Materials Technician Job Descriptions |
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Materials
technicians work in engineering, science, construction and
manufacturing, investigating the behaviour of materials
under different test conditions. Companies use the results
of these tests to improve the performance of existing products,
to eliminate faults with materials already in use, and to
help with the development of new technologies.
In this kind of job, you would work with synthetic and naturally occurring materials, ranging from metals and their alloys to polymers and composites. An example might be the use of biomaterials and nanotechnology to make tiny computer chips that fit inside medical implants.
You would use a variety of methods to examine materials, including non-destructive testing (NDT), and some of your main duties might involve: · testing a material's strength and flexibility under stress · testing materials' characteristics like chemical composition or electromagnetic properties, and their behaviour on a molecular level · assessing the cost, reliability, safety and environmental impact of materials · researching new ways to use materials for the development of products · Writing reports for project engineers and managers, analysing test results and making recommendations. Key Skills · an interest in science · good problem-solving skills and the ability to find creative solutions · good numeracy and computer skills · an understanding of engineering drawings and principles · a knowledge of the qualities of materials under different conditions · an understanding of manufacturing processes and construction methods · good team working skills, but with a degree of initiative · Normal colour vision. |
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