How to become A Materials Science Engineer

Have you paused to think about what constitutes the different products you use every day, from hairbrushes to refrigerators? Materials Science Engineers are professionals who study, develop and test diverse materials using principles from IT, biotechnology, nanotechnology, physics, chemistry, energy and other disciplines. The materials they research go into fabricating the products all around us, including what is sent into space.

• Materials Engineer

What do Materials Science Engineers do?

A Materials Science Engineer would typically need to:

• Process and analyse diverse materials, such as metals, ceramics, plastics, semiconductors and composites to manufacture a range of products
• Study materials at an atomic and electrochemical level and devise new combinations and applications of materials
• Test materials for electrical conductivity, heat resistance, renewability and other attributes while designing new products and solutions to real-world problems
• Observe how materials react under different environments and how they deteriorate; evaluate the environmental outcomes of materials processing
• Inform others about the properties and efficiency of different materials
• Develop and test prototypes of new materials; assist the production team through the scaling-up process
• Use advanced computers and equipment to replicate the salient features of materials or to improve the performance of a given material
• Resolve issues that arise during manufacturing due to the use of varied materials; design alterations or new products to fix any malfunctions
• Test for quality control
• Develop and execute new projects in collaboration with other engineers and managers
• Perform financial and managerial tasks such as proposals, budgets and labour cost analysis 
• Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, engineers, scientists and other scientific experts
• Advise the management on cost-effectiveness, sustainability, feasibility, profitability and potential negative externalities of commercial production
• Ensure product compliance with local, national and international standards of quality and legal requirements
• Work towards transitioning to a more fuel/energy-efficient production and distribution system

Materials Science Engineers typically work in an office-based or research & development laboratory environment with access to computers and design equipment.

Work may involve frequent travel, both domestic and international, to visit suppliers or manufacturing sites. Materials Science Engineers often work in teams composed of various other scientists and engineers from different specialisations. 

Materials Science Engineers work 9 a.m to 5 p.m during the workweek. However, their work could exceed the 40-hour work schedule to cover weekends or holidays to meet deadlines. Depending on the nature of the industry, shift work may be needed.

With more experience, freelancing or contractual work opportunities become available and allow greater flexibility within your hours.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Materials Science Engineers may boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Materials Science Engineers are generally employed by:

• Defence Industry
• Automotive Companies
• Equipment Manufacturing Firms
• Engineering Services
• Primary Metal Manufacturers
• Computer & Electronics Manufacturers
• Energy-Producing Firms
• Oil & Gas Companies
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Research & Development
• Sports Companies
• Telecommunication Companies
• Transportation Companies
• Utilities

Professional associations and organisations are crucial for Materials Science Engineers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more associations adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Keeping up with technological advances
• Challenging to take career breaks
• Long working hours reduce time spent with one’s family and for self-care
• Frustration due to inefficient machinery or colleagues
• Exposure to hazardous substances

Any academic program that a potential Materials Science Engineer takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship.

Although not compulsory, completing internships and engineering courses while studying at school or university gives you a headstart in a career in materials science engineering. Consider doing industrial placements during university to hone and apply your technical skills while acclimating to the professional work environment. 

Some engineering camps are also viable opportunities for high school students aspiring to be Materials Science Engineers.

Aside from this, you may also take up paid or unpaid fundraising and voluntary work or engage in university union, club or society activities. These experiences build your social understanding, project management skills and teamwork, and bolster your resume with a ‘jack of all trades’ experience.

Getting student membership with professional organisations is highly recommended as it teaches you from an early age and may ease the transition into full-time membership later. Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in materials science engineering to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Aspiring Materials Science Engineers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. Some universities offer five-year degree programs culminating in an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemistry, applied chemistry or physics, and chemical or mechanical engineering. Other areas include geology, metallurgy, minerals/mining engineering, polymer science/technology, and structural engineering. Such degree programs offer both classroom and practical experience based on materials engineering principles.

Since Materials Science Engineers tackle a range of materials, they may specialise in glass, ceramics, rubber, plastics, chemicals, polymers, minerals and textiles. 

