Contemplating what makes a good materials engineer?

The question of what makes a good materials engineer was contemplated from two different viewpoints: the researcher in electronic ceramics and the welding engineer. The approach was the think about what knowledge and experience are necessary to be a successful materials engineer in a specific industry. Although there are some differences relative to the industry, there are more similarities than differences. Specifically, four characteristics were identified. The good materials engineer must have good fundamental knowledge of materials and materials engineering. The materials engineer must be able to plan work and collaborate with other functional experts because the very nature of materials work is at the intersection of many disciplines. The materials engineer must understand the impact of materials work on other functional areas like design, manufacturing, market and cost. Finally, the good materials engineer must have positive personal traits; one example being an enthusiasm for the work. Of these characteristics, the one many young materials engineer may not already recognize is that it is our responsibility to understand and communicate the impact of our work.