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Graduate Materials Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Materials Analyst, Microscopy

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$26.25 - $32.50/hr

... graduate level. * B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science & Engineering or related field , or equivalent handson industry experience. * Handson experience operating Dual Beam FIBSEM systems , OR strong ...

Materials Analyst, Microscopy

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$26.25 - $32.50/hr

... graduate level. * B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science & Engineering or related field , or equivalent handson industry experience. * Handson experience operating Dual Beam FIBSEM systems , OR strong ...

Materials Analyst, Microscopy

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$26.25 - $32.50/hr

... graduate level. * B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science & Engineering or related field , or equivalent hands-on industry experience. * Hands-on experience operating Dual Beam FIB-SEM systems , OR strong ...

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Graduate Materials Science information

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How much do graduate materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Materials Science position, 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 are the career opportunities in materials science?

Graduates in materials science can pursue careers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and healthcare, working as materials engineers, research scientists, quality assurance specialists, or product developers. These roles often require knowledge of materials properties, testing methods, and proficiency with tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, with opportunities for advancement into management or specialized research positions.

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.

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.

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 tasks like developing new materials, analyzing material properties, and improving manufacturing processes. Graduates can work in industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, or energy, utilizing skills in microscopy, spectroscopy, and computer-aided design. Certification and familiarity with laboratory equipment and industry standards enhance job prospects.

What is a Graduate Materials Science job?

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 jobs can I get with a materials science degree?

A materials science degree qualifies graduates for roles such as materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, and product development engineer. These positions often involve working with metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites, and may require knowledge of testing methods, CAD software, and laboratory techniques.
What cities are hiring for Graduate Materials Science jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Materials Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Materials Science jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Materials Science jobs are:
What states have the most Graduate Materials Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Materials Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Materials Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Materials Science jobs are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Materials Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,973 per year, or $59.6 per hour.
Experimental Materials Scientist / Engineer

Experimental Materials Scientist / Engineer

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The mission of the Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group in the Advanced Technology Division is to research and develop a broad array of electronic, electro-optic, and RF materials and devices to develop leap-ahead capability in support of national security. Our materials research enterprise spans the materials development cycle from computation and theory to growth, processing, and characterization, and complements RF, imager, and quantum computing technology development in the division.
Job Description
The Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks a technical staff to spearhead and grow the enterprise focused on experimental materials development for critical national security applications. Initial focus will be on new materials for microelectronics, including wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as the growth and doping of cubic boron nitride on diamond. Additional responsibilities will include the development of experimental methods as part of the AI-enabled rapid materials discovery team. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen and strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Occasional travel is required to meet with sponsors and participate in professional conferences.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and conduct hands-on experimental research in advanced materials synthesis, processing, and characterization
  • Help develop and execute a strategic roadmap for the materials enterprise, aligning experimental research with national security priorities
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for the new material synthesis and processing thrust of the AI-enabled rapid material discovery program
  • Define and propose new research and development opportunities with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry
  • Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting to meet organizational and sponsor objectives
  • Lead, mentor, and participate in multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration
  • Write and publish technical reports, manuscripts, and proposals detailing research methods, findings, and strategic implications.

Requirements
  • PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated ability to create, fabricate, and analyze materials for specific applications and use cases
  • Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and build teams
  • Active or eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills, including ability to communicate experimental results to experts and non-experts, government sponsors, and internal stakeholders
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

Desired Skills
  • Demonstrated ability to grow and process thin-film electronic materials
  • Thorough understanding of wide band gap semiconductor materials and their associated processing methods
  • Growth and processing expertise in cubic boron nitride (c-BN), diamond, or established and emerging wide-bandgap semiconductors
  • Expertise in material growth reactor and processing tool design and fabrication
  • Expertise in a broad array of inorganic material systems
  • Familiarity with computational materials science with linkage to experimental methods
  • Familiarity with semiconductor device physics
  • Experience in successfully guiding and leading interdisciplinary technical programs
  • Experience defining and executing technology roadmaps
  • Six or more years of post-graduate experience as an experimental materials researcher

Expertise outside the named disciplines will be considered for exceptional candidates
Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000
Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID: 42457