Automotive Materials Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving automotive industry, the emphasis on automotive materials engineers has never been greater.

As technology advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can develop, enhance, and maintain the materials used in our vehicles amplifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an automotive materials engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or just fascinated by the intricate processes of automotive materials engineering,

You’re in the correct place.

Today, we present a customizable automotive materials engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Automotive Materials Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Automotive Materials Engineers have a vital role in the development of vehicles, applying their expert knowledge of material properties to the design and manufacturing processes.

Their responsibilities typically include:

• Analyzing and selecting suitable materials for different parts of a vehicle based on required properties and performance factors
• Testing and characterizing materials to confirm their properties and suitability for automotive applications
• Working with design engineers to optimize component designs based on material properties
• Developing new materials and manufacturing processes to improve vehicle performance, efficiency, and durability
• Ensuring that selected materials and manufacturing processes meet environmental, safety, and cost-effectiveness standards
• Collaborating with suppliers to ensure the quality and availability of materials
• Documenting material specifications, testing results, and other relevant information for use in design and manufacturing
• Keeping up-to-date with advancements in materials science and automotive technologies

 

Automotive Materials Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Automotive Materials Engineer to develop and test materials used in vehicles and automotive parts.

This includes responsibilities such as investigating product failures, managing material resources, and working with other professionals to implement new technologies.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of material properties, a creative problem-solving ability, and an aptitude for mechanical design.

Ultimately, the role of the Automotive Materials Engineer is to ensure the materials used in vehicle production are safe, durable, and cost-effective.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and test materials used in engines, chassis, and other automobile components.
• Work closely with design engineers to develop materials that meet specific car model specifications.
• Analyze product failures to determine cause and recommend solutions.
• Use CAD and CAE software for simulations and data analysis.
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing team to ensure the feasibility of production.
• Conduct research to develop new and innovative automotive materials.
• Ensure materials comply with industry safety and quality standards.
• Stay current with the latest technologies and materials in the automotive industry.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Materials Engineer, specifically within the automotive industry.
• Strong understanding of material properties and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with CAD and CAE software.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively with various departments.
• BSc degree in Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Automotive Materials Engineer
• Work Environment: Lab and office setting with occasional visits to production sites.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Materials Engineer or Engineering Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $125,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Automotive Materials Engineer Do?

Automotive Materials Engineers are specialized professionals who work within the automotive industry, primarily focusing on the materials used in the construction of vehicles.

They are responsible for researching, testing, and implementing various materials, such as metals, plastics, and polymers, to be used in the manufacturing of vehicles.

Automotive Materials Engineers use their knowledge of chemical and physical properties to ensure the selected materials are durable, cost-effective, safe, and suitable for their specific purpose within the vehicle.

They also work closely with design teams and production departments to ensure the materials used meet the functional and aesthetic requirements of the vehicle.

These engineers may also be involved in assessing and improving production processes, ensuring that the materials are used effectively and efficiently in vehicle assembly.

Part of their role may also involve troubleshooting any issues related to materials, such as failures or defects, and developing solutions to these problems.

Automotive Materials Engineers also need to stay updated on new materials technologies and industry trends to ensure that the vehicles they work on are competitive and meet the latest industry standards.

 

Automotive Materials Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Automotive Materials Engineers require a broad range of skills and qualifications to effectively develop and test materials for automotive applications.

These may include:

• Strong understanding of materials science principles and their application in the automotive industry.
• Ability to conduct material testing and analysis using various techniques and tools, such as tensile testing, hardness testing, and metallography.
• Experience in selecting materials for specific applications based on their mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to identify issues with materials or processes and find suitable solutions.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, often collaborating with design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and other professionals.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey technical information to various stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturing teams, and clients.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and standards related to automotive materials and their safety.
• Proficiency in using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy, especially when conducting tests and analyzing results.

 

Automotive Materials Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Automotive Materials Engineers are typically expected to have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships or part-time roles in materials science or mechanical engineering fields.

