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Material Characterization Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Experience with analytical equipment for optical/physical material characterization * Experience working from schematics, diagrams, written, and verbal descriptions, layouts or defined plans to ...

... material characterization equipment such as: metallographic preparation tools, optical and scanning electron microscopes, powder testing instruments, chemistry analysis tools, a tensile load frame ...

... material characterization equipment such as: metallographic preparation tools, optical and scanning electron microscopes, powder testing instruments, chemistry analysis tools, a tensile load frame ...

Testing, Characterization & Analysis * Plan and execute material tests including tensile, creep, fatigue, thermal cycling, hardness, and corrosion/oxidation evaluations. * Use metallography, SEM/EDS ...

Testing, Characterization & Analysis * Plan and execute material tests including tensile, creep, fatigue, thermal cycling, hardness, and corrosion/oxidation evaluations. * Use metallography, SEM/EDS ...

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Material Characterization information

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$8

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$29

How much do material characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for material characterization in Texas is $20.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Material Characterization vs Material Testing Technician?

AspectMaterial CharacterizationMaterial Testing Technician
CredentialsTypically requires degrees in materials science, engineering, or related fieldsOften holds certifications in testing methods or technical diplomas
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, and R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, and production lines
Industry UsageUsed in research, development, and advanced material analysisFocused on routine testing and quality assurance

Material Characterization involves detailed analysis of material properties using advanced techniques, often in research settings. Material Testing Technicians perform standardized tests to ensure materials meet quality standards. While both roles require technical knowledge, Material Characterization is more research-oriented, whereas Material Testing Technicians focus on routine testing and quality control.

What is material characterization?

Material characterization is the process of analyzing and measuring the properties and structure of materials to understand their composition, performance, and suitability for specific applications. It involves using various techniques, such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing, to gather data about a material's physical, chemical, and mechanical attributes. This information is crucial for developing new materials, quality control, and failure analysis in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Material Characterization, and why are they important?

To excel in Material Characterization, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, or physics, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with analytical tools such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and spectroscopic techniques, as well as experience with data analysis software, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals interpret results and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing material properties and supporting research, development, and quality control in various industries.

What are some common challenges faced in a Material Characterization role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Material Characterization often encounter challenges such as ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of test results, dealing with complex or sensitive materials, and troubleshooting instrumentation issues. Addressing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, regular calibration and maintenance of equipment, and continuous learning about new techniques and technologies. Collaboration with research scientists, engineers, and quality control teams is also essential to interpret results effectively and resolve technical issues. Staying up-to-date with industry best practices and engaging in ongoing training can further help professionals excel in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Material Characterization jobs in Texas? For Material Characterization jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Material Characterization jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Material Characterization job openings:
Material Synthesis & Characterization Technologist

Material Synthesis & Characterization Technologist

ExxonMobil

Spring, TX

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


ExxonMobil rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 224 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

About us

At ExxonMobil, our vision is to lead in energy innovations that advance modern living and a net-zero future. As one of the world's largest publicly traded energy and chemical companies, we are powered by a unique and diverse workforce fueled by the pride in what we do and what we stand for.

The success of our Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses is the result of the talent, curiosity and drive of our people. They bring solutions every day to optimize our strategy in energy, chemicals, lubricants and lower-emissions technologies. 

We invite you to bring your ideas to ExxonMobil to help create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and meet society's evolving needs. Learn more about our What and our Why and how we can work together.

About Houston

ExxonMobil's state-of-the-art campus north of Houston serves as home to its Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses and their associated service groups. The facility opened in 2014 and accommodates more than 10,000 employees and visitors.

By bringing many global functional groups together, the campus provides employees with the tools and capabilities needed today, and in the future, to achieve business objectives and accelerate the discovery of new resources, technologies and products. It was designed to foster improved collaboration, creativity and innovation and enhance the company's ability to attract, develop and retain the top talent in the industry.

The campus is located in Spring, Texas, on 385 wooded acres immediately to the west of Interstate Highway 45 (I-45), at the intersection of I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road, approximately 25 miles from the cultural vibrancy of downtown Houston.

The campus was constructed to the highest standards of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Its design incorporates extensive research into best practices in building and workplace design through extensive benchmarking of the world's top academic, research, and corporate facilities.

