential tasks spanning literature review, data analysis, and report generation for complex multi-phase material development projects, maintaining scientific authorship and critical oversight throughout Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Novel materials roadmapping — uses AI-assisted predictive modeling outputs as one input among many to propose new material architectures with specific property targets, integrating domain expertise to assess feasibility and guide experimental validation Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. AI capability boundary adjudication — evaluates which sub-tasks within a materials research program are suitable for AI delegation versus requiring expert judgment, calibrating handoff decisions based on the Q2 augmentation profile of the occupation's core skills Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  4. Cross-disciplinary synthesis leadership — orchestrates AI-assisted aggregation of data from structural, polymer, and ceramic research streams, then authors integrative conclusions that connect disparate findings into coherent development strategies for sponsors and customers Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  5. Automated testing pipeline oversight — commissions AI-driven analysis pipelines for high-throughput tension, compression, and shear test data, defining acceptance criteria and personally adjudicating edge cases that fall outside the pipeline's validated operating range Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 2065
Augment share: 95%
Time saved: 81.6%
AI autonomy: 3.29
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Active Listening
Score: 42.2 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Data Science and Analysis
data_science_and_analysis
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication9 statements
Emerging
  1. Test result summaries — documents basic findings from mechanical strength or corrosion resistance tests using standard laboratory report templates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Terminology use — applies materials science vocabulary correctly when describing polymer, ceramic, or alloy properties in written lab notes O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Technical manuscript drafting — composes structured sections of research reports or proposals describing material characterization methods and preliminary results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Verbal findings delivery — presents experimental outcomes on material failure causes to internal project teams using clear, audience-appropriate language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cross-functional material recommendations — communicates material selection rationale for specific performance environments to engineering, production, and customer stakeholders in written and oral formats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Technical manual authorship — prepares comprehensive technical manuals and sponsor-facing proposals that accurately convey material properties, test protocols, and application guidance O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Active listening in review sessions — synthesizes colleague and sponsor feedback during manuscript or proposal reviews to refine scientific communication for clarity and precision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Scientific publication leadership — authors and edits peer-reviewed manuscripts on novel material structures and properties, shaping field-wide communication standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder translation — translates complex materials science findings on ductility, magnetic properties, or corrosion resistance into accessible briefings for non-technical sponsors and executives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership9 statements
Emerging
  1. Lab task ownership — takes responsibility for executing assigned material testing steps on schedule and reports progress to senior scientists Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer guidance — assists junior lab members with proper sample preparation procedures for tension, compression, and shear testing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Experiment coordination — organizes laboratory experiment sequences to confirm process feasibility, allocating resources and communicating timelines to team members Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Production oversight initiation — monitors assigned stages of material production processes to ensure equipment use efficiency and adherence to specifications O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Project leadership — leads multi-phase research projects on material development from feasibility planning through final reporting, keeping work within time frame and budget Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Production supervision — supervises and directs production processes, enforcing timely specification changes and maintaining quality standards across the team O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Mentorship of emerging scientists — coaches junior materials scientists on experimental design, test interpretation, and technical writing practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research program direction — defines the strategic direction of a materials research program, allocating personnel and resources across multiple concurrent investigations into metals, polymers, and ceramics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational influence — champions adoption of new material characterization methodologies across departments, securing buy-in from production, engineering, and executive leadership Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Learning gap identification — recognizes areas of limited knowledge in chemistry or physics principles underlying material behavior and seeks targeted resources to address them Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Experiment reflection — reviews outcomes of initial material tests to identify errors in procedure or reasoning before escalating findings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Hypothesis evaluation — monitors own assumptions during experimental design to detect confirmation bias when predicting material performance under stress conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill calibration — assesses own proficiency in analytical techniques such as spectroscopy or electron microscopy and adjusts learning strategies to close identified gaps Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research strategy monitoring — evaluates own experimental planning processes mid-project to determine whether methods for testing alloy or polymer properties remain aligned with research objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Knowledge transfer awareness — identifies which aspects of materials expertise can be effectively shared with production teams and tailors explanations accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Epistemic leadership — models disciplined self-questioning about material characterization assumptions for the research team, embedding metacognitive practices into laboratory culture Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Research paradigm reflection — critically evaluates own long-standing frameworks for understanding material failure or property enhancement and updates them in response to emerging scientific evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking9 statements
Emerging
