ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Material Science Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

TSMC

Incoming Material QR Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

D in Material Science, Material Engineering, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering or related fields. * Prior experience in the chemical manufacturing industry, or expertise with chemical synthesis ...

TSMC

Incoming Material QR Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

D in Material Science, Material Engineering, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering or related fields. * Prior experience in the chemical manufacturing industry, or expertise with chemical synthesis ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaterial Science Engineer JobsMaterial Science Engineer Jobs in Arizona

Material Science Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$35.4K

$93.9K

$147.2K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Arizona is $93,876.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,600.00 and $108,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a material science engineer?

Material Science Engineers are professionals who study, develop, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from electronics to medical devices to construction materials. They apply principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to understand how materials behave and how they can be improved or adapted for specific uses. Their work often involves researching new materials, analyzing their properties, and collaborating with other engineers or scientists to solve complex problems. Material Science Engineers play a crucial role in advancing technology and making products safer, stronger, and more efficient.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material science engineer?

To thrive as a Material Science Engineer, you need a solid background in materials engineering, chemistry, and physics, usually supported by a degree in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, materials characterization instruments (like SEM, XRD), and simulation software (such as MATLAB or ANSYS) is commonly required. Problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for innovating and working on multidisciplinary projects. These competencies ensure the development of advanced materials and solutions that meet industry standards and drive technological progress.

What are the most common challenges material science engineers face when working on cross-functional project teams?

Material Science Engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and timelines. Communication gaps may arise due to differences in technical language or priorities, making it essential to clearly convey material properties and limitations. Successfully navigating these challenges typically involves proactive collaboration, flexibility, and a willingness to learn about related fields to ensure project goals are met and innovative solutions are developed.

What is the difference between Material Science Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMaterial Science EngineerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, R&D labs, quality control
Industry UsageResearch, development, testing of new materialsMaterial selection, processing, and quality assurance

Both roles focus on materials, but Material Science Engineers primarily engage in research and development of new materials, while Materials Engineers often work on applying and processing materials in manufacturing. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

Are material science engineers in demand?

Material science engineers are in demand due to their expertise in developing new materials for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as innovation and technological advancements continue, requiring skills in research, testing, and materials characterization tools like microscopy and spectroscopy.

What do material science engineers do?

Material science engineers research and develop new materials or improve existing ones for various applications, such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare. They analyze material properties, use tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, and often work in laboratories or manufacturing environments to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards.

What is the average salary for a material science engineer in the US?

The average salary for a material science engineer in the US is approximately $80,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals with advanced skills in materials characterization and proficiency with tools like CAD or simulation software may earn higher salaries.

What are popular job titles related to Material Science Engineer jobs in Arizona?

For Material Science Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineer jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:

Material Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Arizona as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,876 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Materials Science Engineer II (MATER006658)

Tucson, AZ • On-site

RBC Bearings
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about RBC Bearingsexternal

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

RBC Bearings rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join the RBC - KAHR Bearing Legacy
With continual growth comes opportunity, and Kahr Bearing has an immediate opening for a Materials Science Engineer II.
Work Location: Kahr Bearing, 6950 S. Country Club Rd., Tucson, AZ. For the first six months, the position will report to and work from Sargent Aerospace & Defense, 5600 S. Coca-Cola Pl., Tucson, AZ, before transitioning to the Kahr Bearing facility.
Position Summary
We are seeking a Materials Science Engineer II to independently lead moderately complex materials and manufacturing-engineering activities supporting composite liner production and coating operations. The engineer owns assigned material and process projects from technical definition through evaluation, risk assessment, implementation, validation, and documentation. This role applies materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical principles, and manufacturing knowledge to select and qualify materials, resolve production problems, improve product performance, and establish reliable and cost-effective processes. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong materials expertise, independent judgment, cross-functional leadership, disciplined risk management, and the ability to mentor developing personnel.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the development, qualification, implementation, and continuous improvement of composite materials, coating systems, and related manufacturing technologies.
  • Establish material and process requirements based on performance, manufacturability, quality, safety, and operational objectives.
  • Evaluate and recommend material systems, including composites, polymers, coatings, adhesives, and related technologies.
  • Develop and execute material characterization plans, engineering tests, manufacturing trials, and qualification programs.
  • Analyze technical data to assess material performance, process capability, failure modes, and improvement opportunities.
  • Lead material and process improvement projects from technical definition through implementation, validation, and closure.
  • Develop project plans, schedules, technical requirements, risk assessments, and resource estimates for assigned projects.
  • Lead investigations of material failures, manufacturing defects, process escapes, and equipment-related issues using structured problem-solving and risk-assessment methodologies.
  • Develop and approve material specifications, process documentation, qualification plans, technical reports, and engineering standards within delegated authority.
  • Lead qualification of new materials, suppliers, equipment, tooling, and manufacturing processes, including source changes and obsolescence activities.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to technicians, trainees, and Engineer I personnel.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve technical, quality, safety, cost, and operational objectives while maintaining compliance with quality-system requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering curriculum with 2+ years prior relevant engineering experience.
  • Engineering experience in composites, coatings, polymers, materials, chemical processing, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
  • Must be a U.S. Person.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Composites Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Two or more years of relevant engineering experience in composites, coatings, polymers, materials, chemical processing, manufacturing engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
  • Advanced working knowledge of composite processing, polymer chemistry, coating technology, adhesion, surface preparation, rheology, cure behavior, and degradation mechanisms.
  • Demonstrated experience independently developing or improving materials systems and manufacturing processes.
  • Experience planning and executing material evaluations, manufacturing trials, process qualifications, validation activities, or failure investigations.
  • Ability to apply statistics, process capability methods, reliability methods, or design of experiments to technical problems.
  • Experience leading cross-functional technical projects and providing guidance to technicians or less-experienced engineers.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, material requirements, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
  • Experience with mechanical testing, microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, rheology, environmental conditioning, or other characterization methods.
  • Experience with FEA, Mathcad or equivalent calculations, 3D CAD, ASME Y14.5 GD&T, tooling, fixtures, equipment, controls, and automation.
  • Experience supporting capital-equipment planning, technical justification, acquisition, installation, acceptance, supplier qualification, or material obsolescence.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance design intent, material performance, manufacturing capability, safety, cost, quality, and schedule.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What RBC Bearings employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply