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Associate Materials Engineer Jobs in Brookfield, IL

Koch Industries

Associate Innovation Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Your Job The Associate Innovation Engineer drives the development and application of advanced ... Materials Innovation & Technology Development Lead investigations into material behavior ...

Sasser

Materials Supervisor

East Chicago, IN · On-site

Key functional groups include customers, engineers, estimators, supply vendors, production ... Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school. * 3-5 years of ...

Sasser, Inc.

Materials Supervisor

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Key functional groups include customers, engineers, estimators, supply vendors, production ... Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school.* 3-5 years of ...

Parsons

Associate Roadway Engineer

Chicago, IL

$26.59 - $46.54/hr

... calculations, material quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and schedules. * Assist with the ... associate with engineering. * Strong communication skills and ability to effectively communicate ...

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All JobsAssociate Materials Engineer JobsAssociate Materials Engineer Jobs in Brookfield, IL

Associate Materials Engineer information

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How much do associate materials engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate materials engineer in Brookfield, IL is $21.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate materials engineer?

Associate Materials Engineers are early-career professionals who assist in the development, testing, and evaluation of materials used in a variety of products and industries. They work under the supervision of more experienced engineers and help analyze the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to ensure they meet specific engineering requirements. Their responsibilities typically include conducting experiments, collecting data, preparing reports, and supporting the design and improvement of new materials. This role is often a stepping stone to more senior engineering positions and provides foundational experience in materials science and engineering applications.

What types of projects does an associate materials engineer typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other departments?

Associate Materials Engineers often work on projects involving material selection, testing, and analysis for new or existing products. They regularly collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards. Day-to-day tasks may include conducting laboratory experiments, preparing technical reports, and troubleshooting material-related issues in production. This collaborative environment allows for ongoing learning and provides exposure to various stages of product development, supporting career growth within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate materials engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Materials Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, CAD software, and materials characterization techniques—such as SEM or XRD—is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in problem-solving and cross-functional projects. These competencies are crucial for developing, testing, and improving materials that meet industry standards and project requirements.

What is the difference between Associate Materials Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectAssociate Materials EngineerMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in materials science or engineering; some roles may require internshipsBachelor's or master's degree; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects in manufacturing or R&D labsMore independent roles, overseeing projects and testing in labs or production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries for entry-level rolesCommon in similar industries, often with more responsibilities and project oversight

The main difference is experience and responsibility level. Associate Materials Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting roles, while Materials Engineers have more experience, overseeing projects and making technical decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Materials Engineers often hold professional certifications and have greater independence in their work.

Are associate materials engineers in high demand?

Associate materials engineers are in steady demand due to their role in developing and testing materials for industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and construction. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as companies seek expertise in materials selection, quality control, and sustainability practices, often requiring knowledge of materials testing tools and certifications.

What cities near Brookfield, IL are hiring for Associate Materials Engineer jobs?

Cities near Brookfield, IL with the most Associate Materials Engineer job openings:

Associate Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Materials Engineer job openings in Brookfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,823 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Associate Innovation Engineer

Koch Industries

Lisle, IL • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Your Job
The Associate Innovation Engineer drives the development and application of advanced materials, testing methodologies, and engineering solutions to support product innovation, reliability, manufacturing excellence, and business growth. This role partners with product engineering, manufacturing, quality, and innovation teams to solve complex technical challenges, accelerate technology development, and generate reusable knowledge that creates long-term competitive advantage for Molex.
What You Will Do
  • Materials Innovation & Technology Development Lead investigations into material behavior, performance, and reliability across metals, polymers, plating, and emerging materials.
  • Develop and execute experimental plans and material digital twins to evaluate new materials, processes, and technologies.
  • Support strategic innovation initiatives by identifying and validating technologies that improve product performance, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness.
  • Contribute technical expertise to innovation projects from concept through implementation.
  • Engineering Analysis & Problem Solving Conduct structured root cause analysis and failure investigations using engineering and scientific methods.
  • Perform material characterization and laboratory evaluation using microscopy, mechanical testing, and related analytical techniques as suited.
  • Apply statistical methods and data analysis to identify trends, quantify risks, and support decision-making.
  • Use simulation and modeling tools to model product performance and validate design decisions.
  • Material Validation & Testing Design, execute, and interpret product and material validation testing.
  • Develop test methods, protocols, and acceptance criteria to ensure reliable performance.
  • Support verification and validation activities in partnership with product engineering teams.
  • Document test results and communicate technical recommendations clearly to stakeholders.
  • Knowledge & Capability Development Capture, organize, and share technical knowledge to strengthen Molex engineering capabilities.
  • Develop technical guidance, best practices, and training materials for engineers and technical teams.
  • Contribute to enterprise knowledge systems and material intelligence initiatives.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with product development, manufacturing, supplier quality, operations, digital and business teams to address technical challenges.
  • Provide materials and testing expertise during product development programs.
  • Collaborate with external suppliers, laboratories, universities, and industry partners as appropriate.
  • Influence technical decisions through data-driven recommendations and sound engineering judgment.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Knowledge and expertise in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science or a related technical field.
  • Experience in materials characterization, product testing, manufacturing, or engineering development.
  • Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
  • Experience in using experimental design to support engineering decisions.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and technical documentation skills.

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Machine learning, AI, or data science applications in engineering and materials development.
  • Digital engineering, simulation automation, and model-based engineering.
  • Experience in leading enterprise innovation, technology roadmaps, or strategic R&D initiatives.
  • Statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and interpretation of engineering data using tools such as Minitab or equivalent platforms Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and simulation-driven engineering fundamentals.

For this role, we anticipate paying $60,000 - $80,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
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