Materials Engineer

Engineers in materials science deal with the production, characterization and testing of solid substances that are used or are to be introduced in a technical, scientific or private environment. These are primarily functional materials made of metals, semiconductors, ceramics and polymers. Engineers in materials science research and develop such high-tech materials and components: They grow crystalline materials, develop coating techniques in the nano range or design special joining and joining techniques. To do this, they carry out test series and material tests using different test methods. In addition, engineers in materials science plan and manage production processes, develop corresponding systems and production processes, improve manufacturing processes and ensure the quality of the materials produced. They also clarify patent issues and sell products in technical sales.

Engineers in materials science find employment e.g.

• in companies in the electrical industry
• at manufacturers of instruments for measurement and sensor technology as well as optical or medical devices
• in companies in the material-producing and material-processing industries
• in foundries and companies that use foundry products as semi-finished products or accessories
• at research institutes and in environmental protection
• in the public service, such as material inspection offices

The salary level for Materials Engineer in Germany is: from 4604 up to 5819 EUR per month

Why is?

Engineers in materials science develop materials and materials, carry out test series and material tests, plan and manage production processes. They are also active in quality assurance or technical sales.

Develop innovative materials

For medical technology, engineers in materials science develop materials that are used to replace organ parts or joints, such as artificial heart valves or hip joints. The important thing with artificial organs is that they can take on as many of the original organ functions as possible and are not rejected by the body. To this end, the engineers first examine the chemical and physical properties of a wide variety of substances in order to develop materials that come as close as possible to the natural material. Nature is not only a role model in the development of new materials in medical technology. For example, adhesive materials are developed that are based on the structure of insect feet. Further developments in materials science include breathable, water-repellent coatings, such as those used for outdoor clothing, or sunglasses that adapt to the intensity of the light.

Engineers in materials science are constantly improving materials and developing cost-effective, energy-saving, non-toxic or environmentally friendly alternatives for existing materials and production processes. For example, the goal may be to produce materials such as fuel or plastic from renewable raw materials. They first model the appearance and structure of the new materials on the computer, and they also test the behavior of the material in computer simulations. Depending on the intended use, they investigate, for example, how the material behaves under loads or in contact with fire and water.

Other uses

In the area of ​​production planning and control, the engineers manage production processes, optimize manufacturing processes and production processes and ensure the quality of the materials produced. They advise customers in technical sales. In addition to the development and production of materials, engineers in materials science also conduct material tests, for example before new products are approved. You work e.g. in material testing offices and at technical monitoring associations. In the Patent and Trademark Office they are involved in patent exams. They can also act as appraisers or experts.