Plans and directs the engineering and commercial application of materials, manufacturing processes, products and related technologies.
Tasks Include:
reviews plans for new products and submits material selection recommendations in accordance with design specifications and factors such as strength, weight and cost
plans and implements laboratory operations, to develop material and fabrication procedures for new materials, to fulfil product cost and performance standards
prepares reports of materials studied
confers with producers of materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, cements and elastomers during the investigation and evaluation of materials suitable for specific product applications
reviews product failure data and interprets laboratory tests, to establish or reject possible cause and advises on ways to overcome any problem
may conduct scientific studies for understanding, characterising and developing materials
may guide technical staff engaged in developing materials for specific use in proposed products or devices