Job profile
Materials engineer (m/f/d)
Top job offers for materials engineers (m/f/d)
Materials engineers: enabling innovations
Materials engineers are natural scientists and engineers combined in one person. They develop, explore and test materials and thus lay the foundation for new technologies. Besides, their area of responsibility includes tasks such as the development of environmentally friendly recycling procedures and energy-saving production methods.
Which opportunities do materials engineers have on the labour market?
Materials engineers have essential know-how and are therefore in demand in many industries. Although their job opportunities are subject to economic fluctuations, they have good prospects on the job market. As they explore and develop innovative materials for many industries, they can work in a great variety of fields. Their entry opportunities and job prospects are particularly good in the development of resource-saving methods, in the automotive industry, in medical engineering, test laboratories, the computer industry or in energy technology.
What are the tasks and responsibilities of materials engineers?
Materials engineers have extensive scientific knowledge and are eager to explore new materials. They act as chemists, physicists and engineers at the same time and are in charge of the development and optimisation of materials that constitute the basis of plants, devices or machines. Materials engineers are essential in today’s world, as they do research on new materials that improve products and their characteristics and make them more efficient.
- Research on and development of innovative materials
- Development of resource-saving production processes and recycling methods
- Support with the improvement of products through sustainable and optimised materials
Which hard skills and soft skills should materials engineers have?
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in materials science – sometimes also called materials engineering or materials management – is required to work as a materials engineer. Students of mechanical or electrical engineering can specialise in materials engineering during their studies. In addition to professional qualifications, soft skills such as an analytical way of thinking and a responsible way of working are essential to be successful in this profession.
- Scientific curiosity and creativity
- A passion for natural sciences and technology
- A conscientious and accurate way of working
- Good communication skills to be able to pass on knowledge to colleagues
- Team spirit
- Eagerness to experiment
What is the average salary of materials engineers?
The average annual salary of materials engineers amounts to between EUR 46,000 and EUR 73,000, depending on industry and employer.