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Graduate Materials Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PM Group

Graduate Electrical Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Overview The Graduate Electrical Engineer position is an exciting opportunity to join PM Group ... Research Electrical / utility materials and methods as required * Assist with design development of ...

MS Aerospace

Be Seen First

Quality Inspector

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

High School graduate or equivalent. Basic math and reading skills Reporting Relationships: Will ... Materials Engineer Evaluates materials and develops machinery and processes to manufacture ...

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Graduate Materials Engineer information

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$91.4K

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How much do graduate materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate materials engineer in California is $91,426.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the graduate materials engineer position, and why are they important?

A Graduate Materials Engineer typically needs a degree in materials science, engineering, or a related discipline, coupled with strong analytical, problem-solving, and laboratory skills. Familiarity with characterization tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and CAD software is highly advantageous. Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management skills help graduates thrive in multidisciplinary engineering environments. These combined skills are critical to effectively investigate and improve material properties, contribute to innovative projects, and support organizational goals.

What can I do with a master's in graduate materials engineering?

A master's in materials engineering prepares graduates for roles such as materials engineer, research scientist, or quality control specialist in industries like aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing. It provides skills in materials characterization, testing, and analysis, often requiring knowledge of tools like CAD software and laboratory techniques. Career advancement may involve obtaining professional certifications or pursuing further research or management positions.

Are graduate materials engineers in high demand?

Graduate materials engineers are in moderate demand, especially in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing that require expertise in materials selection, testing, and analysis. Employment opportunities often depend on industry growth, technological advancements, and the engineer's skills in CAD, materials testing, and certifications like ASM or NACE.

Is a master's in materials engineering worth it?

A master's in materials engineering can enhance a graduate materials engineer's technical knowledge, research skills, and competitiveness for advanced roles or specialized positions. It may also lead to higher salaries and opportunities in research, development, or management, but the value depends on career goals and industry demand.

What is a graduate materials engineer?

A Graduate Materials Engineer is an entry-level role where you apply your knowledge of materials science to develop, test, and improve materials used in various industries. You may work with metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites to enhance product performance and durability. Typical responsibilities include conducting research, analyzing material properties, assisting in manufacturing processes, and ensuring quality control. This role provides hands-on experience and technical training, helping you develop expertise in material selection and failure analysis. It often serves as a foundation for career growth in engineering, research, or product development.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a graduate materials engineer?

As a Graduate Materials Engineer, you can expect to spend your days conducting laboratory tests, analyzing material performance, preparing reports, and assisting with research and development projects. You will often collaborate with senior engineers, production teams, and quality control staff to troubleshoot issues or optimize materials for specific applications. Your role may also involve reviewing technical documentation, maintaining testing equipment, and participating in team meetings to discuss project progress. This hands-on, collaborative environment provides valuable experience and fosters growth in both technical and professional skills.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Materials Engineer jobs in California? For Graduate Materials Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Materials Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Materials Engineer jobs in California are:
Graduate Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Materials 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 $91,426 per year, or $44 per hour.

Associate Dean, Engineering Research and Industry Engagement

CalPolyPomona

Pomona, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Associate Dean, Engineering Research and Industry Engagement

Apply now Job no: 557940
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Pomona
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Associate Dean, Engineering Research and Industry Engagement 
College of Engineering 
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona 

The College of Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona invites applications for the full-time management position of Associate Dean, Engineering Research and Industry Engagement (MPP III). 

Cal Poly Pomona is recognized as one of the most diverse regional universities in the Western United States and offers an affordable, life-changing education. Less than 30 miles east of Los Angeles, the campus enjoys the excitement of a diverse metropolitan area while retaining the serenity of a foothill community. As a polytechnic university, Cal Poly Pomona utilizes a technology-enhanced, learn-by-doing approach to education. Students enjoy endless opportunities for involvement in a vibrant and diverse community. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Poly Pomona is nationally recognized for advancing student success and social mobility. 

The College 

The mission of the College of Engineering is to produce well-qualified engineering graduates who are ready for immediate and productive entry into the workforce or for graduate study. The College provides practice-oriented education grounded in sound engineering principles while emphasizing teamwork, communication, innovation, and leadership in a global society. 

The College serves approximately 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students across seven departments and offers  twelve Bachelor of Science degree programs in Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanical Systems Technology, and Electronic Systems Engineering Technology. Graduate programs include Master of Science degrees in Aerospace Engineering , Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Engineering. Undergraduate programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) or Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET. 

The College of Engineering is committed to strengthening its research enterprise, expanding industry and government partnerships, and advancing inclusive excellence in support of student and faculty success. 

The Position 

The Associate Dean for Research and Industry Engagement (AD/RIE) works closely with the Dean to provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction to advance the College's research agenda and cultivate productive partnerships with industry, government, and academic collaborators. The Associate Dean supports faculty recruitment, development, and research advancement; oversees research-related facilities and technical staff; and represents the College in internal and external forums. 

The Associate Dean reports directly to the Dean of the College of Engineering and collaborates with College leadership, department chairs, faculty, staff, Academic Affairs, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and other internal and external stakeholders to achieve the College's strategic goals. 

