Materials management engineer, machine

What does a materials management engineer in mechanical engineering do? – Tasks and work environment

A materials management engineer within mechanical engineering plays a central role in the industrial production chain. Their tasks mainly involve planning, optimizing, and monitoring material flows from suppliers to production and further to finished products. This involves close collaboration with purchasing, production, logistics, and sometimes development departments to ensure the right materials are in the right place at the right time. The role also includes working with inventory management systems, analyzing material needs, and implementing measures to minimize waste and improve efficiency. The work environment is often office-based but can also include work in production or at supplier visits, requiring good communication skills and an analytical approach.

Salary development over time

The salary for materials management engineers in mechanical engineering has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,500 SEK per month, which increased to 49 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 52 000 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 9.5% over three years. This trend reflects strong demand for technical expertise and increasing complexity in material flows within industry. The development is driven mainly by digitalization, automation, and a greater focus on sustainability, which require engineers to have specialized knowledge and higher education levels. The salary increase also indicates competition for qualified professionals within the field.

Materials management engineer, mechanical engineering salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 52 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 47,800 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
• Highest salary: 63,000 SEK/month (male, employed in private sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 313 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 49 900 SEK (95% of men's salary at 52 700 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and proximity to major industrial clusters

Education and qualifications

To work as a materials management engineer in mechanical engineering, a Master of Science in Engineering with specialization in mechanical engineering, industrial economics, or logistics is usually required. The education typically takes five years at university or college. Practical experience through trainee programs or internships during studies is highly meritorious. Additional qualifications such as certifications in logistics or production management can enhance competitiveness on the job market.

• Master of Science in Engineering: Mechanical engineering, industrial economics, or logistics (5 years)
• Certifications: Examples include APICS, Lean, Six Sigma
• Internships: Recommended during studies to increase employability
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and mathematics/physics at high school level
• Courses: Production logistics, inventory management, statistics, and IT systems

Common benefits and compensation

Materials management engineers in mechanical engineering are often offered attractive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. Other common compensations include performance bonuses linked to company results, subsidized lunches, and continuing education at the employer's expense. The extent of benefits may vary depending on the employer and region.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a materials management engineer in mechanical engineering is generally moderate but can be higher in attractive regions or with leading industrial companies. One of the biggest challenges is staying updated with rapid technological development and digitalization of material flows. The profession's complexity requires continuous skills development, especially in IT systems, data-driven analysis, and sustainability work. At the same time, recruitment difficulties are reported, which strengthens opportunities for qualified candidates. Employee turnover is relatively high as many leave the profession for other roles in industry, creating both opportunities and challenges for employers and employees.

Tips for those who want to become a materials management engineer in mechanical engineering

To succeed as a materials management engineer in mechanical engineering, it is good to have an analytical ability and an interest in problem-solving, which facilitates optimizing complex material flows. Being communicative and able to collaborate with different departments is crucial, as the role involves many contacts and often requires coordinating several projects simultaneously. Precision and structure are important qualities for managing large data sets and detailed processes. It is recommended to gain experience early through internships or summer jobs in industry to understand production realities. Continuing education in logistics and digital tools enhances competitiveness. Finally, curiosity and willingness to learn new technical solutions are a great asset in a profession that changes rapidly.

Key facts about materials management engineers in mechanical engineering

• Educational level: Master of Science in Engineering (5 years)
• Work environment: Office-based, often combined with production
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Gender distribution: Men dominate, but the proportion of women is increasing
• Job vacancies: 564 within the profession in Sweden

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a materials management engineer in mechanical engineering, opportunities open to advance to roles such as production manager, logistics manager, or supply chain specialist. Many also choose to further develop in project management or quality improvement. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that demand for Master of Science in Engineering in mechanical engineering is expected to remain high and unchanged over the next five years. Despite an available pool of educated engineers, recruitment difficulties persist, indicating good future prospects for those choosing the profession. Technological development and increased demands for sustainable solutions also drive the need for deeper knowledge and new specializations.

Frequently asked questions about materials management engineers in mechanical engineering

• What does a materials management engineer, mechanical engineering earn?
  - The average salary is 52 000 SEK per month, but it can vary between 47,800 SEK and 63,000 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a materials management engineer?
  - A Master of Science in Engineering in mechanical engineering, industrial economics, or logistics is most common.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What is the job market like for materials management engineers?
  - Forecasts show great opportunities for employment and continued high demand in the coming years.
• What tasks are included in the role?
  - Planning, optimization, and follow-up of material flows, collaboration with various departments, and development of efficient logistics solutions.
• What are common career paths?
  - Advancement to managerial roles within production, logistics, or project management is common.
• What is the work environment like?
  - The work environment is mostly office-based but can also include work in production.