Materials technician

Materials technicians support the work of materials scientists/technologists. They help to research and develop new materials, test how they react under different conditions (such as temperature and stress) and tackle problems such as corrosion.

Work activities

Materials technicians can be working in any area that produces or uses materials, such as manufacturing industries, shipbuilding, and aeronautical and civil engineering. They carry out routine tests to find out about the material, for example, its strength, weight, flexibility, reliability and impact on the environment. Technicians could also be helping to work out the cost of producing a material. A routine test might involve using electron microscopes or X-rays to see inside a material, to study how it has been changed by a high temperature. Where a material is already in use, for example, as part of an aircraft, bridge or dam, the testing has to be “non-destructive”. This means doing a test that does not harm the material, so it, and the structure or product, can still be used afterwards. Non-destructive testing methods include using liquids and dyes to reveal cracks, and ultrasound to gather information from inside the material. Areas of investigation include corrosion and metal fatigue. Technicians have to record their results carefully. They can often use computers to input, analyse and display results. A senior technician might interpret the results and write a report for scientists and technologists. Apart from routine testing, technicians look after the day-to-day running of the laboratory. This includes:

Setting up and clearing away equipment.
Keeping an eye on equipment stock levels.
Ordering new equipment when needed.
Removing laboratory waste.

Materials technicians work alongside scientists, technologists, engineers and other technicians.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a materials technician, you’ll need:

Practical skills.
An interest in using science.
To be curious and enjoy testing things to find out more about them.
A patient, thorough and methodical approach to experiments.
Willingness to do routine tests, paying close attention to detail at all times.
Good number skills to take measurements, and record and analyse experiment results.
Computer skills for recording results.
The ability to explain your findings clearly. Senior technicians might write reports of their findings.
Communication and teamwork skills to work alongside scientists, engineers and other technicians. Depending on the testing methods used, you might need good colour vision.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries vary depending on the company and range of responsibility. The pay rates given are approximate. Materials technicians earn in the range of £20,000 per year, rising to £30,000 with experience. Higher salaries are available, depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

Materials technicians usually work a 41-43-hour week, Monday to Friday. They might have occasional late finishes, and shift work is common in production work.

Employers are producers of metals, plastics, polymers, synthetic rubbers, natural and man-made fibres, ceramics and glass. Other employers are firms that use materials, including engineering industries, telecommunications, gas, electricity, chemical, oil and nuclear power companies. Research opportunities are in private industry, in university laboratories, industrial research associations, contract research laboratories and government laboratories. Opportunities for material technicians occur in towns and cities throughout the UK. There are also opportunities to work in other countries.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on the website of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. They also appear in scientific magazines and journals such as New Scientist (which also posts jobs on its website), on job boards, in local/national newspapers, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

Entry is usually into a trainee position or after completing a relevant full-time college course. A number of apprenticeships are also available:

Non-destructive testing operator (level 2 / intermediate)
Non-destructive testing engineering technician (level 3 / advanced)
Non-destructive testing engineer (level 6 / degree)

Trainees might go on day-release to study relevant college courses. They might work towards a relevant work-based qualification at level 2 or 3.

You could be promoted to a team leader or supervisory position. Membership of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining demonstrates your competence and can lead to registration with the Engineering Council as an Engineering Technician (EngTech). To register with the Institute as a technician, you’ll usually need a relevant Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National or equivalent.

Qualifications

Entry to a trainee position is usually with at least 4 GCSEs (9-4), including English, maths and a science subject, or equivalent. Some entrants have A-levels in relevant subjects, including sciences, design and technology, and engineering, or equivalent qualifications. Some employers ask for university-level qualifications such as HNDs, foundation degrees or degrees in materials science/technology and other relevant areas.

To do an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although if you don’t have these you may be able to complete them alongside your apprenticeship. To qualify for a degree apprenticeship, you’ll need A-levels/equivalent in two relevant subjects.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed skills through experience in engineering, or manufacturing process industries (for example, as an operative) in areas such as polymers, plastics or ceramics.

Colleges will usually consider applications from adults who don’t meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

Related careers

Ceramics technologist
Laboratory technician
Materials technologist
Metallurgist
Polymer technician