  1. Test data interpretation — identifies patterns in mechanical strength or ductility test data and distinguishes expected results from anomalies requiring further investigation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Specification conformance assessment — evaluates whether tested metal samples meet defined mechanical and electrical property specifications using established criteria O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Failure cause analysis — applies systematic reasoning to determine root causes of metal failures observed during tension, compression, and shear testing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence-based material selection — evaluates competing material candidates by weighing empirical property data against performance requirements for a specific application environment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Experimental feasibility judgment — analyzes proposed laboratory experiment designs to assess scientific validity, resource constraints, and likelihood of confirming process feasibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assumption interrogation — identifies and challenges underlying assumptions in material performance predictions before committing to large-scale production or application recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-domain evidence synthesis — integrates findings from chemistry, physics, and engineering literature to form reasoned conclusions about novel material behavior Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Novel problem framing — redefines ambiguous material performance challenges by identifying unstated constraints and proposing new analytical frameworks to guide investigation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research quality arbitration — evaluates the methodological rigor of external studies and internal experimental designs, providing authoritative judgment on scientific validity to guide organizational decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Lab team participation — contributes assigned testing tasks within a shared research project, communicating progress and flagging issues to collaborators promptly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-discipline awareness — engages respectfully with engineers and chemists on joint material development projects, recognizing differences in disciplinary perspective Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Interdisciplinary coordination — collaborates with production engineers and quality teams to align material specification changes with manufacturing capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Shared experiment design — co-develops laboratory experiment plans with colleagues across materials science and engineering disciplines, integrating diverse technical inputs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Customer and sponsor collaboration — works directly with sponsors and customers to understand application requirements and incorporates their input into material recommendation reports Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Production team partnership — partners with production personnel to monitor material processes, jointly troubleshoot deviations, and implement specification adjustments efficiently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict navigation — mediates differing technical opinions among team members regarding material selection or test methodology, reaching evidence-based consensus Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Multi-organizational research collaboration — leads joint research initiatives involving academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to advance materials science knowledge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative culture building — establishes norms and practices within the research group that promote open knowledge sharing, constructive peer review, and collective ownership of material development outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Data integrity — records material test results accurately and completely, resisting pressure to omit or alter data that does not confirm expected outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional accountability — acknowledges errors in sample preparation or test execution and reports them to supervisors with corrective action steps Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Ethical reporting — presents material findings in manuscripts and proposals without overstating significance or omitting contradictory evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Safety compliance — adheres consistently to laboratory safety protocols when handling metals, polymers, ceramics, and chemical reagents, prioritizing team well-being Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Responsible material recommendation — provides material performance recommendations grounded in verified data, clearly communicating limitations and uncertainties to clients and sponsors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intellectual honesty under pressure — maintains scientific rigor when sponsor or production timelines create pressure to expedite conclusions about material suitability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional boundary maintenance — distinguishes between scientific conclusions supported by evidence and speculative claims when advising stakeholders on new material applications Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field ethics leadership — advocates for responsible research and development practices in materials science, influencing institutional policies on data integrity and human and environmental safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability modeling — demonstrates transparent handling of research setbacks, failed experiments, and revised conclusions, setting the ethical standard for the research team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Novel combination exploration — generates initial hypotheses about combining existing materials such as alloys or composites to achieve improved strength-weight ratios Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Alternative test approach suggestion — proposes unconventional testing sequences for material characterization when standard protocols yield inconclusive results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Experimental design innovation — designs non-standard laboratory experiments to probe material properties under extreme or combined environmental conditions not covered by existing protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Material application ideation — generates diverse application scenarios for materials with newly discovered properties, connecting laboratory findings to product development opportunities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. New material conception — develops original approaches to synthesizing or processing materials with targeted properties such as enhanced corrosion resistance or specific magnetic characteristics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Process innovation — devises novel production techniques or material treatment sequences that improve efficiency or unlock performance characteristics not achievable by conventional methods Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-domain inspiration — draws on concepts from biology, mathematics, or computer science to inspire new material structures or processing strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Research frontier expansion — pioneers investigation into previously unexplored material systems or property domains, establishing new lines of inquiry adopted by the broader scientific community Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Inventive problem solving — engineers breakthrough solutions to long-standing material performance challenges by combining divergent scientific principles in ways that redefine what is technically achievable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts and applies supervisor feedback on experimental design or report quality without defensiveness, treating critique as actionable input Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenge