Materials engineer
Materials engineers study how materials behave under different conditions and discover ways to improve their performance or put them to new uses.
Typical Salary
£27,000 – £52,000
per year
Working Hours
39–42
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
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
Skills needed
- 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 get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
Career 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.