Materials science/technology: Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Materials engineer - responsible for the research, specification, design and development of materials to advance technologies of many kinds. The expertise of materials engineers 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.
• Metallurgist - concerned with the physical and chemical behaviour of metals and alloys. Investigates and examines the performance of metals such as iron and steel, as well as non-ferrous metals (those not containing iron) such as aluminium, nickel and copper.
• Research scientist (physical sciences) - develops an understanding of materials and processes by gathering information and generating knowledge through both theoretical and experimental research.
• Product/process development scientist - aims to optimise the performance of manufacturing systems and is responsible for identifying and developing new processes for product manufacture, and implementing process controls to ensure that quality products are manufactured in a reproducible manner.
• Technical sales engineer - a role combining technical knowledge and commercial skills, marketing specialist products to a range of client groups. Involves close liaison with design, development and production teams.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Biomedical engineer - applies engineering principles and materials technology to healthcare, including researching, designing and developing medical products, such as joint replacements or robotic surgical instruments.
• Manufacturing systems engineer - works in teams that design, install, monitor and develop all systems affecting the manufacturing cycle of a product. A systematic approach to money, methods, materials and technology, across traditional departmental boundaries, is required. The aim is to develop and maintain efficient manufacturing systems, producing the maximum volume of high-quality product at the lowest cost and in the shortest time.
• Patent examiner - assesses applications for patents, which are granted to inventors to give them the right to stop others using, selling or manufacturing their inventions, and ascertains that the invention is new, not merely an adjustment to something that already exists.
• Quality manager - monitors and advises on how quality management systems are performing and publishes data and reports measuring company performance against set indicators.
• Higher education lecturer - facilitates learning and carries out research activities in their chosen field of expertise in universities and some colleges of further education (FE).
• Secondary school teacher - teaches science to pupils aged 11-16, or up to 19 in schools with sixth forms. Uses creativity, humour and imagination to develop schemes of work and to plan lessons in order to foster a healthy culture of learning within the classroom and to generate the most effective interactions with pupils.

Other options

Employers are increasingly looking for evidence of practical work experience because it demonstrates a genuine interest in your discipline, knowledge of how to apply your academic learning and a commitment to supporting your future employability. If your course offers an industrial placement component, you would be strongly advised to consider this option. Independently arranged vacation placements are equally valuable.

Voluntary work (fundraising, organising events, community outreach) or getting involved in university life (clubs, societies, Students’ Union) may help to develop key skills such as managing projects, working in multidisciplinary teams and interacting with people from different backgrounds. 

You may also want to join the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) , which offers student membership rates. The IOM provides access to information, training and networking opportunities, as well as competitions and awards.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.