What Does A Materials Engineer Do?
How does a materials engineer earn their job title?Are you intending to work as a materials engineer after graduation? In this post, you will be able to learn more about materials engineers, their responsibilities, and how they fit into the thermal spraying industry.Let’s find out more!
Prerequisites of a Materials Engineer
For starters, engineers that specialize in thermal spray coating materials need to have a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering. Degrees in a related engineering field are also welcomed. With that in mind, bachelor’s degrees earn engineers entry-level positions; master’s degrees allow materials engineers to apply for more advanced positions. In addition, aspiring engineers are recommended to complete cooperativeengineering programs and internships while they are in school. This increases their chances of getting hired as a materials engineer. If you have any related computer software knowledge, that will be beneficial too.
Typical Work Environment for Materials Engineers | What Do They Do?
Materials engineers need a workplace that gives them access to design equipment and computers. Some engineers are assigned to work in research and development laboratories and factories. What do they do at these places? They test, process, and develop thermal spray coating materials that are used to manufacture a great array of products, including biomedical devices, golf clubs, aircraft wings, computer chips, and more.
In addition, they are constantly studying the structures and properties of nanomaterials, composites, plastics, ceramics, metals, and more, to create new materials that are suitable for chemical, electrical, and mechanical applications. The common materials that materials engineers work with include:
- Plastics
- Polymers
- Rubber
- Ceramics
- Chemicals
- Metals
- Composites
- Glass
- Industrial minerals
- Textiles
Understanding the Job Scope of Materials Engineers | A Detailed Look
As a materials engineer, your tasks vary according to the industry you work in, the size of the firm (your employer), the specific materials you work with, and more. Below is a quick look at the possible activities that are common to most posts:
- Materials (often a combination) selection for various purposes; could be HVOF materials, metalizing materials, and more
- Test the resistance of a material to chemical attacks, corrosion, and heat
- Use computer modeling software to perform data analysis
- Assess materials for qualities like renewability, durability, and electrical conductivity
- Develop prototypes
- Provide advice for repair, maintenance, and inspection procedures
- Determine the adaptability of a plant to new materials and processes
- Supervise quality control throughout production and construction processes
- Monitor material reactions during usage
- Ensure all products comply with both international and national quality and legal standards
If you are working as a senior materials engineer, you will most likely be involved in more innovative research projects. Your management responsibility is also expected to be higher. What’s more, your management responsibilities may require you to pick up additional skills that may not be part of your routine work as an engineer.
At A&A Coatings, you can expect to find a stellar team of materials engineers that is ready to service your coating materials needs.We are well-versed in a broad range of thermal spray applications, and we have worked with companies in industries such as industrial machinery, marine, aerospace, and more. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about how you can tap on the expertise of our materials engineers!
