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
Earning Potential
$55,000 – $125,000
Qualification Required
SCIENCE OR ENGINEERING DEGREE OFTEN WITH POSTGRAD
Physically Demanding
LAB-BASED
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:
- an open, inquiring mind
- technical aptitude
- analytical skills
- excellent writing and presentation skills.
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.