YOUR CAREER AS A
MATERIALS AND PROCESS ENGINEER

Forest biomaterials are a class of solid materials derived in whole or in part from fibres or chemicals extracted from trees, plants, seaweeds or microbes. Forest biomaterials are a source of renewable products that offer many benefits in terms of abundance, density, strength, cost, easily shaped or used, and performance.

The properties and end-uses of the bio materials are only limited by the imaginations of the teams of scientists who come together to explore new products and their potential uses.

Process engineering combines the new materials with innovative machinery, to enable creation of a vast array of new products, for almost any industry.

SNAPSHOT INFO

dollar_03
Earning Potential

$55,000 – $125,000

hat_tick
Qualification Required

SCIENCE OR ENGINEERING DEGREE OFTEN WITH POSTGRAD

bar_01
Physically Demanding

LAB-BASED

house_cross
Absence from home

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

Materials and process chemists or engineers will have completed a range of university courses, ranging from science degrees in chemistry, or packaging to chemical or mechanical engineering degrees. Post graduate degrees in an associated specialisation are common for researchers.

Skills required include:

See the Careers NZ website for more information about science careers in forestry.

SIMILAR JOBS

CAREER PROGRESSION

Researchers can move into more senior research positions and management roles, and consultancy. There is also potential for an academic career e.g. at a university. There is often the opportunity to work overseas for varying periods of time.