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Material Characterization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ERC, Inc

Material Engineer IV

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Materials Engineer For more than 30 years, ERC has been delivering the advantage needed to solve ... Collect evidence of material properties by performing material characterization tasks including ...

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

Translate characterization results into clear material and process recommendations that improve efficiency, reliability, cost, and manufacturability * Partner with process engineering on DOEs and ...

ERC Inc.

Material Engineer IV

Huntsville, AL · On-site

In your role as a Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for collecting various evidence of material properties by performing various material characterization tasks including metallographic ...

ERC, Inc.

Material Engineer IV

Redstone Arsenal, AL · On-site

Job Title Material Engineer IV Career Level Experienced (Non-Manager) Job Type Full-Time Location ... characterization tasks including metallographic evaluations to determine microstructure ...

Qcells

Material Development Engineer

White, GA · On-site

Material Development Engineer Location: White, GA, USA Job Family / Function: Engineering ... Plan and execute material characterization using laboratory equipment such as FTIR, UV-Vis ...

Stoke Space

Materials & Process Engineer

Kent, WA · On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Design and execute material characterization programs: mechanical testing, environmental exposure ... Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics ...

MP Materials

Manager, Characterization

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, or a related technical field * 8+ years of experience in materials characterization, analytical laboratories, materials ...

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Material Characterization Engineer information

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$38K

$100.7K

$158K

How much do material characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for material characterization engineer in the United States is $100,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a material characterization engineer do?

A Material Characterization Engineer is responsible for analyzing and testing the properties and structures of different materials to determine their suitability for specific applications. They use advanced techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing to gather data on materials' physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics. Their findings help inform decisions in product design, quality control, research and development, and manufacturing processes. Material Characterization Engineers often work closely with materials scientists, engineers, and product developers to ensure materials meet required standards and specifications.

What are some common challenges material characterization engineers face when working with new or advanced materials?

Material Characterization Engineers often encounter challenges when analyzing new or advanced materials, such as nanomaterials or composites, due to their complex structures and unpredictable properties. Precise measurement and interpretation of data can be difficult, especially when using advanced instruments like electron microscopes or spectrometers. Collaboration with research scientists and manufacturing teams is essential to ensure accurate results and translate findings into practical applications. Staying current with evolving characterization techniques and industry standards is also crucial for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material characterization engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Material Characterization Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science or engineering, coupled with experience in analyzing the structure and properties of materials. Familiarity with techniques like SEM, TEM, XRD, and spectroscopy, as well as data analysis software, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret results and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are essential to ensure accurate material assessments, support product development, and drive innovation in manufacturing or research environments.

What is the difference between Material Characterization Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectMaterial Characterization EngineerMaterials Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fields; certifications varyBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsResearch labs, academic institutions, industrial R&D
Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, electronics, automotiveResearch, development, academia, industry
Primary FocusMaterial testing, analysis, and characterization techniquesMaterial development, properties, and application research

While both roles involve working with materials, Material Characterization Engineers focus on testing and analyzing material properties using specialized techniques, often in industrial settings. Materials Scientists typically engage in developing new materials and understanding their fundamental properties, often within research or academic environments.

What are popular job titles related to Material Characterization Engineer jobs?

For Material Characterization Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Material Characterization Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,738 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Material Engineer IV

Huntsville, AL • On-site

ERC, Inc
See more jobs at ERC, Incexternal

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Location: RWESS - Redstone Arsenal - Huntsville, AL 35808 US (Primary)

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Title: Materials Engineer

For more than 30 years, ERC has been delivering the advantage needed to solve our customers’ and the nation’s toughest challenges. ERC is a trusted partner to the Defense and Space communities. We provide the advanced engineering, innovative technology, and subject-matter expertise to deliver the mission results our customers need to keep the nation safe and secure. Our unique solutions enhance readiness, optimize performance, and help ensure success in the air, on the ground and in space.

In your role as a Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for collecting various evidence of material properties by performing various material characterization tasks including metallographic evaluations to determine microstructure, verification, and determination of alloy composition, and using various elemental analysis tools.

What you’ll do all day:
  • Collect evidence of material properties by performing material characterization tasks including metallographic evaluations to determine:
    • microstructure
    • verification
    • determination of alloy composition
    • using various elemental analysis tools
  • Support a variety of tests using established methods and procedures.
You will love this job if you:
  • Are a self-starter and require little oversight to complete given tasks
  • Enjoy a fast-paced work environment
  • Love working with diverse groups of individuals, including engineers and technicians
  • Are good at communicating with people
  • Have a positive attitude
Minimum requirements for this position:
  • Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Material Engineering from an accredited university and 9 years of combined engineering and technical experience, including 6 years of project experience; or a Master’s Degree in the designated technical area of specialization from an accredited university and 7 years of combined engineering and technical experience, including 4 years of project experience; or a PhD in Engineering in the appropriate area of specialization or related discipline from an accredited college/university and 5 years of applicable experience, including 2 years of project experience, performing engineering, analysis, and related functions in research, development, test and evaluation in support of military equipment and systems.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants)
What we offer:
  • Continuing education assistance.
  • 401K with employer matching.
  • Paid time off (PTO) along with federally recognized holiday schedule.
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