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How much do graduate materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate materials science in the United States is $123,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate materials science?

A Graduate Materials Science job is an entry-level position for individuals with a degree in materials science or a related field. It typically involves research, development, and testing of materials to improve their properties and applications in industries like aerospace, electronics, or manufacturing. Responsibilities may include analyzing material structures, conducting experiments, and assisting in product development. These roles help graduates gain hands-on experience and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Materials Scientist, you typically need a degree in materials science, chemistry, or a related field, with strong analytical and laboratory skills. Familiarity with materials characterization tools (such as SEM, XRD, and spectroscopy), data analysis software, and laboratory safety certifications are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These qualities enable accurate experimental work, clear reporting, and productive collaboration, which are essential for driving innovation and ensuring quality in materials research.

What career progression can I expect as a graduate materials scientist?

As a Graduate Materials Scientist, you can expect to begin in a junior or support role, assisting with experiments, data analysis, and reporting. Over time, with experience and further training, you may progress to lead projects, specialize in a particular area (such as polymers, metals, or nanomaterials), or take on supervisory responsibilities. Many organizations offer mentorship, professional development programs, and opportunities to collaborate with cross-functional teams, which can accelerate your career growth. With continued advancement, you could move into senior scientist, research management, or even product development roles within academia, industry, or government research institutions.

Is a master's in materials science worth it?

A master's in materials science can enhance job prospects for roles such as materials engineer or research scientist by providing specialized knowledge in materials properties, processing, and testing. It often leads to higher-level positions, increased salary potential, and opportunities in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics.

Is material science in high demand?

Material science professionals, including graduate materials scientists, are in high demand across industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy due to ongoing innovations and the need for advanced materials. Skills in research, characterization techniques, and knowledge of emerging materials like composites and nanomaterials increase employability in this field.

What can you do with a master's in materials science?

A master's in materials science prepares individuals for roles such as materials engineer, research scientist, or quality control specialist, often involving testing, analysis, and development of materials like metals, polymers, and ceramics. Graduates can work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, or energy, utilizing skills in microscopy, spectroscopy, and computer-aided design. Certification and familiarity with laboratory equipment and industry standards enhance employment prospects.

What jobs can I get with a graduate materials science degree?

A graduate in materials science can pursue roles such as materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, or product development engineer. These positions often require knowledge of materials properties, testing methods, and proficiency with tools like CAD software and laboratory equipment.
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Graduate Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Materials Science 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 $123,973 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist

Cummins Inc.

Troy, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Cummins rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 266 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

We are looking for a talentedMaterials Science Engineering Technical Specialist to join ourEngineering team of Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems (CDBS) in Troy, MI. 

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

  • Drive DataBased Decisions: Apply advanced statistical methods-descriptive analytics, probability modeling, regression, DOE, and hypothesis testing-to deliver rigorous, evidencedriven recommendations that improve product and process outcomes. 
  • Strengthen Failure Prevention: Conduct thorough component failure analyses to identify true root causes, evaluate design and manufacturing intent, and recommend corrective actions that protect customers and prevent recurrence. 
  • Optimize Material & Process Selection: Evaluate component requirements and select the most appropriate materials and manufacturing routes, ensuring bestfit solutions that meet performance, cost, and reliability targets. 
  • Enhance Material Robustness: Perform mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property characterization to confirm compliance and correlate lab results with field performance, improving component durability and reliability. 
  • Improve Technical Knowledge Transfer: Produce clear, accurate technical documentation that captures learnings, supports decisionmaking, and enables efficient knowledge sharing across engineering, operations, and crossfunctional teams. 
  • Elevate CrossFunctional Collaboration: Build strong internal and external networks to accelerate problemsolving, align stakeholders, and ensure seamless communication across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams. 
  • Accelerate Problem Resolution: Apply structured problemsolving methodologies to identify assignable and systemic root causes, implement robust corrective actions, and mentor others in effective analytical approaches. 
  • Advance Organizational Effectiveness: Demonstrate strong decision quality, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage complexity-consistently driving results while valuing diverse perspectives and adapting to challenging circumstances. 
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.
  • Casting experience is preferred.
  • Position involves working with suppliers for PPAP andprocessimprovements.
  • Use of sectioning and sample preparation equipment.
  • Report writing is necessary.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

  • Deep Technical Expertise in Materials & Casting:A solid understanding of casting processes, material behavior, andmaterialprocessinginteractions to accurately diagnose issues,validatedesign intent, and make sound material and process selections.
  • Strong Analytical & Laboratory Skills:Proficiencywith sectioning, sample preparation, and material characterization equipment-along with the ability to interpret mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property data-to supportrootcauseanalysis and robustdecisionmaking.
  • Supplier Collaboration & PPAP/Process Improvement Capability:The ability to work effectively with suppliers on PPAP requirements, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring components meet specifications and quality standards.
  • Clear Technical Communication & Documentation:Strongreportwritingskills to document investigations, communicate findings, justify decisions, and supportcrossfunctionalalignment with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering.

Education, Licenses, Certifications:
College, university, or equivalentBachelor's degree in Engineeringorappropriate STEMfield is required.
Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may berequiredfor select roles.
This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Experience:
Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area isrequiredwith a demonstratedtrack recordof technical problem solving and quality decision making. Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.

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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919

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