Materials engineer
Materials engineers study how materials behave under different conditions and discover ways to improve their performance or put them to new uses.
Also known as: Materials scientist
- Starter salary£27,000 a year
- Experienced£52,000 a year
- Typical hours39 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a materials engineer, you could:
- research new ways to combine materials
- analyse test data, using computer modelling software
- develop prototypes for new products
- design manufacturing processes that use new materials
- investigate the reasons behind component or structural failures
- supervise a team of technicians
Working environment
You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a laboratory or in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of physics
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a materials engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You'll normally need a foundation degree, higher national diploma 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
- biomaterials
- polymer science
- sports engineering
If you have a related degree, for example, structural engineering, you may be able to take a postgraduate course in materials science and engineering.
You can search for materials science and engineering courses , accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, on the Engineering Council website.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a degree apprenticeship to begin your materials engineering career. Examples include:
- Materials Science Technologist Level 6
- Space Systems Engineer Level 6
- Materials Process Engineer Level 7
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to lead engineer or move into project management. You could also specialise in particular materials or industries, work in research and development, or become a consultant.
Career tips
Choosing to do an accredited course or a degree apprenticeship can help towards registration for incorporated or chartered engineer status with a professional body. This is a way to demonstrate your professional competence and expertise as your career progresses.
Guides for this industry
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