Completing a master’s degree and a PhD in a relevant field allows you to enter scientific research & development while also teaching at the post-secondary level.

Employment with a two-year post-secondary program is possible, though opportunities for career development may be limited compared to those with higher degrees.

Aspiring Materials Science Engineers may take high school classes in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and coding to enter relevant bachelor’s degree courses.

Certification demonstrates a Materials Science Engineer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. You may opt for certification in the field of metallography, metallurgy or the properties of materials.

Licensure is not compulsory for Materials Science Engineers, but acquiring a professional engineering license is highly recommended. It allows you to oversee work, sign off on projects and provide direct services to the public. Ensure that you fulfil continuing education requirements to keep your license.

Consider completing a certificate in composite materials engineering to understand various practical areas, including composite material components, processing & manufacturing, characterisation, mechanics, and design. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

As entry-level Materials Science Engineers, you will typically begin by working under experienced colleagues. With experience, you may go on to receive more challenging projects that allow you greater autonomy to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. A critical career choice for you would be to focus on lab-based research & development or shop floor production and processing. Research opens up viable opportunities to teach or travel overseas for work. 

You may also move into technical specialist or managerial positions, such as Senior Materials Engineer or Project Manager, and supervise a team of technicians or engineers in the laboratory or the general organisation. Opportunities to advance into senior general management may arise, although progression to management depends on your employers and your area of specialisation.

Materials Science Engineers may opt to work in sales because their technical knowledge helps them discuss a product’s technical aspects with customers and assist in its installation and use.

With the right contacts and adequate experience, you may also launch your own consulting firm or offer your services on a contractual basis to diverse projects and organisations. 

Candidates with a master’s degree and sufficient work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Materials Science Engineer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Most employers typically offer on-the-job training to entrants in the field, allowing you to learn across several areas or specialise in a specific material or process. Training in appropriate software such as Finite Element Analysis modelling is also handy. You may consider broadening your commercial awareness to boost your career by engaging in management development programs.

Completing a master’s degree in science or engineering or a PhD are popular options for Materials Science Engineers wishing to specialise in areas such as offshore operations, the aerospace industry, or composites and glass.

History

Eras in history, such as the Stone, Bronze or Iron Age, are historic defining points for the evolution of materials science engineering. This field is one of the oldest in the vast industry of engineering. Modern materials science evolved directly from metallurgy, which, in turn, evolved from mining, ceramics, and the use of fire. A significant breakthrough occurred in the 19th century when American scientist, Josiah Willard, demonstrated that thermodynamic properties related to the atomic structure are associated with the physical characteristics of the material.

Towards the middle of the 20th century, materials science engineering started gaining a foothold as an independent field of study. University-hosted laboratories expanded basic research and training in the materials sciences, which had earlier focused mainly on metallurgy and ceramics. The space race was monumental in the development of metallic alloys and silicon- and carbon-based materials. Rubbers, plastics, semiconductors, and biomaterials are just a few of the revolutionary developments in the field of materials. Now, materials science includes all classes of materials, including ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, magnetic materials, biomaterials, and nanomaterials, typically classified into the three categories of ceramics, metals, and polymers. Materials Science is currently undergoing notable changes due to advanced computers that can find new materials, predict properties and understand novel phenomena.

Skills That You Learn

Studying Materials Science Engineering teaches you about scientific structures, processes, properties and performance of materials. A robust set of transferable skills you may develop are a high standard of numeracy, analytical skills, research & report-writing skills, punctuality, oratory skills and commercial awareness.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Materials Science Engineers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Materials Science Engineer, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Aerogel or frozen smoke, used to capture space dust, holds a Guinness Record for being the least dense solid. It is a supercritical dried liquid gel made of alumina, chromina, tin oxide or carbon.

Climate change is the most significant threat humans face, and its impact on the next decade will determine the prospects of the coming generation. The need for eco-friendly and good quality products has fuelled the demand for Materials Science Engineers. These professionals use their knowledge and involvement in all stages of production to create a sustainable manufacturing system. 

Curiosity is perhaps the most defining trait of any scientific expert. As a Materials Science Engineer, take time to explore the world and exploit your curiosity to question the world and hone your commercial awareness.