Key Responsibilities 

Research Leadership 

  • Partner with faculty to shape, strengthen, and submit competitive research proposals that advance scholarly impact and external funding success. 

  • Serve as a strategic liaison between the College and key research partners, including the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, and the Office of Undergraduate Research. 

  • Cultivate collaborative, interdisciplinary grant activity within the College and across campus to expand undergraduate and graduate research opportunities. 

  • Proactively identify and promote internal and external funding opportunities aligned with faculty expertise, emerging research areas, and College priorities. 

  • Design and launch a Dean's Research Seminar Series that showcases faculty scholarship, fosters connection, and elevates the College's research profile. 

  • Collaborate closely with the College senior budget analyst to support responsible stewardship of grant funds and sustainable research growth. 

Industry and Government Engagement 

  • Build strong, forwardlooking partnerships with government organizations, industry partners, and alumni, to deepen engagement. 

  • Collaborate closely with the Dean, department chairs, college development officers, and career services to cultivate strategic partnerships that advance research, workforce development, and student success 

  • Expand sponsored research, crosssector collaboration, and experiential learning opportunities in partnership with industry and government stakeholders. 

Technical Staff Supervision 

  • Serve as  manager for approximately nine equipment technicians who support teaching and research laboratories. 

  • Maintain position descriptions; hire and evaluate technical staff; manage professional development; oversee absence management; and liaise with Human Resources on personnel matters. 

  • Ensure the safe operation, maintenance, and modernization of laboratory equipment and research infrastructure. 

Technology, Facilities and Space Planning 

  • Collaborate with Facilities, Information Technology, and campus partners to oversee the renovation, repurposing, and modernization of instructional and research spaces, including technologyenabled environments and high-performance computing infrastructure. 

  • Provide strategic direction on the allocation of physical and technologysupported space resources to departments, faculty researchers, and student groups. 

  • Work with department chairs and stakeholders to assess needs and recommend adjustments to ensure effective and equitable space utilization. 

Internal and External Relations  

  • Participate in the Dean's Leadership Team, Dean's Council, and other campus and college committees. 

  • Represent the College in systemwide and external engineering research leadership groups. 

  • Engage regularly with Academic Affairs and Faculty Affairs leadership regarding research and faculty advancement initiatives. 

The incumbent may drive on university business approximately once per month to attend conferences and off-campus events. 

Required Qualifications 

  • Earned Ph.D. in Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution. 

  • Must have achieved tenure or have a record to support tenure based on effective teaching, scholarship, and service that merits appointment at the full professor level in the College of Engineering. 

  • Minimum of two years of leadership experience (e.g., department chair, associate chair, center director, interim leadership positions, or major committee chair). 

  • Knowledge of government and industrial funding sources and a successful record of research funding. 

  • Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives, build collaborative teams, and respond effectively to deadlines. 

  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Knowledge of and experience in fiscal management and compliance with federal regulations and oversight of grants and contracts. 

  • Knowledge and experience in managing intellectual property rights and entrepreneurial opportunities, including a record of entrepreneurial attainment.  

  • Experience in planning, implementing, and sustaining comprehensive research centers or programs. 

  • Research funding from major federal agencies such as NSF, DOE, and DOD. 

  • Experience in partnering with industry and business. 

  • Experience with faculty professional development and mentoring. 

  • A demonstrated commitment to the recruitment and retention of a culturally diverse and talented faculty and student body. 

  • Experience working with students from varied educational backgrounds, including firstgeneration college students. 

Applications 

The Search Committee will begin reviewing candidates immediately and continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to materials received by August 7, 2026. 

To apply, a candidate should submit: 

  1. A letter of intent addressing how the candidate's experiences match the position requirements and outlining a vision for advancing research and industry engagement in the College; and 

  1. A current curriculum vitae

References will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and approval of the candidate, and at a later stage in the search. 

The salary range for this position is $173,520-$185,004 annually. More information about benefits is available through the California State University system. 

This is a full-time, on-site MPP III position in the College of Engineering.

Out of State Work

The California State University (CSU) system is a network of twenty-three public universities providing access to a quality education through the support of California taxpayers. Part of CSU's mission is to prepare educated, responsible individuals to contribute to California's schools, economy, culture, and future. As an agency of the State of California, the CSU's business operations almost exclusively reside within California.   The CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. For more information, go to the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy. 

Background Check

Cal Poly Pomona will make a conditional offer of employment to final job candidates, pending the satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). The conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. In determining the suitability of the candidate for the position, Cal Poly Pomona will give an individualized assessment to any information that the applicant submits for consideration regarding the criminal conviction history such as the nature, gravity and recency of the conviction, the candidate's conduct, performance or rehabilitation efforts since the conviction and the nature of the job applied for. For more information, go to the CSU Background Check Policy.

Education Code 89521 Requirements
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

CSU Classification Salary Range

This position is part of the Management Personnel Plan bargaining unit. The CSU Classification Standards for this position are located on the CSU Classification Standards website. The CSU Salary Schedule is located on the CSU Salary Schedule website. Please refer to the anticipated hiring range for the appropriate salary rate for this particular position.

Employment Eligibility Verification

Cal Poly Pomona hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.  For more information, go to the Acceptable I-9 website. 

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