Materials engineer
Test and research the materials of the future to use them in new technology and better products.
About the job
What it's like
As a materials engineer, you'll develop, test and improve materials used in everything from smartphones to bridges. You'll combine science and creativity to solve real-world problems and make products safer, stronger and more sustainable.
You'll focus on understanding how materials behave and finding ways to improve them. You might work with metals, plastics, ceramics or composites, depending on your project or industry. It’s a rewarding role for anyone who enjoys hands-on experiments and seeing their ideas come to life in finished products.
You could be designing lightweight alloys for aircraft, developing biodegradable plastics or testing new coatings for medical implants.
Materials engineers play an important role in the construction industry. They're also found in others such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy and healthcare. Some specialise in areas such as nanomaterials, biomaterials or corrosion prevention, tailoring their expertise to specific challenges.
Your tasks might include:
testing materials to assess strength, durability and performance
researching new materials for specific applications
analysing failures in products and recommending improvements
developing processes to manufacture materials at scale
working with designers to select suitable materials for projects
writing technical reports and presenting findings to colleagues
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
develop recyclable or biodegradable materials for packaging
improve energy efficiency in manufacturing processes
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Tomorrow's Engineers – Careers resources for young people from Engineering UK and Royal Academy of Engineering
WISE – inspires girls and women to study and build careers using science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) – for more information on engineering careers
Go Construct - materials engineer job description
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- designing
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
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Chemistry
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Design and Manufacture
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Design and Technology
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Engineering Science
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Practical Craft Skills
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Practical Metalwork
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in:
Materials engineering
Polymer engineering
Metallurgy
Applied chemistry
Applied physics
Alternatively a degree specialising in materials or their commercial use such as
Polymer science
Biomaterials
Sports and materials science
Ideally accredited by the Engineering Council or other relevant industry bodies.
Entry to a Materials Engineering degree (SCFQ level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and Highers at BBBC or above, or a relevant HNC. To enter a Postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an Honours Degree in a relevant subject. It may also be possible to start as a materials technician apprentice and complete more qualifications after your apprenticeship to become an engineer.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 4).
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