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Glass Science Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Redolent, Inc.

Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Description: (Q4 Glass) The Software Engineer position will be responsible for hands-on development ... Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems - 2+ ...

Toyon

Software and Embedded Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

As one example, you could be involved with glass-to-glass camera system implementation. This may ... S. degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related ...

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Glass Science Engineer information

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$68.1K

$74K

$78.5K

How much do glass science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for glass science engineer in California is $74,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a glass science engineer do?

A glass science engineer researches and develops glass materials, focusing on improving properties such as strength, durability, and thermal resistance. They often work with specialized equipment, conduct experiments, analyze data, and may require knowledge of chemistry, materials science, and engineering principles to innovate and optimize glass products.

How much does a glass science engineer make?

Glass science engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those in specialized roles can earn higher salaries, often with opportunities for advancement and additional benefits.

What is a glass science engineer?

A Glass Science Engineer studies and develops glass materials for various applications, such as optics, electronics, and construction. They analyze the properties of glass, improve manufacturing processes, and design new glass compositions to enhance strength, durability, and performance. Their work involves research, testing, and collaboration with industries like automotive, aerospace, and healthcare to create innovative glass solutions.

What types of projects and teams do glass science engineers typically work with?

Glass Science Engineers commonly work on projects involving the development of new glass materials, improvement of manufacturing processes, or enhancement of product performance for industries like electronics, automotive, or construction. Teams often include other engineers, researchers, production specialists, and quality assurance professionals, requiring an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. Daily tasks might range from conducting lab experiments and analyzing material properties to troubleshooting production issues and presenting findings to stakeholders. These roles provide opportunities to lead innovation, participate in cross-functional projects, and contribute to advancements that have a real-world impact. Career growth often involves moving into project leadership, R&D management, or specialized technical roles as you gain expertise and experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a glass science engineer?

To excel as a Glass Science Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science or chemical engineering, with specialized knowledge in glass composition, properties, and processing, often supported by an advanced degree. Experience with laboratory instruments, glass testing equipment, and modeling software such as COMSOL or MATLAB, as well as familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ASTM), is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaboration skills are important for translating research into practical applications and working within interdisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure innovative product development, successful troubleshooting, and effective teamwork in the fast-evolving field of glass technology.

What are the most commonly searched types of Glass Science Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Glass Science Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Glass Science Engineer jobs in California? For Glass Science Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Glass Science Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Glass Science Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Glass Science Engineer jobs in CA? For Glass Science Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Glass Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Glass Science Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,017 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

AR Glass Substrate Expert - Glass Melting & High Index Glass Process Development

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$176K - $242K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Applied Materials rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

Who We Are
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Salary:
$176,000.00 - $242,000.00
Location:
Santa Clara,CA
You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.
About the Role
We are looking for a seasoned materials and process expert to lead the development of advanced glass substrates for AR/MR waveguides. This role combines deep knowledge of glass melting technology, high-refractive-index glass formulation, and precision thickness control with the ability to scale processes from R&D to high-volume manufacturing. You will work at the intersection of optics, materials science, and manufacturing innovation to enable next-generation immersive experiences.
Expertise
  • Glass Material Development
    • Research and develop high-index optical glass compositions optimized for AR applications.
    • Deep understanding of melting and forming processes to achieve superior optical properties and minimal defects.
  • Process Engineering
    • Design and implement thickness and flatness control strategies (TTV, wedge, transmitted wavefront).
    • Develop advanced metrology and SPC systems to ensure substrate quality.
  • Scale-Up & Manufacturing
    • Experience in transitioning lab-scale processes to 300 mm wafer platforms and high-volume production.
    • Collaborate with glass vendor, equipment vendors and suppliers to establish robust process windows with right cost structure.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Partner with optics, photonics, and hardware teams to integrate substrates into AR waveguide designs.
    • Drive co-optimization of materials, design, and process for efficiency and color uniformity.
  • Innovation & IP
    • Contribute to patents and internal best-practice documentation.
    • Stay ahead of industry trends and define next-generation substrate roadmaps.

Required Qualifications
  • Education: MS or PhD in Materials Science, Glass Science, Applied Physics, or related field.
  • Experience:
    • Proven expertise in glass melting and forming technologies.
    • Hands-on experience with high-index glass development and optical-grade substrate processing.
    • Familiarity with NIL vs. etched grating processes and AR waveguide integration.
  • Skills:
    • Strong understanding of refractive index engineering and optical performance metrics.
    • Proficiency in metrology for thickness, flatness, and transmitted wavefront.
    • Ability to scale processes from prototype to mass production.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with AR/MR waveguide substrates and thin-glass handling.
  • Knowledge of CMP/polishing, coatings, and surface quality optimization.
  • Background in supplier engagement and cost-performance trade-offs for large-scale glass manufacturing.

Why Join Us
You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AR optics by delivering ultra-flat, high-index glass substrates that meet stringent optical and manufacturing requirements. Your work will directly impact the performance and scalability of next-generation AR devices.
Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Yes, 10% of the Time
Relocation Eligible:
Yes
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Applied Materials

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We're the brain (and the brawn) behind every new technology development--whether it's building semiconductor chips for smartphones and computers, or the underpinnings for robotics, AI and even smart TV display screens. With 27,000 employees in 19 countries, we offer an exciting place to grow and learn alongside some of the best people you'll ever meet. We take deep pride in our Culture of Inclusion, and we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that help us build stronger, more resilient teams. Join us as we innovate to Make Possible a Better Future!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1967

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