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Material Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Material Engineer IV

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

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 ...

Job Title Material Engineer IV Career Level Experienced (Non-Manager) Job Type Full-Time Location RWESS - Redstone Arsenal - Huntsville, AL 35808 US (Primary) For more than 30 years, ERC has been ...

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 ...

Materials Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Direct testing and reporting efforts for material test programs * Investigate anomalous test ... Bachelor's Degree in Materials, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent from an ABET ...

Materials Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Direct testing and reporting efforts for material test programs * Investigate anomalous test ... Experience with mechanical testing of engineering materials using load frames (tensile tester ...

Direct testing and reporting efforts for material test programs * Investigate anomalous test ... Bachelor's Degree in Materials, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent from an ABET ...

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Material Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$34.4K

$91.3K

$143.2K

How much do material engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for material engineer in Alabama is $91,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a material engineer?

Material Engineers are professionals who study, develop, and test materials used to create a wide variety of products, from computer chips to aircraft components. They analyze the structure and properties of metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and other materials to determine how they can be used or improved for specific applications. Their work is crucial in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Material Engineers also help ensure that materials meet safety and quality standards, and they often collaborate with other engineers to develop innovative solutions.

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

To thrive as a Material Engineer, a strong background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles—often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in materials or related engineering fields—is essential. Familiarity with analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and computer-aided design (CAD) software, as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for developing innovative materials, ensuring product reliability, and facilitating successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are some typical challenges material engineers face when working on product development teams?

Material Engineers often collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to select and test materials that meet specific product requirements. One common challenge is balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability while ensuring materials comply with industry standards and regulations. Additionally, Material Engineers must often troubleshoot unexpected failures or performance issues during prototyping and production, requiring creative problem-solving and effective communication with cross-functional teams. Staying current with new materials and technologies is also essential for success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Material Engineer vs Metallurgist?

AspectMaterial EngineerMetallurgist
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Materials Science or EngineeringBachelor's or higher in Metallurgy or Materials Science
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, product developmentMining, metal production, research labs
Industry UsageDesigning and testing new materials, improving product durabilityExtracting, processing, and analyzing metals

Material Engineers focus on developing and testing new materials for various applications, while Metallurgists specialize in extracting and processing metals. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping industries, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Is it hard to get a job as a material engineer?

Getting a job as a material engineer can be competitive, often requiring a bachelor's degree in materials science, engineering, or a related field, along with relevant internships or experience. Strong technical skills, knowledge of testing methods, and certifications can improve employment prospects, but demand varies by industry and location.

What is the salary of a material engineer in the US?

The average salary of a material engineer in the US is approximately $80,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $65,000, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn over $120,000 annually.
Infographic showing various Material Engineer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,308 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Material Engineer IV

ERC, Inc

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 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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