Materials Engineer
28AI EXPOSURE TODAY28
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST73%
NOT A FORECAST73%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY →
Materials Engineer
As a Materials Engineer, you play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology and manufacturing by developing, testing, and optimizing materials that are essential for innovative products. Your expertise not only drives efficiency and sustainability in industries across the UK but also contributes to global advancements in fields like aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Materials EngineerIn this entry-level role, you will assist senior engineers in conducting experiments and analysing material properties. You will gain hands-on experience in laboratories and support the development of new materials.£28,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Materials EngineerAs a mid-level engineer, you will lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and take on more complex material design challenges. Your expertise will be crucial in driving innovation and improving product performance.£45,000 - £60,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior/Head of Materials EngineeringIn this peak career role, you will oversee materials engineering teams, set strategic direction for projects, and drive research initiatives. Your leadership will shape the future of materials engineering within the organisation.£70,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Astronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£41,500 median
🎓Electrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Electronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Mechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
All Engineering and Technology courses as cards →
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Music TechnologyLeeds Beckett University · DegreeAstronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · DegreeElectrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · DegreeElectronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · DegreeMechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · DegreeMechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · Degree