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Material Science Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entegris

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL · On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

Job Title: Material Characterization Scientist Entegris is currently seeking a Polymer ... Working with scientists and engineers in product design and production to design and execute DOE ...

Entegris

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL · On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

Working with scientistsand engineers in product design and production to design and execute DOE ... PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Scienceor related field required * 3+ years ofpost-graduate ...

TERA-PRINT LLC

Materials Scientist

Skokie, IL · On-site

... science, physics or chemical engineering to drive the development of this technology into thin-film material synthesis. This role will allow you to work in a fast-paced and collaborative team focused ...

TERA-PRINT LLC

Materials Scientist

Skokie, IL · On-site

... science, physics or chemical engineering to drive the development of this technology into thin-film material synthesis. This role will allow you to work in a fast-paced and collaborative team focused ...

TERA-PRINT LLC

Materials Scientist

Skokie, IL · On-site

... science, physics or chemical engineering to drive the development of this technology into thin-film material synthesis. This role will allow you to work in a fast-paced and collaborative team focused ...

CHAMPRO

Textile & Raw Materials Specialist

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Coursework or experience in textile testing, textile science, fabric engineering, material development, quality assurance, or product development strongly preferred. * Working knowledge of Excel ...

TERA-PRINT LLC

Instrument Engineer

Skokie, IL · On-site

TERA-print is in search of an Instrument Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will work ... chemistry, materials science, physics, and biology. Already, researchers from more than 50 ...

TERA-PRINT LLC

Instrument Engineer

Skokie, IL · On-site

TERA-print is in search of an Instrument Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will work ... chemistry, materials science, physics, and biology. Already, researchers from more than 50 ...

TERA-PRINT LLC

Instrument Engineer

Skokie, IL · On-site

TERA-print is in search of an Instrument Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will work ... chemistry, materials science, physics, and biology. Already, researchers from more than 50 ...

AK Steel

Quality Engineer

Burns Harbor, IN

$67K - $86K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Material Science or equivalent working experience * Working knowledge of metallurgical principles and steel defect origins * Good verbal and written ...

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All JobsMaterial Science Engineer JobsMaterial Science Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Material Science Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.1K

$103.8K

$162.8K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Chicago, IL is $103,775.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $120,000.00 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 $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in high-demand areas or management responsibilities.

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 top salaries.

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 Chicago, IL? For Material Science Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:
Material Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,775 per year, or $49.9 per hour.
Material Characterization Scientist

Material Characterization Scientist

Entegris

Aurora, IL • On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Entegris rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 535 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Title:
Material Characterization Scientist
Job Description:
Entegris is currently seeking a Polymer Characterization Scientist, CMP Pad to join our Materials Solutions Division R&D team. This position will be based at our Aurora (Greater Chicago Area) facility.
In this role, you will develop and advance fundamental understanding of the mechanical and rheological behavior of polymer systems used in CMP pad materials. You will lead the development of metrology capabilities and analytical frameworks that enable deep insight into structure-property relationships, supporting improved product design, consistency, and performance.
What You'll Do
Metrology & Method Development:
  • Develop, optimize, and standardize mechanical testing methods (e.g., DMA, stress-strain, creep, oscillatory rheology) for CMP pad materials across development and manufacturing environments

  • Establish rheological characterization protocols (e.g., cure kinetics, viscoelastic behavior, frequency/temperature sweeps) to understand polymer network formation and processing sensitivity

  • Define and implement measurement best practices, calibration methods, and inter-lab correlation to ensure data consistency and reproducibility

Establish Structure-Property-Performance Relationship:
  • Correlate mechanical and rheological properties to CMP performance metrics

  • Build property-performance models to enable material design targets and process control windows

  • Support root-cause investigations for yield, consistency, and customer performance issues using quantitative metrology data

Data & Modeling:
  • Working with scientists and engineers in product design and production to design and execute DOE-based studies to isolate key variables affecting mechanical properties

  • Develop data analysis workflows and predictive models; Establish databases and visualization tools to enable data-driven decision making across teams

Cross-functional and External Collaboration:
  • Partner with formulation scientists, process engineers, and application teams to translate metrology insights into actionable products and process improvements guidance

  • Work with manufacturing teams to transfer lab-scale metrology into production-relevant measurements

  • Collaborate with instrument vendors and external partners to evaluate and deploy new characterization capabilities

Communication & Technical Leadership
  • Document and communicate findings through technical reports, standards, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders

  • Contribute to metrology strategy and roadmap, identifying gaps and future capability needs

  • Mentor team members on best practices in mechanical testing, rheology, and data interpretation

What We Seek
  • PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field required

  • 3+ years of post-graduate industry experience in polymer structural characterization, mechanical testing and rheology; Successful developed test methods, measurement systems, or analytical approaches

  • Hands-on experience with characterization techniques such as thermal-mechanical testing, rheometer, tensile and fatigue testing, and compression and flexural testing with demonstrated ability to design and troubleshoot experiments

  • Strong understanding of polymer mechanical and viscoelastic behavior, including structure-property relationships and the impact of network formation, crosslinking, and formulation on material performance

  • Practical experience in Design of Experiments (DOE), data analysis, and problem solving

  • Experience with thermoset, thermoplastic, elastomeric, or filled polymer systems is preferred

  • Knowledge of CMP or semiconductor processes is a plus, but not required

  • Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to operate effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment

  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical findings into practical recommendations

What We Offer:
At Entegris, we invest in providing opportunity to our employees and promote from within. The new hire in this role will have the potential to grow and create relationships across the organizationand be recognized for demonstrated success and adherence to company PACE values.
Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you're looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.
  • Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match

  • Excellent health, dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs

  • Flexible work schedule and 11 paid holidays a year

  • Paid time off (PTO) policy that empowers you to take the time you need to recharge

  • Education assistance to support your learning journey

  • Values-driven culture with colleagues that rally around People, Accountability, Creativity and Excellence.

Compensation: $114,000-$144,000, dependent on candidate skillset and experience.
At Entegris we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, and reward employees for their individual abilities, achievements and experience without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital or military status.

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