Materials engineer

Entry Requirements:

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:

• 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

Entry requirements:

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:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• 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
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• science skills
• excellent written communication skills
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Materials engineers study how materials behave under different conditions and discover ways to improve their performance or put them to new uses.

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

Location : You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a laboratory or in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £27,000
Experienced : £52,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

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.