Getting a Job in Simulation/Modelling with a MSc in Material Science

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around seeking advice for securing a job in the simulation or modeling industry with a Master's degree in Material Science and Engineering. Participants explore the relevance of educational background, experience with simulation software, and potential career paths in engineering fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Career advice

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to transition into a simulation career, highlighting their experience with composites and simulation software like Ansys and Catia.
  • Another participant notes that many engineers use Ansys, suggesting that it may not be the sole focus of a career in simulation.
  • A different participant emphasizes that the effectiveness of a Master's degree in aiding a career depends on its topic and scope, alongside relevant experience.
  • Participants mention other simulation tools such as ABAQUS and COMSOL, indicating that the quality of analyses is contingent on accurate input data and models.
  • One participant shares their internship experience in a simulation department, detailing the use of CAD models and ANSYS for various calculations, and suggests that large engineering companies offer numerous job opportunities in simulation.
  • Another participant questions the undergraduate background of the original poster, linking materials science and engineering to mechanical and chemical engineering fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the relevance of a Master's degree in Material Science for a career in simulation, with no clear consensus on the best path forward. Some emphasize the importance of experience and software proficiency, while others highlight the educational background.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various simulation tools and their applications, but there are no detailed discussions on specific job requirements or industry expectations. The conversation reflects a range of experiences and perspectives without resolving the best approach to entering the field.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals with a background in material science, mechanical engineering, or chemical engineering who are interested in pursuing careers in simulation or modeling industries.

Arceus74
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Hey guys,

I am looking for any insights for getting a job in the simulation or modelling industry with a Masters in Material Science and Engineering. I have worked with composites during my masters and found out I don't have much interest in doing lab testing. I don't have any plans of doing a Phd either.

I have worked with simulations using Ansys and Catia during my undergrad as a mechanical student and feel I can try for a career with it. Any ideas how my current masters degree would help?

Thank you for your time.
 
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Plenty of engineers use Ansys. I am not sure there are many who only do Ansys.
 
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Arceus74 said:
I have worked with simulations using Ansys and Catia during my undergrad as a mechanical student and feel I can try for a career with it. Any ideas how my current masters degree would help?
How well your current MS degree helps your career depends on the topic/scope of the degree. One's experience should also be a factor.

Besides ANSYS and Catia, there are other systems, ABAQUS, COMSOL, and others. Of course, the analyses are only as good as the inputs and models. The model are only goods at the experimental data in which material properties, e.g., elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, yield and tensile strength, etc., are measured.

Computational chemistry and computational physics (including mechanical analyses) are used extensively in many industries.
 
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I did an internship in a large German automotive supplier. It was a simulation department. Their main job was to create and modify CAD models of industrial drives, and use ANSYS to simulate all kinds of quantities. At my time there, we mostly did calculations of eigenfrequencies and oscillation modes. They also used Matlab quite a bit.

If you check large engineering companies, there should be plenty of job opportunities focused on simulation. The more working knowledge you bring to the table, the better. If you feel you need to boost your chances, I would try to get a free student version of one of these CAD or simulation packages and try to build something on my own.
 
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So, do you have an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering?
Materials science and engineering is related to chemical engineering.
I would search in areas related to mechanical and chemical engineering.
 

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