Materials engineer

What is a materials engineer?

Materials engineers investigate the behaviour of materials to make them lighter and stronger depending on their use. Materials engineers can also develop new materials which fill a need.

What do materials engineers do?

Materials engineers test and research the behaviour of a variety of materials for different uses. They work in a variety of sectors. For example, you could be working on trying make materials lighter or stronger for use in cars or for sports equipment. You could be investigating new ways to combine materials or creating new materials for a specific use. Materials engineers often use computer programmes to test new ideas.

As a materials engineer you could also be looking into why products or structures have failed in the past, ensuring that doesn't happen again.

What makes materials engineering different?

As a materials engineer you will not be confined to one specific industry, because materials engineers are required across so many areas such as transport, construction, sports and aerospace to name a few. This gives you the possibility to choose an area to work in that you are really interested in. 

Working life

What is it like being a materials engineer?

You will spend most of your time in the office or in a laboratory but you may also have to visit suppliers. It can be rewarding to see your work benefit the company you work for which will help when dealing with competitors. 

How do materials engineers contribute to society?

Because materials engineers work in so many different sectors there are lots of ways they contribute to society. Materials engineers can be employed in sectors such as transport, sports, aerospace and more. Materials engineers help further develop products and services which make our daily lives better.

Where could materials engineering take me?

With experience, you could move into a management role, overseeing a small team. It is also possible to specialise in a specific area once you gain some experience. It is very likely that in the future materials engineering roles will be focused on reducing waste and environmental impact, so this could be a key area you work on. After years of experience some materials engineers go on to start their own consultancy or work as a contractor for companies.

Become a materials engineer

Routes into this job:

• Apprenticeship
• University

What qualifications do I need to become a materials engineer?

You could get a degree or National Higher Diploma in relevant subjects like:

• Materials engineering
• Materials technology
• Materials science
• Applied physics or chemistry 

Look for courses accredited by a relevant professional body such as the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. This may make it easier to progress your career in the future.

Getting work experience in a materials engineering role is not necessarily needed although it will help to give you a good idea of what to expect. It will also help strengthen your application when you come to apply for a job. When looking for work experience it’s a good starting point to contact local companies to ask if they have any availability for work experience in the role you are interested in.