Material Engineer and Material Scientist

Hi, I am a bit confused. Could you please share what are the differences between the two? Thank you

University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

Hi @WT007

Materials Scientist: Primarily focuses on understanding the fundamental properties of materials at the atomic and molecular levels. They study how materials behave, their characteristics, and how to improve or create new materials through research. Their work is more theoretical and involves discovering new materials or improving existing ones.
Materials Engineer: Focuses on the practical application of materials in engineering projects. They use the knowledge provided by materials scientists to select, develop, and test materials that can be used in manufacturing, construction, and product design. Their work is more applied and involves designing processes for using materials in real-world applications.

I hope this helps.

Ethan (Product Design Engineering)

Reply 2

WT007

Original post by University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

Hi @WT007
Materials Scientist: Primarily focuses on understanding the fundamental properties of materials at the atomic and molecular levels. They study how materials behave, their characteristics, and how to improve or create new materials through research. Their work is more theoretical and involves discovering new materials or improving existing ones.
Materials Engineer: Focuses on the practical application of materials in engineering projects. They use the knowledge provided by materials scientists to select, develop, and test materials that can be used in manufacturing, construction, and product design. Their work is more applied and involves designing processes for using materials in real-world applications.
I hope this helps.
Ethan (Product Design Engineering)

Thank you

Reply 3

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by WT007

Hi, I am a bit confused. Could you please share what are the differences between the two? Thank you

This is one of the more confusing ones, as in practice there is scope to move between the two and you may even find some people doing the same thing and it’s more about where they work…

In general id say the engineer is more leveraging materials science for a solution and the scientist is developing more knowledge about materials. In practice the lines are blurry and it doesn’t really matter.

Reply 4

Smack

The same degree(s) will get you either role after graduation, though the roles themselves will be different. A materials engineer role - at least at engineering design/consultancy/services companies - will involve ensuring that the correct materials are selected for the application, essentially. I'm less familiar with a materials scientist, though I'd expect them to be performing research, possibly into new materials or improving existing ones.