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Material Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Jobtailor

Advanced Failure Analyst Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Follow standardized Material Engineering Component Investigation processes and expectations * Maintain laboratory facilities, equipment, and consumables, including capital planning for current and ...

New

SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering team is serving as experts in various material disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rockets and spacecraft in the world. As a member of this team you will ...

SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering team is serving as experts in various material disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rockets and spacecraft in the world. As a member of this team you will ...

SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering team is serving as experts in various material disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rockets and spacecraft in the world. As a member of this team you will ...

SpaceX

Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering team is serving as experts in various material disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rockets and spacecraft in the world. As a member of this team you will ...

SpaceX

Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA

$110K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering team is serving as experts in various material disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rockets and spacecraft in the world. As a member of this team you will ...

SpaceX

Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Engineering team is serving as experts in various material disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rockets and spacecraft in the world. As a member of this team you will ...

Mariana Minerals

Materials Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

MS degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Materials Engineering, or Chemical Engineering (PhD ... preferred). * Hands-on experience in materials synthesis (e.g., solid-state, hydrothermal ...

Medtronic

Senior Design Quality Engineer - Irvine

Irvine, CA · On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Material Engineering / Testing - Metals * Material Engineering/testing - Polymers For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMaterial Engineering JobsMaterial Engineering Jobs in California

Material Engineering information

See California salary details

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How much do material engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for material engineering in California is $26.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is material engineering?

Material engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the discovery, design, and development of new materials, as well as improving existing ones. It combines principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering to understand the properties and behaviors of different materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Material engineers work to create materials with specific properties for use in a variety of industries, including aerospace, construction, electronics, and medicine. Their work is essential for innovation in technology and manufacturing.

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, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with materials characterization tools, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and industry-specific certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) are often important. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help material engineers succeed in collaborative and project-driven environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative, reliable materials and ensuring their appropriate application in various industries.

What are the common challenges material engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Material Engineers often work closely with teams from design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. A common challenge is effectively communicating complex material properties and limitations to colleagues who may not have a technical background in materials science. Additionally, balancing material performance with cost and manufacturability can require negotiation and creative problem-solving. Developing strong teamwork and communication skills is essential for translating technical recommendations into practical solutions that meet project goals.

What is the difference between Material Engineering vs Materials Science?

AspectMaterial EngineeringMaterials Science
EducationBachelor's or Master's in Material Engineering or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or related fields
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, product developmentResearch labs, academic institutions, R&D centers
FocusDesign, processing, and application of materials in productsUnderstanding properties, structure, and fundamental science of materials
Common UsageIndustry-driven, product-focused rolesResearch, academia, fundamental science roles

Material Engineering and Materials Science share overlapping skills and educational backgrounds, but differ in focus. Material Engineers primarily work on applying materials in manufacturing and product development, while Materials Scientists focus on understanding material properties and scientific research. Both roles are vital in advancing material technologies, often collaborating in industry and research settings.

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

Securing a job as a material engineer can be competitive and typically requires a bachelor's degree in materials science, engineering, or a related field, along with relevant skills in testing, analysis, and CAD software. Strong technical knowledge, internships, and professional certifications can improve employment prospects, but demand varies by industry and location.

Is material engineering a good career?

Material engineering is a viable career that involves developing and testing materials used in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. It requires strong knowledge of chemistry, physics, and materials science, often involving laboratory work and technical problem-solving. Job prospects are generally stable, with opportunities for advancement and specialization.

What exactly does a material engineer do?

A material engineer researches, develops, and tests materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to improve their performance and suitability for specific applications. They analyze material properties, work with manufacturing processes, and use tools like microscopy and testing equipment to ensure quality and durability in products. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of material science are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Material Engineering jobs in California?

For Material Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Material Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Material Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Material Engineering job openings:

Material Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,840 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Process Engineer (Intern)

SIX SIGMA/Winslow Automation Inc.

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Internship

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company Description: Six Sigma Microelectronics (the services division of Winslow Automation, Inc.) is the industry expert in the soldering and modification of high-reliability integrated circuits for space, telecommunications, military, and medical industries. With 35+ years of experience, we are one of the few remaining semiconductor manufacturing companies in Silicon Valley and we are here to stay! We believe in doing it right the first time and doing the right thing all the time. Our team of ~100 employees is continuously growing and we need honest, reliable, and fun individuals to join us.Why Join Us?Stable high-technology company, Fun-loving team members.Health Insurance Close to BART and light rail.We are currently hiring a Process Engineer (Intern).Position Summary: Join the ever-growing and experienced research and development team here at Six Sigma, and learn all about the niche field of microelectronic soldering. Explore the depths of deceptively simple parts and processes, identifying their complex failure points and critical parameters. Work with our diverse team, including Quality, Materials, Process, and Automation Engineering, to implement practical solutions to the process problems you find, ensuring our products are the highest quality they can be.Responsibilities:Provide engineering support on projects as directed. Projects may include:Evaluating new reflow methods and investigating how to integrate them into our process.Evaluating new temperature cycling and/or plasms cleaning equipment and assisting in developing processes involving this new equipment.Researching and developing improved methods for using our 2D/3D X-ray system.Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.Complete assigned projects and tasks in a timely manner.Present project results at the end of the summer to management and the rest of the Manufacturing Engineering team.Qualifications:Education: Currently pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry, Process Engineering, Material Engineering, Chemical Engineering or equivalent.General Requirements:Familiarity with the theories and applications of materials properties, metallurgy, metrology, and/or thermodynamics.Basic skills in appropriate and accurate use of measurement toolsets (e.g., force gauge, caliper, micrometer, optical comparator, reticle, toolmakers microscope).Familiarity with conducting root cause analysis and performing design of experiments.Strong and logical trouble-shooting and problem-solving skills.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Detail-oriented.Fast learner, self-motivated, and accomplishment driven.Ability to work productively in a small-team setting, and occasionally work solo.Skilled in use of MS Office computer applications.Physical Attributes Required:Sitting, standing, walking, and computer use up to 8 hours/day.Manual dexterity and fine motor skills.Physical ability to lift 25+ pounds.This position requires handling of product or information which is subject to ITAR regulations. Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or a U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., a Green Card Holder).