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

NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

Senior Graphite Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$131K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field. * 5+ years of engineering experience; internship, research, and laboratory ...

AK Steel

Associate Quality Engineer

Burns Harbor, IN

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

AK Steel

Quality Engineer

Burns Harbor, IN · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

ERM

Consultant, Science/Engineering

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$74K - $103K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Erm

Consultant, Science/Engineering

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$74K - $103K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Entegris

Senior Process Engineer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

PPS-HPS

Powder Process Engineer

Valparaiso, IN

$130K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Ceramics Engineering, or related field * Experience in manufacturing or process engineering * Experience is spray drying, wet & dry milling, calcining ...

HSG Tech Inc.

Applications Engineer

Addison, IL

$89K - $120K/yr

... 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 ...

HSG Tech Inc.

Applications Engineer

Addison, IL

$89K - $120K/yr

... 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 ...

AK Steel

Lead Quality Engineer

Burns Harbor, IN

$67K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 12, 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 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 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.

Senior Graphite Engineer

NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$131K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

About NANO Nuclear Energy
NANO Nuclear Energy is an advanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation microreactor systems that will help transform the future of clean, reliable, and resilient energy. Through the development of its KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, LOKI MMR™ Energy System, and ZEUS™ Solid Core Battery Reactor-advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies designed for applications including data centers, industrial operations, remote communities, and critical infrastructure-the company is advancing innovative nuclear solutions for a rapidly evolving energy landscape. NANO Nuclear has also submitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support the planned deployment of the KRONOS MMR at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), representing a significant milestone toward the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology.
Joining NANO Nuclear means contributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine the nuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, and innovation. Our team operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where employees are encouraged to solve challenging technical problems and advance the materials technologies needed for next-generation energy systems.
Position Overview
NANO Nuclear Energy is seeking a Graphite Engineer to support the development, analysis, and qualification of graphite components for advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) systems. The successful candidate will support graphite material selection, characterization, mechanical and thermal performance evaluations, and component qualification activities to support the design of next-generation microreactor technologies. Experienced candidates with expertise in nuclear graphite, high-temperature materials, irradiation effects, or advanced reactor systems may provide technical leadership in materials qualification and design activities.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support the design, evaluation, and qualification of graphite components used in advanced reactor systems.
  • Analyze graphite material properties including thermal conductivity, strength, oxidation resistance, creep behavior, and dimensional stability.
  • Support material selection, procurement specifications, and supplier technical evaluations.
  • Perform engineering analyses related to high-temperature graphite performance.
  • Evaluate graphite behavior under thermal gradients, irradiation conditions, and operational environments.
  • Support development of material qualification plans, test requirements, and technical documentation.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, nuclear, and systems engineering teams.
  • Review technical literature and industry data related to graphite performance in HTGR applications.
  • Prepare engineering reports, calculations, presentations, and licensing support documentation.
  • Participate in design reviews and technical discussions with internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of engineering experience; internship, research, and laboratory experience are applicable.
  • Understanding of materials science fundamentals, material properties, and degradation mechanisms.
  • Ability to analyze technical data and communicate engineering conclusions.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Experience with graphite, carbon-based materials, ceramics, or high-temperature materials.
  • Experience with nuclear-grade graphite or HTGR materials.
  • Knowledge of irradiation effects, oxidation behavior, fracture mechanics, or creep mechanisms.
  • Experience with materials testing, characterization techniques, or qualification programs.
  • Familiarity with ASME standards, NRC licensing processes, or nuclear material requirements.
  • Experience with engineering analysis tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, COMSOL, MATLAB, or Python.

What We Offer
  • A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence.
  • Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership.
  • The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future.
  • Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance with generous company contributions.
  • Company 401(k) plan with 5% match.
  • Unlimited PTO policy with company holidays and paid parental leave.

Equal Opportunity Statement
NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.

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