Materials engineers research and design new or improved materials for a diverse number of applications. They analyse the composition of materials, conduct experiments, and develop new materials for industry-specific use that can range from rubber, to textiles, glass, metals, and chemicals. They advise companies in damage assessments, quality assurance of materials, and recycling of materials.

Tasks

In such cases tasks would include -
(a) Applying knowledge of engineering to the design, development and evaluation of biological and health systems and products such as artificial organs, prostheses and instrumentation;
(b) Designing devices used in various medical procedures and imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging, and devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions;
(c) Designing components of optical instruments such as lenses, microscopes, telescopes, lasers, optical disc systems and other equipment that utilize the properties of light;
(d) Designing, testing, and coordinating the development of explosive ordnance material to meet military procurement specifications;
(e) Designing and overseeing construction and operation of nuclear reactors and power plants and nuclear fuels reprocessing and reclamation systems;
(f) Designing and developing nuclear equipment such as reactor cores, radiation shielding and associated instrumentation and control mechanisms;
(g) Assessing damage and providing calculations for marine salvage operations;
(h) Studying and advising on engineering aspects of particular manufacturing processes, such as those related to glass, ceramics, textiles, leather products, wood and printing;
(i) Identifying potential hazards and introducing safety procedures and devices.