Materials engineers are found in a diverse range of industries, working on the research and development of new materials to advance technologies; innovating and modifying materials to improve the performance and efficiency of existing products; and investigating the failure of products or structures. They work with all types of materials including plastics, metals, alloys, glass, ceramics and composites.

Some of the industries they work in are listed below with examples of their role in product development:

Power – the development of gas distribution networks using light reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP) has meant cheaper installation and transportation costs and because RTP is chemically inert, it does not suffer problems from corrosion underground.

Telecommunications – advances in glass fibre optic materials has enabled the huge expansion of broadband PC internet connections to take place, as well as the growth in broadband-enabled services to mobile phones.

Sport – in recent years, the development of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) has revolutionised the design of a whole range of sporting equipment from tennis rackets to cycle frames and skiing equipment to vehicle bodies in motor racing.

Medicine – materials engineers/scientists working with biomedical engineers have made great strides in the evolution of new components used in replacement prostheses such as hip and knee joints, and implants such as heart valves. Using combinations of polymers, ceramics and metallic alloys, materials have been developed to mimic the action of the body's natural anatomy whilst at the same time being made biocompatible to avoid rejection.

Materials engineers also work in many other areas including aerospace, transport and construction. In all cases, engineers work with other professionals and technicians during the development cycle. Initially, tests are carried out to determine which combinations of materials are best suited to meet the project specification. Various aspects to the design are considered, depending on the project brief:

• tolerance to heat or corrosion
• electrical conductivity or resistance
• durability, strength and weight
• the manufacturing process – would the product require a new process or can existing production methods be adapted
• how would the new product be maintained
• time and cost.

Fully qualified professional engineers usually hold incorporated or chartered status.

Chartered engineers are normally involved at a strategic planning level, researching and developing new designs, innovations and more efficient processes. They are often project leaders and are responsible for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians.

Incorporated engineers specialise in managing the day-to-day process of applying current engineering solutions in the most cost-effective manner. They often hold key operational management roles.

Hours and Environment

Materials engineers work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. They may work extra hours to meet deadlines.

Depending on their work, they could be based in an office, laboratory or manufacturing environment. Travel may also be involved.

Skills and Interests

To be a materials engineer, you should:

• have strong analytical skills and an innovative approach to problem solving
• have excellent knowledge of material qualities under different environments
• have excellent maths, science and IT skills
• have strong communication and presentation skills
• have excellent technical knowledge
• understand manufacturing processes
• be able to prioritise and plan effectively
• be able to work within budgetary constraints
• keep up-to-date with new developments
• be able to work as part of a team and take responsibility for decisions.

Entry

Entry is normally with a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree in relevant subjects such as materials engineering, materials science, materials technology, applied chemistry and applied physics. Courses also exist, specialising in one group of materials or their applications, for example metallurgy, polymer science, aerospace engineering, structural engineering, biomaterials, biomedical engineering, or sports and materials science.

Entry requirements for a degree course are five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two or three A levels/three or four H grades, normally including maths and a science subject. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

If you do not hold a higher level qualification, you may be able to qualify to technician level then attain engineer status by completing some of the qualifications listed above (minimum of degree level is usually required). See profile for Materials Technician.

The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM 3) has information about careers in this field, together with details of institutions around the country offering relevant qualifications.

For more general information about engineering careers, see the websites for SEMTA, Women into Science and Engineering and the Institution of Engineering and Technology in Further Information. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their website in Further Information.

Training

For holders of a first degree or postgraduate qualification, there are graduate training schemes available.

The IOM 3 offers a range training certificates via distance learning for engineers working within the industry. Contact IOM 3 in Further Information for details.

Across the engineering sector, it is accepted that gaining professional status is a highly recommended way of enhancing career prospects. This can be done by registering with a relevant professional engineering institution and applying for incorporated or chartered engineer status with the Engineering Council. For details, see the Engineering Council website in Further Information.

To qualify as an incorporated engineer you should:

• have an accredited engineering degree or equivalent qualification, or BTEC HNC/HND plus further learning equivalent to one year of study - this includes work-based study
• complete a period of Initial Professional Development including practical training and professional engineering experience
• pass a professional review
• gain membership of an appropriate professional body.

To qualify as a chartered engineer you must:

• have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering subject
• complete a period of Initial Professional Development which includes formal and informal training and professional engineering experience
• pass a professional review
• gain membership of an appropriate professional body.

Engineers seeking incorporated or chartered status will be assessed against UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence). This replaced SARTOR (Standards And Routes TO Registration) on 1st March 2004. These new standards have been developed by professional bodies, employers and the Engineering Council (UK) reinforcing the need to prove professional competence within the job but also taking wider account of recent developments in UK qualifications, such as foundation degrees and work-based training, to satisfy the academic requirements of registration.

For more information about UK-SPEC see the website in Further Information.

Opportunities

Materials engineers work in many industries including construction, construction engineering, building services, electronics, shipbuilding, aerospace, power generation, railways, vehicle, consumer and sports goods manufacture.

Opportunities for career progression normally depend upon the size of the employer. Typical progression routes include movement into project and strategic management roles, specialisation in a particular aspect of materials development and testing, research and consultancy work.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are between £20,000 and £25,000 a year.
Incorporated engineers earn between £26,500 and £38,000.
Senior chartered engineers can earn over £40,000.

Further information

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