Materials Engineer Job Description

What is the job description of a Materials Engineer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Materials Engineer? What does a Materials Engineer do?

Job description of a Materials Engineer

Materials engineers are specialists in the science and engineering of materials. They use their expertise to produce specifications for, design, process and apply materials effectively. Materials engineers typically specialize in metals, plastics or ceramics. They may develop composite materials, or study the atomic structure of materials in order to discover new applications for their mechanical, electrical or chemical properties.

This Materials Engineer job description example includes the list of most important Materials Engineer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Materials Engineer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Materials Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Materials Engineer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Selecting the best combination of materials for specific purposes
  • Testing materials to assess how resistant they are to heat, corrosion or chemical attack
  • Analysing data using computer modelling software
  • Assessing materials for specific qualities (such as electrical conductivity, durability, renewability)
  • Developing prototypes
  • Monitoring plant conditions and material reactions during use
  • Helping to ensure that products comply with national and international legal and quality standards
  • Advising on inspection, maintenance and repair procedures
  • Liaising with colleagues in manufacturing, technical and scientific support, purchasing and marketing
  • Supervising the work of materials engineering technicians and other staff
  • Considering the costs implications of materials used and alternatives, in terms of both time and money
  • Considering the implications for waste and other environmental pollution issues of any product or process
  • Advising on the adaptability of a plant to new processes and materials
  • Working to solve problems arising during the manufacturing process or with the finished product, such as those caused by daily wear and tear or a change of environment
  • Supervising quality control throughout the construction and production process
  • Taking account of energy usage in manufacturing and in-service energy saving, e.g. in transport and construction applications.

Materials Engineer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Materials Engineer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in materials engineering, technology or science and any other relevant field of study.
  • Good communication skills for presenting technical data, both in writing and orally, to colleagues from your discipline and other professionals
  • The ability to work as part of a team as well as to take individual responsibility and make decisions
  • Strong analytical skills and problem-solving ability
  • Excellent knowledge of maths and science and IT skills
  • The ability to prioritise and plan effectively.
  • Commercial awareness
  • An interest in scientific and technical issues and, for some positions, a real interest in a specific type of product
  • The ability to apply scientific reasoning to industrial situations

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Materials Engineer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Materials Engineer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Materials Engineer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.