<p>I also do not have any friend in material science (well a friend of mine did mechanical, but his focuses is in material science, but this is very different because he graduates with mechanical engineering). </p>
<p>To help you, I would get quotes from the US BLS website
[url=<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm#nature]Engineers[/url”>http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm#nature]Engineers[/url</a>]</p>
<p>"Materials engineers are involved in the development, processing, and testing of the materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and snow skis. They work with metals, ceramics, plastics, semiconductors, and composites to create new materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements. They also are involved in selecting materials for new applications. Materials engineers have developed the ability to create and then study materials at an atomic level, using advanced processes to replicate the characteristics of those materials and their components with computers. Most materials engineers specialize in a particular material. For example, metallurgical engineers specialize in metals such as steel, and ceramic engineers develop ceramic materials and the processes for making them into useful products such as glassware or fiber-optic communication lines. "</p>
<p>It’s about a crosswork between a chemical engineer and a mechanical engineers, but material engineers are really the specialists into the material natures. Although mechanical engineers learn material science as part of its undergraduate, and chemical engineers can develop and make a chemical reaction that brings a new material.</p>
<p>And I have to agree with the government’s outlook on material engineers. As for civil engineers, the need to improve the nation’s infrastructure will increase the demand of civil engineers. Therefore, studies and development of new steel, new concrete, and new materials are on the battle lines. New materials are also needed for electronic developments. A good example would be fiber optic. Another one would be your Macbook. Heat is actually the toughest thing to deal with.</p>
<p>The average salary for a material engineer is 82k (from 51k to 120k). It is pretty high, actually.</p>
<p>Now to really answer your concern: undergraduate will not get you a job as a material engineer. This is a special job. You are more likely to be call a “specialist”. So your best bet is to finish your graduate study, at least with a master degree, and good research experience.</p>
<p>What makes you a good engineer? 5 things:
- do well in school
- be passionate
- have good research experience
- have good internship experience
- confidence</p>