Graduate Materials Engineer Review

My experience overall has been cautiously positive. The role itself has been a nice change of pace after my Masters; I enjoy having a job that has a mix of physical and sedentary work, and being able to gain and use technical knowledge in a dynamic environment. However, I have had issues with personnel and administration. It has improved over time, but it had an impact on my development and overall experience.

Materials Sampling, Testing and Analysis- Completing testing of construction materials, particularly concrete and earthworks materials, both on-site and in laboratory environments. Testing is performed in accordance with project specifications and BS EN standards.
Quality Assurance and Laboratory Management- Maintaining testing records, technical documentation and project databases. This involves operating within UKAS standards, and following established quality procedures. Key activities include calibrating and checking testing equipment; recording and tracking samples, test results and materials-related information.
Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance- Materials engineers are expected to work safely and ensure testing activities comply with site procedures. This includes: handling hazardous and contaminated materials safely;
working in accordance with approved procedures, risk assessments and briefing requirements;
supporting compliance with materials testing plans and non-conformance processes.
Site and Project Support- The wider Materials Engineering team supports infrastructure projects from tender stage through construction and maintenance. This includes providing materials testing and technical support to project team; assisting with reporting, materials control and compliance activities; liaising with production and project teams regarding materials performance and quality requirements.

My role covers a range of different activities that help both on a day to day level and at a larger scale. With some of these activities, such as working on concrete pours, I can see my work doing good in the moment. However, I have had issues with my team and receiving an equitable volume of work with feedback or support.

I receive funding to support moving to different locations for work, which more than covers the financial burden. I have access to a benefits scheme, which includes buying up to 10 extra holidays a year and health/travel/dental insurances. My role is also eligible for a company car, which I only pay fuel costs for. I also get a small fuel subsidiary from my current work site.

My role has given me a good baseline for my future career, however at this time growth has been stagnant and development varies based on working location.

Due to the nature of my role, I have very little interaction with my line manager. We do not share an office, and our work does not overlap. As a result, getting support can be quite difficult. I also work in a small office, and do not have any real support figure in the majority of my time at work. The flow of the team means that when it comes to my general work this is not an issue, but when it comes to any sort of wider issue or request relating to my career growth, it can be isolating.

The role is very demanding. I regularly work 50+ hours, starting early and leaving late. Mandatory unpaid overtime is normal and a daily occurrence. The trade off is I have a very understanding team when it comers to holidays and medical appointments, and I have the freedom to leave work for essential medical appointments when needed.

Company policy is clearly advertised, and tightly followed. However, there is a real cultural segregation between office workers and site workers that can sometimes be disheartening.

The Affinity Networks are clearly advertised and easily accessed. I have been able to have clear, positive conversations about my own need as someone with health conditions, and I feel confident that the company would support me through health changes as needed.

Yes

Good opportunities, great benefits, good opportunities for personal and career growth.

Aspects of the role were not clearly communicated to me, but I do think some of that is because the construction industry is quite different from the education system and other jobs when working on site. All commitments I was made when applying for the role were met.