Materials Engineers

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

What the job involves

• 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