Work on this bottleneck

Dysprosium metal

How this is computedA posting is filed under a bottleneck when its title names one of that bottleneck’s terms, or its description names them at least twice (title only for software and business roles); its role family is the first family whose title terms its title names.Method →Code → open roles filed here · Why it binds, and who holds it

A rare earth added to magnets so they keep their strength when hot. Almost entirely Chinese, and export-controlled.

The roles it needs

Judged by Substrata, open to challenge · 2026-09-24 · not reviewed by anyone who hires for it

Materials, chemistry and metallurgy

Scientists and engineers who make, purify and characterise the materials.

0 (Computed: A posting is filed under a bottleneck when its title names one of that bottleneck’s terms, or its description names them at least twice (title only for software and business roles); its role family is the first family whose title terms its title names.) open here

Process and yield engineering

Engineers who make a fab, a refinery or a line produce more good parts.

Materials, chemistry and metallurgy: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 19-2032.00 · ISCO 2149.9

Materials Scientists

Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Computers and Electronics

Essential skills in ESCO: materials engineer

approve engineering design
test chemical samples
create solutions to problems
adjust engineering designs
thermoplastic materials
apply health and safety standards
assess environmental impact
develop material testing procedures
forecast organisational risks
composite materials
material mechanics
manufacturing processes
perform scientific research
analyse production processes for improvement

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 17-2131.00 · ISCO 2146.5

Materials Engineers

Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Mathematics
Production and Processing
Physics
English Language

Essential skills in ESCO: metallurgist

types of metal manufacturing processes
metal forming technologies
precious metal processing
non-ferrous metal processing
assess suitability of metal types for specific application
ferrous metal processing
prepare technical reports
precious metals
work in metal manufacture teams
types of metal
metal and metal ore products
manipulate metal
join metals
alloys of precious metals

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 19-2031.00 · ISCO 2113.1

Chemists

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.

Most important knowledge

Chemistry
English Language
Mathematics
Production and Processing
Administration and Management

Essential skills in ESCO: chemist

write technical reports
physics
think analytically
use chemical analysis equipment
apply liquid chromatography
analytical chemistry
analyse chemical substances
document analysis results
apply scientific methods
apply safety procedures in laboratory
test chemical samples
use chromatography software
develop chemical products
prepare chemical samples

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

Process and yield engineering: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 17-2072.00 · ISCO 2152.1.6

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.
Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Computers and Electronics
Design
Mathematics
English Language

Essential skills in ESCO: microelectronics engineer

environmental legislation
mathematics
process customer requests based on the REACh Regulation 1907 2006
design microelectronics
report analysis results
test microelectronics
electronic equipment standards
use technical drawing software
develop electronic test procedures
design drawings
electronic test procedures
microelectronics
conduct quality control analysis
prepare production prototypes

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 17-2199.06

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Core tasks

Create schematics and physical layouts of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components or packaged assemblies consistent with process, functional, or package constraints.
Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.
Create or maintain formal engineering documents, such as schematics, bills of materials, components or materials specifications, or packaging requirements.

Most important knowledge

Computers and Electronics
Engineering and Technology
Mathematics
Physics
Design

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0)

O*NET 17-2041.00 · ISCO 2145.1

Chemical Engineers

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Chemistry
Mathematics
Design
Physics

Essential skills in ESCO: chemical engineer

perform chemical experiments
work with chemicals
assess environmental impact
approve engineering design
adjust engineering designs
test chemical samples
engineering processes
engineering principles
analytical chemistry
apply health and safety standards
perform scientific research
chemistry
forecast organisational risks

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

Where to train

Public programmes for these role families, each on its official page

College · United States · open to career changers

Semiconductor Technician Quick Start ↗

Maricopa Community Colleges

10 days (4 hours per day), in-person

Accelerated entry-level semiconductor technician training; $306 tuition stipend fully covers Arizona-resident tuition on completion and passing the NIMS certification.