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Material Science Engineer Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Tribonet

Product Development AI Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$115 - $125/hr

We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations. Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars ...

Quantinuum

Senior Photonics Scientist - 849

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$164K - $205K/yr

With active engagements spanning pharmaceuticals, material science, financial services, government ... engineers, and researchers, with more than 70% of our technology team holding advanced degrees at ...

Honeywell

Mechanical Design Engineer II

Arvada, CO · On-site

$84K - $105K/yr

... material science, and auxiliary support systems * Knowledge and interpretation of applicable ... