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Materials engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Materials scientist

Materials engineers research the behaviour of materials used in industry to make them stronger, lighter and more hard-wearing.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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. 

Relevant subjects include:

  • 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, polymer science, biomaterials, or sports and materials science.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

  • Materials Science Technologist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Space Systems Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Materials Process Engineer Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

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

More Information

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in materials engineering from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • knowledge of physics
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties 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
  • write reports 

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into project management or technical sales. You could also specialise in a particular material, or work in research and consultancy.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Paint Development Technician Degree Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,000.00 Annually
  • Location: HULL

Paint Development Quality Control Technician Degree Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,000.00 Annually
  • Location: HULL
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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