Purdue University

Materials engineering (MSE) influences our lives each time we buy or use a new device, machine, or structure. Materials engineers apply their understanding of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, biomaterials and electronic materials to design products ranging from cellular phones to aircraft and from antibacterial coatings to biomedical implants.

MSE graduates work across nearly every technology and every industry, including nanotechnology, the aerospace applications of materials, and producers of materials (e.g. ArcelorMittal, Timken, ALCOA, GE Plastics, Corning, 3M etc.). MSEs also work as designers of new devices and engineering products (e.g. Boeing, GM, Ford, Intel, Applied Materials, IBM, DePuy Orthopedics, Johnson & Johnson, etc.) and with companies that solve major engineering challenges (e.g. Halliburton, Schlumberger, BP, Lockheed Martin). Because of its breadth, the MSE degree also prepares graduates well for careers as lawyers, doctors, pharmaceutical researchers—even as managers of diverse teams of engineers and scientists.

Careers in Materials Engineering

As a materials engineer, you can work on the leading edge in many industries, including microelectronics, the automotive industry, aero/astro companies, consumer products, health care, energy production, and sports.

Manufacturing

1. Design and development
2. Research and development

 Quality Control and Testing

1. Technical services
2. Education

 Performance and Failure Analysis

1. Technical management
2. Government