This experience may also be gained through relevant academic projects or research in automotive materials.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are generally expected to have developed technical skills and knowledge in various aspects of automotive materials engineering.

They may have worked in roles such as Materials Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or Quality Assurance Engineer in the automotive industry.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are expected to have in-depth knowledge of automotive materials and their applications.

They may also have some leadership experience in their background, making them suitable for senior engineer or team-lead positions.

In addition, an Automotive Materials Engineer with extensive experience may also have specialized expertise in specific areas such as polymers, metals, ceramics or composite materials used in automotive manufacturing.

Experience with testing and quality control of these materials would be another valuable asset.

 

Automotive Materials Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Automotive Materials Engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in materials science engineering, materials engineering, chemical engineering or a related field.

These programs typically include coursework in materials properties, materials processing, thermodynamics, and physics.

Some programs also offer specialized courses in automotive materials, such as polymers, metals, and ceramics used in car manufacturing.

A strong foundation in chemistry and physics is also required to understand and develop new materials and processes for automotive applications.

For more advanced positions or specialized roles, a master’s degree or Ph.D. in materials engineering or a related field may be required.

This advanced study often involves research projects and in-depth study of specific types of materials used in the automotive industry.

Apart from formal education, hands-on training and experience in a related field are often essential.

Some engineers may gain experience through internships or co-op programs while in school.

While not typically required, professional certification from organizations like the American Society for Materials can showcase an engineer’s skills and dedication to the field.

Continuing education is also important in this rapidly-evolving field, as new materials and manufacturing processes are constantly being developed.

 

Automotive Materials Engineer Salary Expectations

An Automotive Materials Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $87,040 (USD) per year.

This income may fluctuate based on a variety of factors including experience, specific skill set, location, and the employer company.

 

Automotive Materials Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Automotive Materials Engineer need?

Automotive Materials Engineers should have a strong understanding of materials science, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing processes.

They should be skilled in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software.

They should also have a keen attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills to coordinate with other team members and stakeholders.

 

Do Automotive Materials Engineers need a degree?

Yes, Automotive Materials Engineers usually need a bachelor’s degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

Some roles may require a master’s degree or PhD, particularly for research-oriented positions.

Professional certification, such as that offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in an Automotive Materials Engineer resume?

A strong Automotive Materials Engineer resume should demonstrate a thorough understanding of materials science and engineering.

Look for experience in designing, testing, and implementing materials in automotive applications.

Familiarity with CAD and CAM software, as well as practical experience in a manufacturing environment, is also a plus.

It’s also beneficial if they have a history of collaborating with cross-functional teams.

 

What qualities make a good Automotive Materials Engineer?

A good Automotive Materials Engineer is a problem solver who can innovate and improve upon existing materials and manufacturing processes.

They should have a keen attention to detail, as even small changes in materials or processes can have significant impacts.

Good communication skills are also important, as they will often need to work closely with other engineers, suppliers, and manufacturers.

 

What are the challenges in hiring an Automotive Materials Engineer?

Due to the specialized nature of the role, finding qualified Automotive Materials Engineers can be challenging.

They require a strong understanding of both materials science and automotive applications, and need to be able to apply this knowledge in a practical manufacturing environment.

As such, you may need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the hood on the intricacies of being an automotive materials engineer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about understanding materials and their applications.

It’s about engineering the future of automotive industry, one material at a time.

With our comprehensive automotive materials engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to shift gears.

But why hit the brakes now?

Accelerate your journey with our job description generator. It’s your roadmap to meticulously-crafted job listings or revamping your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every material choice is a part of the bigger drive.

Let’s engineer that future. Together.

How to Become an Automotive Materials Engineer (Complete Guide)

AI’s Breaking Point: Careers That Stay Strongly Human

The Glee Guild: Enjoyable Jobs That Make Work Worthwhile

Work or Play? Why Not Both! Enjoyable Jobs That Pay Well

Salary Surprises: High-Paying Jobs That Will Blow Your Mind in 2025!