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

If you are passionate about engineering, product innovation, and driving successful project ... Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive ...

If you are passionate about engineering, product innovation, and driving successful project ... Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive ...

If you are passionate about engineering, product innovation, and driving successful project ... Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive ...

Test Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing. * Rubbing shoulders and brainstorming with multiple Ph.D. and masters-level engineers What it ...

Test Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Exposure to cutting‑edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing. * Rubbing shoulders and brainstorming with multiple Ph.D. and masters‑level engineers ...

Test Engineer

Davis, CA

$85K - $125K/yr

Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing. * Rubbing shoulders and brainstorming with multiple Ph.D. and masters-level engineers What it ...

Test Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing. * Rubbing shoulders and brainstorming with multiple Ph.D. and masters-level engineers What it ...

Data Engineer

Davis, CA

$85K - $150K/yr

We are looking for engineers to join our team and contribute to the advancement of our technology ... Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive ...

Sustaining Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field - required * Experience with vacuum devices, highvoltage RF hardware, or TWTs ...

Data Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

We are looking for engineers to join our team and contribute to the advancement of our technology ... Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive ...

Data Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$85 - $115/hr

We are looking for engineers to join our team and contribute to the advancement of our technology ... Exposure to cutting‑edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive ...

New

Sustaining Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field - required * Experience with vacuum devices, high-voltage RF hardware, or TWTs ...

Data Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

We are looking for engineers to join our team and contribute to the advancement of our technology ... Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive ...

Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or related discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Chemical, Materials Science, Packaging Science, Environmental, Civil). * Experience: 0-5 years ...

Showing results 41-60

Material Science Engineer information

See Davis, CA salary details

$41.1K

$108.9K

$170.8K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Davis, CA is $108,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $125,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as innovation and technological advancements continue, requiring skills in research, testing, and materials characterization tools like microscopy and spectroscopy.

What do material science engineers do?

Material science engineers research and develop new materials or improve existing ones for various applications, such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare. They analyze material properties, use tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, and often work in laboratories or manufacturing environments to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards.

What is the average salary for a material science engineer in the US?

The average salary for a material science engineer in the US is approximately $80,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals with advanced skills in materials characterization and proficiency with tools like CAD or simulation software may earn higher salaries.

What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineer jobs in Davis, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineer jobs in Davis, CA are:

What cities near Davis, CA are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs?

Cities near Davis, CA with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Davis, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,885 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

RF Applications Engineer

Elve Inc

Davis, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Who is Elve?

Elve, Inc is a dynamic deep-tech startup based in Davis, CA, transforming the landscape of wireless connectivity with our innovative approaches to millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power amplifiers. Our patented technology facilitates wireless internet access that is 100x faster and lays the groundwork for next-generation applications beyond 5G. We are seeking an Applications Engineer interested in pushing the boundaries of RF technology. If you are passionate about engineering, product innovation, and driving successful project outcomes, we would love to connect with you!

Job Description

The Applications Engineer is responsible for mapping customer requirements to Elve products to determine the best way to meet the customer's business need. This involves an iterative dialogue with Elve technical experts as well as the customer to provide overall compliance assessments and respond to customer technical questions. This role involves ensuring adherence to timelines and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive the engineering processes. You will be expected to communicate effectively cross-departmentally and with customers, promote best practices and standards, and foster an innovative and collaborative team culture. Additionally, this role requires the ability to communicate technical concepts to stakeholders and ensure the optimization of resources across the engineering and business functions. This is a full-time position with opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Work Environment

May include some or all of the following environments:

  • Office
  • Laboratory
  • Manufacturing Facility

Requirements

Must have:

  • Background or experience in RF/microwave engineering, vacuum electronics, or a related field
  • Systems engineering experience with exposure to requirements translation flow down
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with team members and stakeholders
  • Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Good to have:

  • Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing teams and driving project deliverables
  • Experience with hardware product development processes
  • Proven experience in product development from concept to production
  • Ability to establish, communicate, and implement an engineering vision and strategy aligned with overall business goals

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
  • At least 6 years of relevant experience
  • To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including Export Administration Regulations (EAR), to work in this role you must be one of the following: a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about export control here.

Benefits

Benefits Include:

  • Competitive salary
  • Health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
  • Vacation time
  • A taste of the start-up life
  • Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing.

What it’s like to work at Elve

We are a small team (for now!) on a mission to bring the next generation of high-speed wireless connectivity to a billion people worldwide. That kind of impact is not going to be achieved with incremental improvements- we are gunning for orders of magnitude advances in production capability, cost, size, and power in the mm-wave RF amplifier market. We ask “dumb” questions all the time because we always have something to learn. We work really hard, make sure to get good sleep, handle conflict intentionally, and expect great things from each other.