What is Materials Engineering?

New materials have been among the greatest achievements of every age and they have been
central to the growth, prosperity, security, and quality of life of humans since the beginning of
history. It is always new materials that open the door to new technologies, whether they are in
civil, chemical, construction, nuclear, aeronautical, agricultural, mechanical, biomedical or
electrical engineering.
Materials scientists and engineers continue to be at the forefront of all of these and many
other areas of science, too. Materials science and engineering influences our lives each time
we buy or use a new device, machine, or structure. The definition of the academic field of
Materials Science & Engineering stems from a realization concerning the every application of
materials: it is the properties of the material that give it value. A material may be chosen for
its strength, its electrical properties, resistance to heat or corrosion, or a host of other reasons;
but they all relate to properties.
Experience shows that all of the useful properties of a material are intimately related to its
structure, at all levels, including which atoms are present, how the atoms are joined, and how
groups of atoms are arranged throughout the material. Most importantly, we learn how this
structure, and the resulting properties, are controlled by the processing of the material.
Finally materials must perform their tasks in an economical and societally responsible
manner. Understanding the relationships between properties, structure, processing and
performance makes the Materials Engineer the master of the engineering universe.
Materials engineer: Job description
Materials engineers are responsible for the research, specification, design and development of
materials to advance technologies of many kinds. Their expertise lies in understanding the
properties and behaviours of different substances, from raw materials to finished products.
The field is also referred to as materials science or materials technology.
They work with many different materials, including:
ceramics;
chemicals;
composites;
glass;
industrial minerals;
metals;
plastics;
polymers;
rubber;
textiles.
Working in a diverse range of industries, materials engineers combine or modify materials in
different ways to improve the performance, durability and cost-effectiveness of processes and
products.
Typical work activities
Work activities vary according to the specific material and industry you work with and the
size of the organisation you work for, but there are a number of activities common to most
posts. These include:
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;
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;
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;
taking account of energy usage in manufacturing and in-service energy saving, e.g. in
transport and construction applications.
Glossary:
- forefront a. 1. The foremost part or area b. The position of most importance,
prominence, or responsibility; the vanguard.
- host a. An army b. A great number; a multitude.