Materials Scientist

Materials scientists/engineers specialise in studying the physical and chemical properties of the materials used to manufacture products, looking for the highest possible standards of performance and long-term reliability. They might, for example, work in the aerospace industry, developing stronger and lighter alloys for airframes or high temperature alloys for engines. Other examples could include selecting the best combination of materials for a mobile phone, a replacement hip joint or the parts used in a domestic dishwasher.

Materials scientists need to know the limitations and advantages of a variety of metal, plastic, ceramic, glass and carbon fibre resources and to understand how best to mould, extrude, shape and manufacture them. Thousands of different materials are available to deal with such problems as corrosion and rusting, high or low temperatures, vibration, bending, stretching, elasticity, resistance to chemical attack and simple daily wear and tear. The right combination of materials, allied to good design, can greatly enhance the performance, appearance, sales and profitability of a product.

Experienced materials scientists/engineers usually achieve either incorporated or chartered status. Broadly speaking, incorporated engineers specialise in applying modern technology, while chartered engineers focus more on research and development or manufacture and installation.

Entry level
Scientists and technologists are usually graduates, although it is possible to find work at technician level with lower qualifications. There are courses aimed specifically at materials scientists, usually with titles such as materials science, materials technology or materials engineering. There are also courses specialising in one group of materials or their applications, for example metallurgy, polymer science, aerospace engineering, biomaterials, or sports and materials science.

For entry to a degree course, you would usually need at least two A levels/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications. For technician-level jobs, you would usually need at least four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), including two sciences, maths and English, or equivalent qualifications.

There are some sponsorships, bursaries and scholarships available through employers. The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining has details of these, and of the many degree courses available.

Making the grade
To qualify as an incorporated materials scientist/engineer, you should, having successfully completed an accredited three-year BEng degree or equivalent qualification, undertake a period of initial professional development, including practical training and professional engineering experience. You would then have to pass a professional review, before gaining corporate membership of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers.

To qualify as a chartered materials scientist/engineer, you must have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification, complete a period of initial professional development, which includes training and professional engineering experience, and pass a professional review with an interview, before gaining corporate membership of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

Materials scientists/engineers can move into purchasing raw materials, sales, marketing or management, or become a project manager, leading a team of people developing a new product. There are also posts in teaching and lecturing.

Personal qualities
As a materials scientist/engineer, you should enjoy applying scientific theory to practice, and be able to work accurately at all times. Good communication skills, both spoken and written, would be important, as you would be working as part of a team and would be expected to write up regular reports of your work. A logical approach would be required, although the ability to think laterally could be an asset in problem solving. You should also have a high level of computer skills. You may need good eyesight and colour vision for some aspects of the work.

Looking ahead
Jobs for materials scientists can be found in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, medical science, metal and mineral extraction and research.

There is a high demand for materials scientists/engineers. This growth is partly due to the development of new materials. There is a regular demand for skilled staff in the aerospace, automotive, electrical and steel industries, and a growing demand from component manufacturers. Applications for degree courses are often low.

Opportunities can be found in all parts of the country and abroad, particularly in industrial areas.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include aeronautical engineer, biomedical scientist, chemical engineer, civil engineer, electrical/electronic engineer, geologist, industrial/product designer, mechanical engineer, metallurgist or polymer scientist.

Take-home pay
New entrants earn around £18,000 a year (more with a postgraduate degree). An experienced materials scientist could earn around £38,000 to £45,000. In a senior position, such as project leader, it is possible to earn £50,000 plus.

Effects
Your hours of work would depend on the industry. In a laboratory, you may work standard office hours, but industry may involve shifts over 24 hours, seven days a week.

Protective clothing may have to be worn, either to protect you or the product, and you might have to follow strict health and safety regulations. For example, in the production of computer chips, you would need to wear anti-contamination suits, gloves and face masks to prevent dust getting on the silicone.

Sources of information
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining: www.iom3.org
Cogent: www.cogent-ssc.com
Geological Society: www.geolsoc.org.uk
Natural Environment Research Council: www.nerc.ac.uk
Oil Careers: www.oilcareers.com
Scottish Engineering: www.scottishengineering.org.uk
SEMTA: www.semta.org.uk

CRCI: TD