Senior Materials Engineer

What does a senior materials engineer do?

The role of a senior materials engineer involves the following duties: 

• Working with many different materials, including construction products and raw materials, chemicals, glass or polymers
• Selecting the best combination of materials for a job
• Optimising working practices
• Testing materials
• Analysing data
• Designing prototypes
• Looking for eco-friendly solutions
• Monitoring quality
• Checking compliance with legal requirements
• Development of business technical documents
• Development and delivery of technical training
• Auditing of testing or supply chain facilities 
• Managing a development team
• Communicating new concepts to the design team
• Developing an understanding of specifications and client requirements to allow research, design and development of materials and working practices to ensure compliance with specifications
• Developing new technologies or products that allow a business to reduce cost and optimise resources
• Understanding the properties and benefits of different materials meaning you can deliver innovative designs that can reduce costs and increase efficiency
• Understanding the design process from initial concept to final production
• Monitoring and guiding the input of other engineers on a project
• Work around 50 hours a week, usually between 8am and 6pm
• There may be some shift work or working away from home however depending on an organisation’s needs

How to become a senior materials engineer

Because this is a more senior role, a BSc Honours Degree, Diploma to an advanced standard will most likely be required. For some positions, an engineering Masters Degree could be required as well, or membership status with a relevant engineering body.

However, experience is often very important too, so entrants with other qualifications or at least 10 years working experience might be considered.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

How much could you earn as a senior materials engineer?

The expected salary for a senior materials engineer varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained senior materials engineers can start at £28000
• Trained with experience senior materials engineers can earn up to £48000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources