O*NET: Materials Engineers·17-2131.00
The Verdict:AI is transforming materials discovery — autonomous lab platforms run experiments and predictive models generate novel molecular structures. Engineers remain essential for validating results, directing research strategy, and bridging discovery with manufacturing. The pace of AI advancement in this domain creates meaningful uncertainty for purely computational roles.
How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.
The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.
How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.
How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).
How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.
The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.
Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.
Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.
Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 2 of 21 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.
This role has a mixed AI profile.
2 tasks are automatable, 43% reward AI fluency, and 10 remain human-essential.
Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so
Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't
Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment
Materials Engineer lands in Stable & Well-Paid