How my materials science and engineering degree led me to work with aerospace and biomedical superalloys

I was offered a job by the company I did my placement with the summer before graduation, which really showed me how valuable the placement experience is. After graduating, I started working as a Graduate Process Engineer at Howmet Aerospace (Firth Rixson Metals) as part of their engineering graduate scheme.

In my current role, I oversee the daily production of superalloys for aerospace and biomedical purposes, analyse data to optimise forging programs, resolve quality issues, and support projects to improve manufacturing processes on site. I also look into the root causes of recurring problems and find ways to increase yield and efficiency.

One of the highlights of my role so far has been helping with the installation and validation of a new radial forging machine. I worked closely with my supervisor to test limits, learn programming, and find the right settings to achieve the desired mechanical properties. I also wrote standard operating procedures and created resources to support process routing and calculations, which was really rewarding.

The industrial training programme and summer placement I completed as part of my Materials Science and Engineering degree really helped me feel prepared for this role. During these experiences, I learned how to analyse samples, use techniques like SEM and XRF, and make sense of the results. Presenting our project outcomes to local companies also helped me gain confidence in explaining my ideas clearly and justifying my decisions.

The metals-focused modules gave me a strong technical foundation, especially in understanding how materials change during processing. This meant I could contribute to technical discussions at work straight away and continue building my knowledge in a professional setting. My summer placement also gave me the chance to propose my own dissertation project, for which I received the Lewis Chapman Award for contributions to process metallurgy – one of the highlights of my degree.

Being involved in the materials science and engineering society (MatSoc), first as social secretary and then as inclusions officer, helped me get organised, juggle multiple responsibilities, and communicate confidently with all kinds of people. Leading society activities, from academic talks to outreach events like the after-school science club, taught me how to take initiative, work well with others, and step out of my comfort zone – skills that have been really useful in my job.

My advice to students is to take every opportunity that comes your way. Placements, projects, and extra-curricular activities all help you build practical skills, gain confidence, and discover what you really enjoy. These experiences can shape your career from the very beginning.