Materials engineer

Materials engineer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Job responsibilities vary according to the size and type of employer, but typically include:

• planning
• supervising engineering and technical staff
• undertaking relevant research
• providing technical advice about the suitability of materials
• developing, modifying, testing and evaluating materials
• problem solving
• diagnosing faults
• advising about, planning and organising inspections, maintenance and repairs
• overseeing operational quality control processes
• liaising with suppliers, customers and manufacturing/development staff.

Typical employers of materials engineers

• metal/materials production, manufacturing and process companies
• research and development organisations
• utilities companies
• the Civil Service.

Jobs are advertised online, by careers services and recruitment agencies, in newspapers and in relevant publications including TARGETjobs Engineering, Welding Institute Journal, The Engineer, Engineering and Engineering News.

Qualifications and training required

A degree in metallurgy, materials science/technology or a suitable engineering subject is normally necessary. Relevant technical and scientific knowledge is of particular importance, as are good leadership, IT and analytical skills.

Postgraduate qualifications can be beneficial, particularly for graduates without relevant backgrounds. Engineers wishing to gain chartered status (CEng) must hold an MEng level degree accredited by an appropriate engineering institution. Following this graduates need to undertake four years' vocational training with an accredited employer.

Relevant experience, whilst not essential, can be helpful - many employers offer final year project work, sponsorship, vacation work and 'year out' placements which can provide a useful insight into the profession.

Key skills for materials engineers

• confidence
• effective organisational skills
• interpersonal skills
• communication skills
• commercial awareness
• team working skills.