Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

The Work

Modern society is constantly evolving and so too is the development of advanced materials such as lightweight composites for transport applications, optical fibres for telecommunications and silicon microchips for the information revolution.

Materials scientists and technologists are the people behind these developments - they study materials and their uses, working with an enormous range of materials, from basic matter like atoms and molecules, to metals, plastics, cement, glass, sand and electronics, towards determining ways to strengthen or combine materials and develop new products. They also try to enhance existing products. 

Scientists and technologists find out how materials react to different conditions, including temperature and pressure, and try to improve their performance. They may produce written reports of their findings.  
 
In many industries, high performance materials are vital; for example, metals used in aircraft must be strong, light, and reliable. Scientists test metals at high temperatures to simulate conditions in the aircraft's engines. They do routine tests to identify defects and failures in the craft. They adopt a forensic approach, searching for subtle evidence of corrosion or weakness in metals.  
 
Oil refineries use high temperatures and pressures. These can cause corrosion, with the risk of liquids and gases leaking into the environment. Because corrosion may only be visible at a late stage, scientists constantly monitor for clues. They may research longer-lasting or stress-resistant materials, keeping up-to-date with advances in technology throughout the world.  
 
Materials scientists and technologists may work in engineering. For example, they help to design aircraft, oil refineries and nuclear power plants. They must take into account the cost and availability of materials, and the need to develop new ones.  
 
In the nuclear industry, they investigate defects in the structure of buildings and advise on welding and techniques like thermal lagging. They support and advise engineering staff, and supervise repairs. 

Materials scientists work to strict standards, including government and European Union legislation. Some work as project leaders in industry, developing materials that meet or surpass fire safety regulations. They use X-rays to analyse the internal effects of extreme temperatures on materials like metal and glass.  
 
Material sciences in industry may visit international customers to find out their technical requirements, or to explain the latest technological developments.  
 
Materials scientists investigate properties, composition and structure of matter and the laws that govern the combination of elements and reaction of substances. Chemistry plays a dominant role in materials science as it provides information about the structure and composition on matter.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
• Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.
• Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
• Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
• Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
• Perform experiments and computer modeling to study the nature, structure, and physical and chemical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
• Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
• Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
• Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
• Write research papers for publication in scientific journals.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

A bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, materials engineering, or a related discipline is typically the minimum educational requirement for entry to this career area. Research jobs will require a master's degree a PhD level qualification.

Several colleges and universities countrywide offer degree programmes in chemistry, physics, and engineering. Degree programmes in materials science and engineering are also available.

Those interested in a career as a materials scientist should consider courses in science and mathematics. In addition to required courses in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, undergraduate chemistry, subject areas such as biological sciences, mathematics, physics, and increasingly, computer science. Combining chemistry and advanced screening techniques is also popular. Materials scientists end engineers also need basic statistical techniques.

Lab experience, either in academic laboratories or through internships, fellowships, or work-study programs in industry, is also valuable. Some employers of materials scientists or engineers, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, prefer to hire individuals with several years of postdoctoral experience.

There are many emerging and growth areas where materials graduates can find career openings including:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical materials
• High-performance textiles
• Composites and
• The development of sustainable materials

Engineers Ireland

Smart Futures

SFI Science foundation Ireland

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €75k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Sigmar/ Morgan McKinley/ Jobs.ie

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

• European Space Education Resource Office Ireland (ESERO)

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • (01) 607 3200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here

• Institute of Physics in Ireland

  • Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Limerick
  • +44 (0) 20 7470 4845
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here