Materials Engineer
What is the work like?
Materials engineers are found in a wide range of industries, investigating material properties to help support advances in technology. For example, engineers might test carbon fibre reinforced plastics to make stronger, lighter sports equipment, or develop special polymers, ceramics and alloys for use in medical implants to reduce the risk of rejection by the body.
As a materials engineer, you would normally work in a particular area, for instance metals, coatings or chemicals, but tasks common to all areas could include:
- researching the properties of materials and new ways to combine them
- testing materials under different conditions
- analysing test data, using computer modelling software
- developing prototypes for new products
- helping to design product manufacturing processes that use new materials
- investigating the reasons behind component or structural failures
- supervising a team of technicians
- writing reports for project managers and clients.
Your would often use non-destructive testing methods to investigate materials, for example tolerance to heat or corrosion, electrical conductivity or durability and strength.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would normally need a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree in a subject like:
- materials engineering
- materials science or technology
- applied chemistry
- applied physics.
You could also take a degree course, specialising in one group of materials or their commercial use, for example metallurgy, polymer science, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, biomaterials, biomedical engineering, or sports and materials science.
If you do not have a higher education qualification, you may be able to start as a technician and work your up to engineer level by completing one of the qualifications listed above whilst working. See the job profile for Materials Technician for more details.
The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM 3) has information about careers in this field, together with details of colleges around the country offering relevant qualifications.
See the websites below for SEMTA, Women into Science, Engineering and Construction, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology for more general information about engineering careers. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for colleges in that area.
What further training and development can I do?
If you have a relevant first degree or postgraduate qualification, you may be eligible for a graduate training scheme with a company.
It is very important that you continue to update your knowledge and skills throughout your career. The IOM 3 offers a range training certificates that you can do by distance learning, which may be sueful for professional development.
Gaining incorporated or chartered status
You could help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
Where can I go for more information?
Interpoint20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
London
SW1Y 5DB
Tel: 020 7451 7300
London
WC2R 0BL
Tel: 020 7240 1871
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £20,000 and £25,000 a year.
- Incorporated engineers earn between £26,500 and £38,000.
- Senior chartered engineers can earn over £40,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime to meet deadlines.
Depending on your job, you could be based in an office, laboratory or manufacturing environment. You may have to travel between sites, to visit manufacturers and clients.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- strong problem-solving skills and a creative approach for new ideas
- excellent maths, science and IT skills
- strong communication and presentation skills
- an understanding of manufacturing processes
- the ability to prioritise and plan effectively
- the ability to work to a budget
- a commitment to keep up-to-date with new developments
- the ability to work as part of a team and take responsibility for decisions.
What opportunities are there?
You can find work as a materials engineer in many industries including construction, engineering, electronics, aerospace, and vehicle, consumer and sports goods manufacturing.
Your opportunities for career progression normally depend upon the size of your employer. You could move into project management, specialise in a particular material or work in research and consultancy.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
The Engineer Online
Engineering Jobs Network
IOM3
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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