Materials engineers are responsible for the research, specifcation, design and development of materials to advance technologies of many kinds. Their expertise lies in understanding the properties and behaviours of diferent substances, from raw materials to fnished products. The feld is also referred to as materials science or materials technology.They work with many diferent materials, including: ceramics chemicals composites glass industrial minerals metals plastics polymers rubber textiles.!orking in a diverse range of industries, materials engineers combine or modify materials in diferent ways to improve the performance, durability and cost"efectiveness of processes and products. #or ideas about the range of careers in materials engineering and science, go to $% &entre for Materials 'ducation ($%&M') .Typical work activities!ork activities vary according to the specifc material and industry you work with and the si*e of the organisation you work for, but there are a number of activities common to most posts. These include: selecting the best combination of materials for specifc purposes testing materials to assess how resistant they are to heat, corrosion or chemical attack analysing data using computer modelling software assessing materials for specifc +ualities (such as electrical conductivity, durability, renewability) developing prototypes considering the implications for waste and other environmental pollution issues of any product or process advising on the adaptability of a plant to new processes and materials working to solve problems arising during the manufacturing process or with the fnished product, such as those caused by daily wear and tear or a change of environment. supervising +uality control throughout the construction and production process monitoring plant conditions and material reactions during use helping to ensure that products comply with national and international legal and +uality standards advising on inspection, maintenance and repair procedures liaising with colleagues in manufacturing, technical and scientifc support, purchasing, and marketing supervising the work of materials engineering technicians and other staf considering the costs implications of materials used and alternatives, in terms of both time and money taking account of energy usage in manufacturing and in"service energy saving, e.g. in transport and construction applications.,t senior level, the work is likely to involve more innovative research or greater management responsibility. The latter will call for a range of additional skills that arenot necessarily part of the routine work of a materials engineer.