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Material Science Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

$85 - $120/hr

... in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramic Engineering/Science, or a closely related field (Ceramics, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Solid State/Applied Physics, Chemistry with solid-state ...

Bachelor's degree in Material Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field Preferred Qualifications * Experience with project development, implementation and management

Bachelor's degree in Material Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field Preferred Qualifications * Experience with project development, implementation and management

Bachelor's degree in Material Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field Preferred Qualifications * Experience with project development, implementation and management

POSITION SPECIFICS The Materials Science and Engineering Department, within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to perform research under the ...

Foundational understanding of materials science, polymers, coatings, films, laminates, adhesives, or related engineered material systems. * Ability to execute structured testing, validation ...

... Material Science or a closely related field with at least 6 years of relevant experienceA M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering (i.e., Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical), Physics, Biology ...

Construction Materials Project Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

Bachelor of Science in any of the following: Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or Geology; Note: Construction ...

Showing results 41-60

Material Science Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$38.1K

$101K

$158.4K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Pennsylvania is $100,980.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $116,800.00 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 Pennsylvania?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,980 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Materials Engineer Ceramics Piezoelectric Manufacturing

INTERACTION 24 LLC

On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Benefits
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Relocation bonus
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
PZT / Ceramic Materials Engineer

Location: Bellefonte, PA (on-site) | Type: [Direct hire, full-time]

About the Opportunity

A market-leading manufacturer of specialty piezoelectric ceramics — in business since 1979, serving defense, medical, automotive, and commercial markets — is adding a materials engineer to support its textured ceramic program and PZT production. This is a hands-on role in a vertically integrated facility where you own work from powder through finished device, with exposure to advanced piezoceramic development alongside a nearby university research lab.

What You'll Do
  • Support development and scale-up of the textured ceramic program, bridging lab-scale process work into production
  • Provide day-to-day materials and process engineering support to PZT production: powder processing, milling, calcination, forming, and sintering
  • Troubleshoot process and yield issues on the floor; drive root-cause analysis and corrective action
  • Characterize materials and finished devices using SEM/ESEM, EDS, and complementary techniques; interpret and report results
  • Support post-sinter operations including electroding and poling, and evaluate dielectric and piezoelectric properties against spec
  • Develop, document, and maintain SOPs, process parameters, and work instructions in an ISO 9001:2015 environment
  • Partner with production, quality, and engineering on new product introduction and customer-specific formulations
  • [Contribute to customer- and government-funded development programs, including technical documentation and data reporting]
What You Need
  • BS in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramic Engineering/Science, or a closely related field (Ceramics, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Solid State/Applied Physics, Chemistry with solid-state emphasis)
  • 3+ years of relevant experience; strong internship, co-op, or undergraduate research in ceramics processing will be considered in place of full-time experience
  • Hands-on experience with ceramic powder processing — milling, slurry preparation, casting or pressing, binder burnout, sintering
  • Familiarity with piezoelectric materials (PZT, PMN-PT, PMN-PZ-PT, barium titanate) strongly preferred
  • Working knowledge of materials characterization: SEM/ESEM, EDS, XRD, particle size analysis
  • Comfortable in a hands-on production environment with lab and hazard safety awareness
  • Clear technical writing and documentation skills
Nice to Have
  • Experience with textured or templated grain growth ceramics
  • Tape casting and thin-film ceramic fabrication
  • Dielectric and piezoelectric property measurement (d33, impedance analysis, poling)
  • Statistical analysis, DOE, Six Sigma or Lean exposure
  • MATLAB, SolidWorks, or computational materials modeling
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