Materials engineer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work evenings and weekends
- Usually work in offices, workshops, laboratories and factories
- May work in hazardous conditions involving chemicals
- Need to be accurate, safety conscious and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Design materials, machinery and processes
- Test materials, machinery and processes
- Analyse data to guide design decisions
- Oversee material creation
- Monitor how materials are used
- Plan how materials should be used
- Review plans for environmental impacts
Outlook
Materials engineering is gaining importance as New Zealand industries seek stronger, lighter, safer and lower-emissions materials. Opportunities are linked to advanced manufacturing, construction, energy, medical technology and primary industries. Global interest in renewable energy, batteries, recycling and circular production is increasing demand for material innovation. The field is specialised, and opportunities often depend on research investment and major industry projects.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong understanding of materials, chemistry and engineering principles
- Ability to test materials and interpret technical results
- Analytical problem-solving and attention to detail
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality standards
- Awareness of sustainability, recycling and material safety
- Clear communication with engineering, production and research teams
AUT programmes
- Mechanical Engineering Major - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Mechatronics Engineering Major - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Mechanical Engineering Major - Bachelor of Engineering Technology
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.