How to become a Materials Engineer

Investigates the properties of metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials to assess and develop their engineering and commercial applications, such as in the design of composite materials, corrosion resistance and protection, and welding and fabrication.

Main tasks

• Researches and analyses the properties of various materials to produce new composite materials
• Tests materials under different conditions to examine their properties and behaviour to determine their use in various applications or in the development of new technologies
• Analyses the results of laboratory testing on faulty materials to determine the causes of material defects and develop solutions
• Studies the performance of materials to evaluate their deterioration rate under different conditions and identify main factors contributing to degradation
• Produces cost estimates and analyses the feasibility of using different materials in engineering projects
• Conducts analysis on welds to identify welding issues, associated risks, and provide or develop solutions and appropriate mitigation methods

Ways in

• University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Engineering - Composites Trade (MEM31119); Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade (MEM31519); Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119); Diploma of Engineering - Materials (MEM50522)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $148,148 a year
• About 7,100 people work in this job group now, and about 8,800 are projected by 2035. (+23.2%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Chemical Engineer
• Extractive Metallurgist
• Civil Engineer
• Geotechnical Engineer
• Rail Engineer
• Structural Engineer

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Materials Engineer?

Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Certificate III in Engineering - Composites Trade; Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade.

How much does a Materials Engineer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $148,148 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Materials Engineer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 23% by 2035, from about 7,100 to about 8,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Materials Engineer?

Usually. 86% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Materials Engineer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04