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Material Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Materials Engineer

Crown Point, IN

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to address material-related issues in the field ... Familiarity with materials science and materials engineering principles as they apply to ...

Spirax-Sarco Engineering

Material Handler

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

Material Handler Composed of Chromalox,Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... A trusted customthermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers acrossa ...

Spirax-Sarco Engineering

Material Handler

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

Material Handler Composed of Chromalox,Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... A trusted customthermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers acrossa ...

Spirax-Sarco Engineering

Material Handler, SWILL

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

Material Handler, SWILL Composed of Chromalox,Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... A trusted customthermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers acrossa ...

Spirax-Sarco Engineering

Material Handler, SWILL

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

Material Handler, SWILL Composed of Chromalox,Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... A trusted customthermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers acrossa ...

Sparkstone Electrical Group

Material Handler

Addison, IL

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Join SEG Sparkstone - Engineering the future of Power Distribution & Control Through Agile ... The Material Handler is responsible for accurately gathering, organizing, and preparing components ...

Whitworth Tool Holdings

Cutting Tool Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Cutting Tool Engineer Tooling Manufacturing and Services We are cutting tool manufacturer and ... Evaluate and select appropriate materials (like carbide or high-speed steel) and coatings to ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaterial Engineer JobsMaterial Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Material Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.1K

$103.8K

$162.8K

How much do material engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for material engineer in Chicago, IL is $103,775.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Securing a job as a material engineer can be competitive, often requiring a relevant degree in materials science or engineering and proficiency with industry tools like CAD software. Strong technical skills, internships, and professional certifications can improve employment prospects, but demand varies by industry and location.

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 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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Material Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Material Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Material Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Material Engineer job openings:
Material Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,775 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Materials Engineer

St Charles Manufacturing Company

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

We are looking for a Materials Engineer to help identify alternative materials to be utilized in our manufacturing process. 

As a Material Engineer you will conduct research on the property and characteristics of materials. You will create test materials and analyze results to determine their performance under different conditions. You will apply your problem solving and research skills to develop new materials and processes to meet specific product requirements. Valuing collaboration and safety in every step of the testing and analysis process.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

· Developing strong relationships with department management to implement new materials and processes.

Duties/Responsibilities:

· Selecting appropriate materials for different applications in manufacturing and development processes.

· Creating materials that can withstand greater stresses.

· Identifying materials that are cheaper to produce, boosting company profitability.

· Developing materials that require fewer resources, contain less toxic materials or decompose quickly.

· Developing new materials to meet specific needs and challenges.

· Analyzing and testing materials under different conditions to evaluate performance and safety.

· Generating detailed reports on the findings of materials testing.

· Working closely with vendors and associations to ensure materials meet necessary specifications and regulations.

· Monitoring and improving manufacturing processes to maintain material quality and efficiency.

· Coordinating with suppliers and vendors to source materials.

· Staying updated on the latest developments in material science and engineering.

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Naturally curious

· Proven work experience as a Material Engineer or similar role.

· Knowledge of Quality Control Best Practices.

· Strong knowledge of materials science and engineering principles.

· Utilizing Problem Solving Skills to brainstorm material based solutions, using creativity and adaptability to consider previously unexplored material possibilities.

· Experience conducting material testing and analysis.

· Familiarity with manufacturing processes and material sourcing.

· Proficiency with CAD software.

· Utilizing Analytical Skills to identify the unique properties of materials, interpret research findings, and understand the reasons for material failures.

· Ability to communicate technical information effectively. Practicing Active listening, open-mindset and clearly verbalizing within teams and non-engineer colleagues.

Education and Experience:

· Bachelors degree in Material Engineering

· Project management experience

· Engineering Certifications are a plus

Physical Requirements:

· Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

· Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

*** Other Duties and Responsibilities May be Assigned Without Notice.

Company Description

Perfect Plastic is a leading producer of financial transaction devices. It has experienced consistent growth for going on 10 years. We are looking for the right individual to help us create and evaluate new innovations relative to our markets. Our company is focused on alternative product materials and other transaction device options. Come work for a dynamic company in a thriving field. We strive to have happy, engaged employees at all levels.

Come join our team as we expand into a manufacturing facility that is state of the art, and help us in our efforts to continue setting revenue records.