Materials engineer

Career path and progression

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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• 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
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Chemistry - Materials engineers need a deep understanding of chemistry to study how different substances interact at a molecular level. They work with polymers, metals, ceramics, and composites – understanding chemical bonding, reactions, and properties is essential for developing new materials or improving existing ones.
• Physics - Materials engineers apply physics to understand how materials behave under stress, heat, pressure, and other conditions. Concepts like thermodynamics, mechanics, and crystallography help them predict how a material will perform in real-world applications.
• Mathematics - Materials engineers use maths constantly – from analysing test data and interpreting graphs to building computer models that predict material behaviour. Algebra, calculus, and statistics are all essential for designing experiments and understanding results.
• Engineering - Materials engineers design manufacturing processes, develop prototypes, and investigate why components fail. Understanding engineering principles like structural analysis, design processes, and production systems is central to their everyday work.
• Design and Technology - Materials engineers develop prototypes and design new manufacturing processes, which requires strong practical understanding of how materials are shaped, joined, and finished. Knowledge of material properties and how design choices affect performance is directly relevant to this career.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Materials engineers use computer modelling software to simulate how materials behave under different conditions and to analyse large sets of test data. Understanding computational thinking and how simulations work helps them use these tools more effectively and interpret results with confidence.
• Biology - Materials engineers who specialise in biomaterials develop materials used in medical implants, prosthetics, and tissue engineering. Understanding how biological systems work helps them design materials that are compatible with the human body.
• Environmental Science - Materials engineers increasingly consider the environmental impact of the materials they develop, including sustainability, recyclability, and energy use in production. Understanding environmental science helps them make choices that reduce waste and support greener manufacturing.