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Technical Product Manager

Woburn, MA · On-site +1

$200K - $225K/yr

This role requires deep literacy in computational materials science and AI4Science to coordinate strategy across our research, engineering, and materials teams. As the Technical Product Manager, you ...

Socket.dev

Technical Product Manager

Woburn, MA · On-site

$200 - $225/hr

This role requires deep literacy in computational materials science and AI4Science to coordinate strategy across our research, engineering, and materials teams. As the Technical Product Manager, you ...

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Computational Materials Science information

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$142.5K

$168.8K

$192.5K

How much do computational materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for computational materials science in the United States is $168,844.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,500.00 and $182,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computational materials scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computational Materials Scientist, you need a solid background in materials science, physics, or chemistry, often with a graduate degree and experience in scientific computing. Proficiency with simulation software (such as VASP, LAMMPS, or Quantum ESPRESSO), programming languages (like Python, C++, or Fortran), and familiarity with high-performance computing systems is typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for designing, executing, and interpreting complex simulations and for translating computational insights into real-world materials innovations.

What is the difference between Computational Materials Science vs Materials Engineer?

AspectComputational Materials ScienceMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a PhD or Master's in materials science, physics, or chemistryBachelor's or Master's in materials engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, or R&D departments focusing on simulations and modelingManufacturing plants, design offices, or product development teams
Industry UsagePrimarily in research, academia, and advanced R&D projectsProduction, quality control, and product development in manufacturing industries
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Computational Materials Science focuses on using computer simulations and modeling to understand and predict material behavior, often requiring advanced degrees. Materials Engineers work on designing, testing, and improving materials in practical applications, usually with a bachelor's or master's degree. While both roles are integral to materials development, Computational Materials Science is more research-oriented, whereas Materials Engineering emphasizes application and production.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in computational materials science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Computational Materials Science often encounter challenges such as dealing with large datasets, managing the complexity of multi-scale simulations, and ensuring the accuracy of computational models. Addressing these challenges typically involves staying updated on the latest simulation software, collaborating closely with experimental teams to validate results, and developing strong programming and data analysis skills. Effective communication and interdisciplinary teamwork are also key, as projects often require input from chemists, physicists, and engineers to achieve successful outcomes.

What are computational materials science jobs?

Jobs in computational materials science include academic and research positions in university settings. You can also find positions in the manufacturing industry. As a research scientist in computational materials science, your duties are to develop hypotheses and test them using computational modeling software and a variety of investigatory tools, such as Monte Carlo algorithms, density function theory, phase field models, and finite element methods. Your responsibilities include gathering data, testing modeling software, collaborating with other researchers to develop tools that aid them in their research, and analyzing data to write reports, journal articles, or presentations for conferences.

What is computational materials science?

Computational materials science is a field that uses computer-based simulations and modeling to understand, predict, and design the properties and behaviors of materials. Researchers use mathematical models, algorithms, and high-performance computing to study materials at the atomic, molecular, or macroscopic level. This approach allows scientists to accelerate the discovery of new materials, optimize existing ones, and investigate phenomena that may be difficult or expensive to study experimentally.

Is computational chemistry a good career?

Computational chemistry is a valuable field within computational materials science, involving the use of computer simulations and modeling to study chemical systems. It offers opportunities in research, pharmaceuticals, and materials development, often requiring skills in programming, chemistry, and physics. The career can be rewarding with a strong job outlook, especially for those with advanced degrees and expertise in simulation tools and data analysis.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Computational Materials Science jobs?

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What states have the most Computational Materials Science jobs?

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Computational Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computational Materials Science job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,844 per year, or $81.2 per hour.

Research Scientist, Computational Condensed Matter Physics

Lila Sciences

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$176K - $304K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Your Impact at LILA
Your role will involve applying computational condensed matter physics and electronic structure expertise to accelerate materials discovery, optimization, and understanding. You will use first-principles modeling, atomistic simulations, scientific machine learning, and agentic AI systems to investigate complex materials with direct relevance to superconductors, quantum materials, or electronic devices.
You will work at the intersection of physics-based simulation, AI/ML, and autonomous scientific workflows. The focus is on using computational insight to identify promising materials, explain structure-property relationships, guide optimization, and help agents reason over simulation and experimental data in scientifically grounded ways.
This is a hands-on research role for someone who can connect deep condensed matter and electronic structure expertise with practical materials discovery impact. You will collaborate with computational scientists, AI researchers, software engineers, and experimental teams to turn simulations, models, and scientific reasoning into actionable hypotheses and discovery workflows.
What You'll Be Building
  • Apply computational condensed matter physics to materials discovery and optimization.
  • Use computational physics methods (such as electronic structure and phonon calculations) to study quantum materials, superconductors and electronic devices.
  • Connect simulation outputs to experimental observations and develop workflows that close the loop between computation and experiment.
  • Build predictive models from computational and experimental data to guide materials selection and optimization.
  • Analyze simulation and experimental data to generate actionable materials hypotheses.
  • Partner with ML, software, and experimental teams on discovery workflows.
  • Communicate physical insights, model limitations, and recommendations to collaborators.

What You'll Need to Succeed
  • PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
  • Strong foundation in computational condensed matter physics, electronic structure, or atomistic simulation.
  • Deep understanding of electronic-structure theory (quantum chemistry, DFT, beyond-DFT methods, etc.) and their application to electronic, magnetic, or quantum materials.
  • Experience applying first-principles or atomistic methods to materials discovery, optimization, or understanding.
  • Familiarity with superconductors, quantum materials, electronic materials, semiconductors, or device-relevant materials systems.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and scientific computing workflows.

Bonus Points For
  • Experience working with amorphous materials, vibrational properties calculations and advanced electronic structure methods.
  • Experience applying AI/ML to computational materials science or physics-based simulation data.
  • Familiarity with agentic AI systems, autonomous scientific workflows, or simulation-aware agents.
  • Background working with quantum materials, superconductors, semiconductors, or electronic device materials.
  • Experience integrating computational predictions with experimental characterization, device measurements, or closed-loop optimization workflows.
  • Ability to communicate physical insight, uncertainty, and model limitations to cross-functional collaborators.

Compensation
We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity. Your final offer will reflect your background, expertise, and expected impact.
U.S. Benefits. Full-time U.S. employees receive a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; flexible time off with generous company wide holidays; paid parental leave; an educational assistance program; commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office based employees; and a company subsidized lunch program.
International Benefits. Full-time employees outside the U.S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.-based positions; international salaries are set to local market.
Expected Base Salary Range
$176,000-$304,000 USD
About LILA
Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges. We believe science is the most inspiring frontier for AI. Rather than hard-coding expert knowledge into tools, LILA builds systems that can learn for themselves.
LILA combines advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments into an operating system for science that executes the entire scientific method autonomously, accelerating discovery at unprecedented speed, scale, and impact across medicine, materials, and energy. Learn more at www.lila.ai.
Guided by our core values of truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity, we move with startup speed while tackling problems of historic importance. If this sounds like an environment you'd love to work in, even if you don't meet every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.
We're All In
Lila Sciences is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
Information you provide during your application process will be handled in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Policy.
A Note to Agencies
Lila Sciences does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lila Sciences or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lila Science's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lila Sciences, and Lila Sciences will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

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