1

Material Science Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, material science, material science engineering, mechanical engineering, or another related field. * Knowledge of CAD and P&ID is ...

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, material science, material science engineering, mechanical engineering, or another related field. * Knowledge of CAD and P&ID is ...

... material selection and lifetime evaluations. In this role you will be working with multiple ... Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of Scientists, Engineers, and Technicians to foster a ...

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES: * BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Polymer ... Good understanding of the formulation, material science and equipment involved. * Must be able to ...

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES: * BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Polymer ... Good understanding of the formulation, material science and equipment involved. * Must be able to ...

Quality Lab Engineer

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Requirements: * Minimum 3 years' experience in manufacturing/operations engineering, or a technical ...

Quality Lab Engineer

Clarksville, TN

$62K - $80K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Requirements: Minimum 3 years' experience in manufacturing/operations engineering, or a technical field ...

Minimum bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline. * Knowledge of process-related standards * Knowledge of MS project ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Material Science Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$34.5K

$91.4K

$143.4K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Tennessee is $91,431.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,600.00 and $105,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Material Science Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.

What is the highest salary for a material engineer?

The highest salaries for materials science engineers can exceed $130,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or working in specialized industries such as aerospace or semiconductor manufacturing. Senior engineers with leadership roles or specialized skills in materials characterization and testing tend to earn the highest compensation.

What are Material Science Engineers?

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 do material science engineers do?

Material science engineers research and develop new materials and improve existing ones for various applications, such as electronics, aerospace, and healthcare. They analyze material properties, use tools like microscopes and testing equipment, and often work in laboratories or manufacturing environments to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards.
What are popular job titles related to Material Science Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Material Science Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,431 per year, or $44 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Data Science for Materials Characterization

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Data Science for Materials Characterization

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Knoxville, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16197 

­­Overview:  

We are accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position who will focus on the intersection of material science, materials characterization, and data science to develop new methodologies for assessing and improving the quality of components fabricated using advanced manufacturing processes.  This position resides in the Manufacturing Systems Analytics (MSA) Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Develop algorithms and software tools for visualizing and analyzing materials characterization data
  • Develop novel, data-driven materials characterization workflows
  • Advance understanding of process-structure-property relationships via digital manufacturing practices
  • Basic experience with AI/ML techniques
  • Publish research in peer reviewed journals and conferences
  • Support R&D staff members on their projects
  • General support of research and development needs within the MDF
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success. 

Basic Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D. in material science, or closely related field with an emphasis on material science or characterization completed within the last five years
  • Strong background in materials characterization techniques, such as microscopy, XRD, EBSD, and X-ray CT
  • Interest in working at the intersection of material science, advanced manufacturing, and digital manufacturing
  • Programming skills using Python or modern C/C++/C#
  • Demonstrated experience conceiving and executing research and development projects
  • The ability to work in a very dynamic team environment is required
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Special Requirements:

  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

 

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.  Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


What Oak Ridge National Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom