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Material Science Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 6+ years of experience; or a PhD with 3+ years' experience; or equivalent experience. Preferred ...

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 6+ years of experience; or a PhD with 3+ years' experience; or equivalent experience. Preferred ...

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 6+ years of experience; or a PhD with 3+ years' experience; or equivalent experience. Preferred ...

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 3+ years of experience; or a PhD with no previous professional experience; or equivalent ...

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $231K/yr

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 6+ years of experience; or a PhD with 3+ years' experience; or equivalent experience. Preferred ...

Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ... Familiarity with material science relative to thermal and mechanical properties. * Understanding of ...

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 3+ years of experience; or a PhD with no previous professional experience; or equivalent ...

Product Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$250K - $350K/yr

About the Role We're hiring a product engineer to build the agentic software layer between our ... You'll build the environment where materials scientists work alongside AI agents to plan ...

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$104K - $192K/yr

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 3+ years of experience; or a PhD with no previous professional experience; or equivalent ...

Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ... Familiarity with material science relative to thermal and mechanical properties. * Understanding of ...

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 6+ years of experience; or a PhD with 3+ years' experience; or equivalent experience. Preferred ...

Process Engineer 3

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $192K/yr

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 3+ years of experience; or a PhD with no previous professional experience; or equivalent ...

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 6+ years of experience; or a PhD with 3+ years' experience; or equivalent experience. Preferred ...

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 6+ years of experience; or a PhD with 3+ years' experience; or equivalent experience. Preferred ...

Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 8+ years of experience; or a PhD with 5+ years' experience; or equivalent experience. Preferred ...

Showing results 41-60

Material Science Engineer information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$46.5K

$123.3K

$193.5K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Berkeley, CA is $123,347.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $142,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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. The field offers growth opportunities, especially for those skilled in nanotechnology, polymers, and composites, with employment prospects driven by innovation and technological advancement.

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 job categories do people searching Material Science Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineer jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Berkeley, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,347 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

$104K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Lam Research rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The group you'll be a part of
In the Global Products Group, we are dedicated to excellence in the design and engineering of Lam's etch and deposition products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry.
The impact you'll make
As a Process Engineer at Lam, you will operate on cutting-edge technology, harnessing atomic precision, material science, and surface engineering to push technical boundaries. Your role involves developing new and advanced process formulations, defining equipment hardware to meet processing requirements, evaluating test data, and coordinating design requirements to ensure compatibility of processing methods. Your expertise and knowledge play a crucial role our customers success, making an impact on the next generation of semiconductor breakthroughs.
In this role, you will directly contribute to ___.
What you'll do
  • Conduct process engineering research, development, and evaluation in support of Lam's cutting-edge semiconductor equipment and systems.
  • Review and enhance processing techniques and methods applied in the manufacture and fabrication of products.
  • Develop and sustain new processes and process improvements to reduce production costs and increase yields.
  • Compile and analyze test data to establish next steps in process development and determine appropriate limits and variables for process specifications.
  • Collaborate internally to plan, collect data, analyze results, and report on customer demos for existing process applications.
  • Partner cross-functionally and with customers to understand roadmaps, process flow, inflection points, requirements, and business challenges.
  • Contribute to next generation product development and release activities supporting the semiconductor roadmap.
  • Provide leadership, clear direction, and guidance to process technicians to support execution activities.

Who we're looking for
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics or related field with 6+ years of experience; or a PhD with 3+ years' experience; or equivalent experience.

Preferred qualifications
  • Familiarity with working in a laboratory and on semiconductor equipment with experience in surface preparation and analytical techniques.
  • In-depth understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and/or Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Highly proficient in MATLAB, Python, or other similar scientific computing language.
  • Working knowledge of statistical analysis and problem-solving methodologies.
  • Experience with statistical tools (JMP, Minitab, etc.)
  • Background in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD), or Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD).
  • Background in Plasma Physics, Reactive Ion Etching (RIE), Atomic Layer Etching (ALE), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Capacitively Coupled Plasma (CCP).
  • Knowledge of Material synthesis and material characterization.
  • Experience working in a collaborative and matrixed environment with diverse teams, semiconductor customers, and/or partners.
  • Experience in semiconductor, process design, deposition, etch dielectrics or conductor, metal films, etc.

Our commitment
We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.
Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.
Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role. Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on-site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories - On-site Flex and Virtual Flex. 'On-site Flex' you'll work 3+ days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. 'Virtual Flex' you'll work 1-2 days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.
Salary
CA San Francisco Bay Area Salary Range for this position: $104,000.00 - $231,000.00.
The above salary range for this position is relevant to applicants that reside or work onsite in the California, San Francisco Bay Area only. Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role. Actual salary may vary from salary offered due to numerous factors including but not limited to unpaid time off, unpaid leave, company mandated shutdown, and other relevant factors.
Our Perks and Benefits
At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That's why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.

What Lam Research employees say

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Benefits

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About Lam Research

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lam Research designs and builds products for semiconductor manufacturing, including equipment for thin film deposition, plasma etch, photoresist strip, and wafer cleaning processes.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fremont, CA, US

Year founded

1980

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