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Material Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer, Propellers

Manchester, CT

$105K - $144K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field; equivalent professional experience may be ...

Aerospace Material Review Engineer

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

Develop cost effective repairs or rework to restore material that meet design intent and required Engineering Analysis Task 502 data. * Conduct Engineering technical dispositions including maximum ...

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Material Engineer information

See Connecticut salary details

$36.1K

$95.8K

$150.3K

How much do material engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for material engineer in Connecticut is $95,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $110,800.00 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.

What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Material Engineer jobs?

Cities in Connecticut with the most Material Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Engineer job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 66% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,831 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Engineer I & II - Materials

Groton, CT • On-site


General Dynamics Electric Boat
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 164 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 544 rated manufacturers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Overview
Non-Metallic Materials Engineering (D343) Preservation and Coatings Group is cognizant of everything related to surface preparation and painting requirements for construction of nuclear submarines. This group develops the Non-Propulsion Paint Schedule drawing requirements, performs design review of corrosion-prone items, and works closely with the Non-Metallic Materials Engineering Lab on coating tests. Primary responsibilities include: construction support - providing Trades clarification of coatings requirements with deck plate evaluation as required; providing disposition to Engineering Reports and Vendor Information Requests; drawing development / coating selection and prodicing detailed paint application procedures; develop laboratory test plans for evaluation of new coating methods and materials; perform forensic analysis of coating failures.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Materials, Chemical or Civil Engineering
  • 0-5 years post graduate experience required in shipyard, coatings industry and/or roadway construction.

Preferred:
  • NACE / AAMP (coating inspector) Level 1 certification or NAVSEA equivalent training preferred.

Skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Able to interpret 2D drawings
  • Competent techical writing
  • Confined space entry

Physical Qualifications
Climbing, Color Vision, Crawling, Kneeling, Stooping
Environmental Attributes
Cold, Dusty, Hot, Inside, Noise, Outside


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