Materials Engineer

Materials engineers specialise in understanding the structure, properties and processing of a wide range of materials. They work on combining or modify materials in different ways for use in products ranging from cars and aircraft to buildings, bridges, silicon chips, sports equipment and even replacement body parts for humans. Work activities include developing methods for processing minerals, studying the structure and properties of materials, selecting the best combination of materials to use in specific products and investigating component and structural failures.

They usually work as part of a team of scientists, engineers and technicians from different disciplines. Working between 35 and 40 hours a week, they are usually based in laboratories, offices or manufacturing environments, and may wear appropriate protective clothing.

Salaries range from around £20,000 a year to £55,000 or more.

A materials engineer should:

• have excellent problem-solving skills
• have an analytical approach
• be good at science, maths and IT
• have good communication skills.

Materials engineers are employed in many different industrial and manufacturing sectors. These include construction, construction engineering, building services, electronics, shipbuilding, aerospace, power generation, railways, vehicle and consumer goods manufacture. Employers range from huge multinational companies to universities, government agencies and small research laboratories, and may be based anywhere in the UK.

The majority of materials engineers have a degree or HNC/HND. A number of UK universities offer three-and four-year BEng and MEng degrees in materials engineering, materials science or materials science and engineering. Alternative routes include studying for HNC/HND courses. The Diplomas in engineering and science may be relevant for this area of work.

Applicants with GCSEs (A*-C) including English, maths and science, may be able to enter this field by training with an employer as an apprentice.

Materials engineers usually work towards professional status by becoming either an Incorporated Engineer or a Chartered Engineer. People who do not have a degree or an HNC/HND may begin by gaining Engineering Technician (EngTech) status.

With experience, promotion to senior materials engineer or project manager may be possible. There may also be opportunities to progress into senior general management.

Further details