Learn more about what we do in Houston here.

What role you will play in our team
  • Operate small reaction systems and benchtop lab process units in support of materials synthesis.
  • Perform characterization of catalytic materials using advanced analytical techniques.
  • Support research, development, and optimization of catalytic materials by providing critical data on thermal stability, surface properties, and active site density.
  • Manage all aspects of benchtop formulation and/or lab reactor operations, including the safe and efficient execution of experimental programs defined by researchers.
  • Maintain reactor systems and analytical equipment, troubleshooting, unit design, modification and management of spare part and chemical inventories.
  • Demonstrate ability of succinct technical writing, electronic files, understanding complex unit P&IDs, and drawing unit flow diagrams.
  • Good communication skills for understanding and describing scientific observations, experimental plans and results, equipment and material design concepts.
About you

Skills & Qualifications: 

  • Possess a B.S. degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or related field.
  • Familiarity with pressurized equipment, pumps, compressors, gauges and sensors, piping, computerized unit controls and interfaces, data acquisition, and data processing.
  • Hands-on experience in laboratory operations, such as operating batch and continuous laboratory reactors interfaced with Honeywell and/or LabVIEW control systems, titration, distillation, filtration, chromatography, extraction, catalyst formulation and working in glove box.
  • Hands-on experience with characterization techniques, such as chemisorption, physisorption, GC, IR, NMR, DSC/TGA, XRD or SEM.
  • Knowledge of scientific concepts, such as gas laws, chemical concentrations, mass and energy balances, chemical formulas and equations, as well as scientific calculations for chemical preparations, mass balances, quantification of chemical components.
  • Advanced knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and the ability to use software for controlling laboratory hardware and scientific calculations.
  • Effective in a team working environment, enjoys challenges, and committed to lifelong learning.
  • Strong familiarity with safe laboratory practices, handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
  • Organized, punctual, and takes full responsibility for laboratory procedural compliance and maintenance of a safe working environment.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

  • Organic and / or inorganic synthesis skills are a plus.
  • Experience with advanced sorption modeling and thermal analysis software.
  • Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis and industrial applications.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Origin, MATLAB).
Your benefits

An ExxonMobil career is one designed to last. Our commitment to you runs deep: our employees grow personally and professionally, with benefits built on our core categories of health, security, finance, and life.

We offer you: 

  • Pension Plan: Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you. The basic benefit is a monthly annuity to be paid to you in retirement for the rest of your life. 

  • Savings Plan: You can contribute between 6% and 20% of your pay and are encouraged to enroll right away. If you contribute at least 6% to your savings plan, the Company will contribute a 7% match. 

  • Workplace Flexibility: We have several programs such as "Flex your Day", providing ad-hoc flexibility around when and where you work, as well as longer-term programs such as leaves of absence and part-time work.

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. 

  • Culture of Health: Programs and resources to support your wellbeing. 

  • Employee Health Advisory Program: Provides confidential professional counseling for you and your family, including tools and resources promoting mental health and resiliency at no additional cost to you. 

  • Disability Plan: Income replacement for when you cannot work due to illness or injury occurring on or off the job. Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you.

  • More information on our Company's benefits can be found at www.exxonmobilfamily.com

  • Please note benefits may be changed from time to time without notice, subject to applicable law.

Stay connected with us

Learn more at our Website
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Like us on Facebook
Subscribe our channel at Youtube

ExxonMobil is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

Alternate Location:  

Nothing herein is intended to override the corporate separateness of local entities. Working relationships discussed herein do not necessarily represent a reporting connection, but may reflect a functional guidance, stewardship, or service relationship. 

Exxon Mobil Corporation has numerous affiliates, many with names that include ExxonMobil, Exxon, Esso and Mobil. For convenience and simplicity, those terms and terms like corporation, company, our, we and its are sometimes used as abbreviated references to specific affiliates or affiliate groups. Abbreviated references describing global or regional operational organizations and global or regional business lines are also sometimes used for convenience and simplicity. Similarly, ExxonMobil has business relationships with thousands of customers, suppliers, governments, and others. For convenience and simplicity, words like venture, joint venture, partnership, co-venturer, and partner are used to indicate business relationships involving common activities and interests, and those words may not indicate precise legal relationships.


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