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Material Science Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Naval Sea Systems Command

ENGINEER or SCIENTIST

Newport, RI · On-site +1

$101K - $156K/yr

... of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and ...

Harris

Software Engineer

Carolina, RI

$80K - $90K/yr

... and Material UI. - Worked on AI assisted development (e.g. GitHub Copilot, Claude, Cursor or ... Requirements: - Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Engineering, related field, or ...

Varsity Tutors

Physical Science Tutor

Providence, RI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... engineering applications, and everyday phenomena. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMaterial Science Engineer JobsMaterial Science Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island

Material Science Engineer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$37.2K

$98.7K

$154.7K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Rhode Island is $98,654.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $114,100.00 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 Rhode Island?

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

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

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

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:

Material Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,654 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

ENGINEER or SCIENTIST

Newport, RI

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

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Recommended by students

Learn more about U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)external

$101K/yr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

This is a detail opportunity open to Department of Navy permanent civilian employees in the competitive service currently at the ND-04 pay band (GS-12 /13 equivalency) or higher. The selectee will be placed on a temporary detail not to exceed 1 year.
The detailee for this position will serve as an ENGINEER or SCIENTIST in the office of Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport DivisionQualifications:This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled by a Computer Engineer (0854-series), a Chemical Engineer (0893 series), a Mathematics (1520-series), a Computer Scientist (1550 series) or a Data Scientist (1560 series), depending upon the qualifications of the candidate. Applicants in positions with occupational series other than those listed (0854, 0893, 1520, 1550, 1560) may apply; however, you must apply directly to the series listed in this vacancy that is most applicable to your qualifications.
In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience.
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of qualifying experience (or performing competencies).
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Applicants must meet at least one of the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual:
0801:
Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Degree: A professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited college or university; OR a degree with curriculum in differential and integral calculus, with additional courses in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics; or electronics; OR
Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Substitution of Education/Experience: A combination of education and experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering; and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: (a) professional registration, (b) evidence of successfully passing the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination; (c) successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified above; or (d) successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field, e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering provided that it included at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. (Note to Applicants: Please see the Qualifications & Education sections of this announcement for a link to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Individual Occupational Requirements. OPM guidance indicates that there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience. This training plan or experience must be well documented and provided at time of application.);

1520:
Degree: mathematics; or the equivalent of a major that included at least 24 semester hours in mathematics. OR,Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in mathematics (including at least 24 semester hours in mathematics), as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.ANDThe total course work in either option above must have included differential and integral calculus and, in addition, four advanced mathematics courses requiring calculus or equivalent mathematics courses as a prerequisite.
1550:
Degree: Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.
1560:
Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position.ORCombination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown in the paragraph above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.

Employment Type: OTHER

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