Occupation
Materials scientist
Materials scientists study the structure and properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, and how processing changes them. The work includes developing new materials, selecting the right one for an application, and investigating why a component failed. It sits between science and engineering, so results usually have to be usable by a design or production team.
Also known as: Materials researcher · Metallurgist · Polymer scientist
Occupation content
Part of Natural sciences and research
What the work involves
- Characterise samples using microscopy, diffraction, thermal, and mechanical testing
- Run mechanical, corrosion, fatigue, or durability tests and interpret the results
- Investigate component failures and trace them back to material or process causes
- Trial processing changes and record how they alter measured properties
- Advise design or production engineers on material selection and limitations
- Document test methods, conditions, and results for technical and quality records
How people commonly enter
- A degree in materials science, metallurgy, chemistry, or a related engineering science
- Postgraduate study for research-leading and specialist characterisation roles
- Laboratory technician routes in testing houses or manufacturing, progressing with study
- Employer graduate schemes in aerospace, automotive, energy, or manufacturing settings
Typical training: Postgraduate or professional degree
Licensing: Certification common, not usually required
Typical work context
Lab or workshop · Team based · Quiet focus · Client sites · Varied work
Related interests
Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Natural sciences and research.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — occupation search: materials scientist · International
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- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Chemists and materials scientists · United States
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- UK National Careers Service — Materials engineer · United Kingdom
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Natural sciences and research in Canada, not a figure for Materials scientist. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
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Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: education pathways
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Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: licensing
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