Materials technician
Materials technicians test how materials behave under different conditions to help develop new products and improve existing ones.
Typical Salary
£20,000 – £30,000
per year
Working Hours
41–43
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a materials technician, you may:
- test the strength and flexibility of materials under different conditions
- assess the cost, reliability, safety and environmental impact of materials
- research new ways to use materials in product development
- assess the risks posed by hazardous materials
- analyse test results and write reports
Skills needed
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- knowledge of physics
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
Career progression
You could become a senior technician and register with the Engineering Council to get EngTech status.
With further qualifications you could qualify as a materials engineer.
You could also move into purchasing, sales or management.