engagement — approaches unfamiliar material systems or characterization techniques as learning opportunities rather than obstacles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Failure reframing — treats failed material synthesis attempts or inconclusive test results as data informing the next experimental iteration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Continuous skill development — proactively seeks exposure to emerging analytical technologies and materials classes beyond current project scope Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Persistent inquiry — sustains systematic investigation of material failure mechanisms through multiple experimental cycles, revising hypotheses in response to accumulating evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Literature-driven growth — regularly integrates findings from current materials science publications into ongoing research strategies, updating methods in response to new knowledge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Effort-to-mastery orientation — invests sustained effort in mastering complex characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction or electron microscopy, viewing difficulty as inherent to expertise development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Learning culture cultivation — fosters a team environment where experimental failure is treated as scientific progress, encouraging junior scientists to iterate boldly on material development concepts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive research leadership — pivots research program direction in response to disconfirming evidence or emerging field developments, modeling intellectual flexibility for the broader team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Attention management in testing — maintains focused observation during material testing procedures to detect subtle indicators of abnormal mechanical or electrical behavior Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress awareness — recognizes early signs of cognitive overload during complex multi-variable experiments and applies basic self-regulation strategies to sustain accuracy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Intentional experimental execution — approaches each laboratory procedure with deliberate attention to protocol steps, reducing procedural errors during material sample preparation and analysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation under uncertainty — maintains composure and analytical objectivity when experimental results on material properties contradict expected outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Present-focused decision making — makes material recommendation decisions based on currently available evidence without rushing to conclusions under production timeline pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Attentional discipline in literature review — reads and synthesizes technical publications on material structures and properties with sustained concentration, avoiding superficial processing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Regulatory awareness in high-stakes contexts — monitors own cognitive and emotional state during critical failure investigations to ensure analytical rigor is maintained throughout Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Team mindfulness modeling — demonstrates and promotes intentional, present-moment engagement with experimental work across the research group, reducing systematic inattention errors in high-complexity projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Strategic pause practice — institutionalizes deliberate reflection checkpoints in major material development projects, enabling teams to recalibrate assumptions before committing to irreversible production or design decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Persistence through ambiguity — continues structured investigation of material property anomalies even when initial results provide insufficient guidance for next steps Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback recovery — resumes material testing work constructively following equipment failures, sample contamination, or inconclusive experimental runs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Sustained inquiry under pressure — maintains rigorous testing and documentation standards during extended research cycles with competing deadlines and limited resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty tolerance — advances material development work through phases of high scientific uncertainty, committing to evidence-based next steps without requiring premature certainty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Long-cycle research endurance — sustains high-quality scientific effort across multi-year material development programs, maintaining motivation and methodological rigor throughout extended timelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous reporting — presents findings that contradict sponsor expectations or challenge prevailing material design assumptions, prioritizing scientific accuracy over convenience Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Adversity-informed adaptation — revises material research strategies in response to repeated experimental failures without abandoning the core scientific objective Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Resilient program leadership — steers materials research programs through major setbacks including funding interruptions, failed prototypes, and regulatory challenges, maintaining team cohesion and forward momentum Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Pioneering persistence — sustains decade-long investigation into difficult or unconventional material systems despite limited early results, ultimately generating foundational advances adopted across the field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Analytical Scientist · Applications Scientist · Material Science Engineer · Materials Research Engineer · Materials Scientist · Metal Alloy Scientist · Metallurgical Engineer · Metallurgist · Micro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist) · Plastics Scientist · Polymer Materials Consultant · Polymer Specialist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Active ListeningScienceCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingWritingSpeakingActive LearningJudgment and Decision MakingMathematicsSystems EvaluationPersuasionOperations AnalysisMonitoringLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationSystems AnalysisTime Management
Knowledge domains
Engineering and TechnologyChemistryPhysicsMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsProduction and ProcessingDesignMechanicalEnglish LanguageEducation and Training
Abilities
Deductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionOral ExpressionInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingCategory FlexibilityNear Vision
Work styles
Intellectual CuriosityAttention to DetailInnovationDependabilityAchievement OrientationCautiousness
Technology
Analytical or scientific softwareElectronic mail softwareWeb platform development softwareData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation softwareWord processing softwareDevelopment environment softwareObject or component oriented development software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
  2. Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
  3. Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
  4. 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.
  5. Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
  6. Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
  7. Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
  8. Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.
CIP education codes
19.090440.100140.100240.1099

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.