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Ceramics Materials Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MATERIALS ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is building the world's largest satellite constellation to ... Hands-on experience with metals, polymers, crystals, ceramics, coatings, or other process ...

Position Summary: The Materials Engineer will be responsible for developing, processing, and ... Will work with metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and other substances to analyze and perform ...

MATERIALS ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is building the world's largest satellite constellation to ... Hands-on experience with metals, polymers, crystals, ceramics, coatings, or other process ...

MATERIALS ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is building the world's largest satellite constellation to ... Hands‑on experience with metals, polymers, crystals, ceramics, coatings, or other process ...

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SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is building the world's largest satellite constellation ... Broad hands-on experience with metals, polymers, crystals, ceramics, coatings, adhesives, or other ...

As a Sr. Materials Engineer, you will own critical consumables that enable our end-to-end solar ... Broad hands-on experience with metals, polymers, crystals, ceramics, coatings, adhesives, or other ...

As a Sr. Materials Engineer, you will own critical consumables that enable our end-to-end solar ... Broad hands-on experience with metals, polymers, crystals, ceramics, coatings, adhesives, or other ...

Showing results 41-60

Ceramics Materials Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$92.6K

$118.5K

How much do ceramics materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for ceramics materials engineer in the United States is $92,639.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a ceramics materials engineer do?

A Ceramics Materials Engineer researches, develops, and tests materials made from ceramic compounds for use in a wide range of products, from electronics and medical devices to aerospace components and building materials. They focus on improving material properties such as strength, durability, and heat resistance. These engineers collaborate with scientists and manufacturers to create innovative ceramic solutions, solve technical challenges, and ensure product quality. They may also be involved in process optimization and quality control in manufacturing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ceramics materials engineer?

To thrive as a Ceramics Materials Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering, typically with a bachelor's or master's degree in materials or ceramics engineering. Familiarity with tools like scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and computer-aided design (CAD) software is commonly required, along with knowledge of industry standards and potential certifications. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills help engineers innovate and address technical challenges effectively. These competencies are essential for developing advanced ceramic materials that meet performance, cost, and safety requirements in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing.

What are some common challenges ceramics materials engineers face when working on new product development?

Ceramics Materials Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing material properties like strength, thermal resistance, and manufacturability while meeting cost and performance requirements. Developing new ceramic materials or products can also involve troubleshooting issues like impurities, inconsistent microstructures, or scaling up from laboratory to mass production. Close collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams is essential to address these challenges and ensure that prototypes meet both technical specifications and real-world application needs.

What is the difference between Ceramics Materials Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectCeramics Materials EngineerMaterials Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, production facilitiesResearch labs, academic institutions, corporate R&D
Industry UsageDesigning and testing ceramic materials for industrial applicationsStudying and developing various materials, including ceramics, metals, polymers

While both roles involve working with materials, Ceramics Materials Engineers focus specifically on ceramic materials in industrial settings, whereas Materials Scientists have a broader scope across various materials types and research environments.

Are ceramics materials engineers in demand?

Ceramics materials engineers are in demand in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare, where advanced ceramic materials are used for their durability and heat resistance. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as technology advances and new applications for ceramics develop, requiring skills in materials analysis, testing, and manufacturing processes.

How much does a ceramics materials engineer make?

Ceramics materials engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those working in specialized industries can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.
More about Ceramics Materials Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Ceramics Materials Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,639 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Materials Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
MATERIALS ENGINEER (STARLINK)
Starlink is building the world's largest satellite constellation to deliver fast, reliable internet to people who need it most-and powering that constellation starts on the factory floor. We are insourcing solar cell manufacturing end-to-end, from crystal growth and ingot production through wafering and cell fabrication to drive performance, cost, and scale at every step. High-efficiency, high-reliability cells made in-house are the backbone of the Starlink network: more photons in means more data out to customers around the world.
As a Materials Engineer, you will own the critical consumables that keep our ingot, wafer, and solar cell manufacturing lines running. You will take end-to-end ownership of materials used in production-partnering with supply chain on sourcing, driving material qualification, and handing off proven materials into high-volume manufacturing. We are looking for a general Materials Engineer who is excited about metals, polymers, crystals, and process consumables; solar experience is a plus, not a requirement. If you are passionate about solving hard problems, anchor your engineering judgment with first principles thinking, and are relentless about acting with urgency, this role is for you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own consumable materials used across ingot, wafer, and/or solar cell manufacturing lines-from initial sourcing and technical evaluation through qualification, production hand-off, and ongoing support.
  • Partner closely with supply chain to identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for critical process materials.
  • Define material requirements, specifications, and acceptance criteria in collaboration with process, quality, and production engineering teams.
  • Plan and execute material qualification campaigns, including characterization, process trials, and production-readiness assessments before hand-off to manufacturing.
  • Drive root cause to first principles and implement durable corrective actions.
  • Build deep technical understanding of material chemistry, microstructure, and process interactions for metals, polymers, crystals, and other consumables used in high-volume manufacturing.
  • Identify opportunities to improve material performance, cost, yield, and reliability through alternative materials, dual-sourcing strategies, or process changes.
  • Document qualification results, material specifications, and best practices.
  • Communicate status, risks, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional partners and leadership.
  • Champion a culture of safety and quality in all materials handling, testing, and production support activities.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or a STEM field.
  • 1+ years of experience in materials engineering, materials selection, process materials, or manufacturing materials support.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience with metals, polymers, crystals, ceramics, coatings, or other process consumables in a manufacturing or R&D environment.
  • Experience with material qualification, supplier development, or transitioning materials from development into production.
  • Familiarity with materials characterization techniques (e.g., SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, optical microscopy, mechanical or chemical property testing).
  • Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing environment and partnering with production, quality, and supply chain teams.
  • Strong first-principles problem solving and a demonstrated ability to dig deep on ambiguous materials challenges.
  • Passion for building, learning quickly, and owning outcomes end-to-end; thrives in a fast-paced, scrappy environment with tight timelines.
  • Effective written and interpersonal communication skills; able to convey technical concepts across all levels of the organization.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
  • Ability to stand/walk for extended periods on the manufacturing floor.
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US