Investigates the properties of metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials and assesses and develops their engineering and commercial applications.

• 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 new materials and fabrication procedures for new materials to fulfil production cost and performance standards; 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 implements laboratory tests to establish or reject possible causes, and advises on ways to overcome any problems.

• Works indoors in offices and laboratories within industrial, manufacturing and other worksites.

• Occasionally works outdoors and occasionally in all weather conditions when on-site inspections or when meeting with clients and/or contractors.

• Typically works in adequately heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained workspaces.

• May occasionally come into contact with potential skin irritants and need to wear protective clothing.

• Sedentary to light physical demand, frequently sits, stands and walks in office and laboratory area and outdoors when on site.

• There is a requirement for occasional lifting, carrying or pulling up to a light physical demand.

• Bending, squatting or crouching and stretching, twisting, climbing is not a significant requirement of the job.

• Occasional contact with skin irritants and/or water may occur, however protective clothing should be utilised where possible.

• Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using hand tools and equipment including pens, calculators, keyboards, a mouse and a range of laboratory and testing equipment.

• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with design, biotechnical, computing, report writing, communication, interpersonal, planning, organisational, problem solving and decision-making capabilities.

• A relevant tertiary qualification or at least five years applicable experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.

• Registration may be required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.