Material properties are important in many engineering activities including design, testing, reliability and failure analysis, and product and process development.

Materials engineering involves selecting materials, improving their properties and performance, lowering their manufactured costs, developing new processing methods, and increasing their durability and utility.

Materials are often the starting point for innovation of new products, and materials engineers are frequently on the leading edge in various industries developing as examples: stronger alloys, tougher ceramics, less costly and better performing composites, bio-materials for skin grafts and implants, and fiber optics.

Materials engineers are employed in a variety industries including microelectronics, computer manufacture, telecommunications, automotive, aeronautical/aerospace, building products, energy production, health care, and sports equipment as well as in basic research.