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

Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Material Science or Chemical Engineering. * Working knowledge of metallurgical principles. * Good verbal and written communication skills * Familiar ...

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related technical field; Master's or PhD strongly preferred ...

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer develops advanced mechanical designs for ... Familiarity with material science principles is a plus. * Comfort with practical, hands-on ...

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 ...

Collect building material, air, and noise samples and interpret the data. * Perform asbestos and ... Science/Engineering position, the anticipated annual base pay is $74,250-$103,128 (USD) . Actual ...

Collect building material, air, and noise samples and interpret the data. * Perform asbestos and ... Science/Engineering position, the anticipated annual base pay is $74,250-$103,128 (USD) . Actual ...

Senior Process Engineer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Bachelors or Masters degree in Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or Physics * Demonstrated technical capabilities in the area of process design, process scale-up, and unit operations in the ...

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Ceramics Engineering, or related field * Experience in manufacturing or process engineering * Strong problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset

... Materials Science, or a related technical field (Equivalent experience may be considered) - 5+ Years of experience in laser processing, CNC machinery, or precision metal fabrication - Hands-on ...

... Materials Science, or a related technical field (Equivalent experience may be considered) - 5+ Years of experience in laser processing, CNC machinery, or precision metal fabrication - Hands-on ...

Lead Quality Engineer

Burns Harbor, IN

$67K - $86K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Material Science or equivalent working experience * Twelve (12) years' previous experience in an industrial or related environment * Working ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 11, 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?

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 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:
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,775 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


United States Steel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

United States Steel Corporation has an immediate opening for a Sr. Steelmaking Engineer in our department based at our Research and Technology Center in Munhall, PA. The Sr. Steelmaking Engineer will work under the direction of a Process Innovation Director to support U. S. Steel's Product Portfolio.
We are looking for motivated self-starters that can work in a fast paced, data-driven environment. The successful candidate will be an analytical problem solver, have an extremely high level of customer focus and a passion for process improvement. 
This position will interact with plant personnel, engineering & product development, and purchasing to provide metallurgical solutions for steelmaking and secondary metallurgy problems. 
The qualified candidate will have a fundamental understanding of the high temperature metallurgy processes involved in EAF and BOF steelmaking and secondary steelmaking required to produce demanding steel grade applications. 
The candidate should be interested in applying problem solving and analysis skills to improve the productivity and quality of various unit operations. Development of models to predict thermodynamic interactions in steelmaking is also preferred. 
Salary and job level will be commensurate with relevant experience. Travel to U. S. Steel plant facilities will be required as needed to provide technical assistance that may involve plant trials and the troubleshooting of production, maintenance, and environmental problems. Request for support in specific cases may occur at any time during the day and night including weekdays, weekends, or holidays. 
REQUIRED: 
  • Master's degree required, Currently enrolled/graduated as a PhD student in Material Science & Engineering or Metallurgical & Materials Engineering 
  • 15 years related work experience with 10 year in steelmaking 
  • Ability to start work in summer/fall/winter of 2026 
  • Ability to develop/maintain fundamental based and data driven model using various computer programming languages (e.g. Fortran, C++, C#, VB, Python) preferred
  • Excellent planning and organization skills 
  • Computer literacy to a working skills level - proficient with Microsoft Office products
  • Demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and an aptitude for your area of study 
  • A strong record of team, project and/or people leadership in a work setting and/or extracurricular activities 
  • A willingness to take initiative to understand the business 
  • An aptitude for problem solving; strong writing and verbal communication skills 
  • A strong commitment to excellence and to personal and professional growth 
  • Must be resourceful, responsible, tenacious, curious, independent, confident and high energy  
  • The ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
,

Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:

  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies 2022, '23, '24
  • Disability: IN's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, '22, '23, '24
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equality 100 Award 2020, '21, '22, '23-24, '25
  • Military Times' Best for Vets: Employers 2023, '24


Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit www.ussteel.com/CANotice regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)


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