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A male and a female material engineers discuss the performance of machinery in a production plant

Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers investigate the properties of metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials and assess and develop their engineering and commercial applications.

Overview

Materials Engineers investigate the properties of metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials and assess and develop their engineering and commercial applications.

Day-to-day

  • reviews plans for new products and submits material selection recommendations in accordance with design specifications and factors such as strength, weight and cost
  • plans and implements laboratory operations to develop new materials and fabrication procedures for new materials to fulfil production cost and performance standards
  • confers with producers of materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, cements and elastomers, during the investigation and evaluation of materials suitable for specific product applications
  • reviews product failure data and implements laboratory tests to establish or reject possible causes, and advises on ways to overcome any problems.

Occupation snapshot
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Not available
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Moderate

To become a Materials Engineer

  • You need a bachelor degree in chemical, biochemical or process engineering to work as a Materials Engineer. It is also common to complete postgraduate studies.

    Find a Bachelor of Engineering with Materials Science

  • Registration may be required in some states and territories. In addition, Engineers Australia has a non-compulsory National Engineering Register.

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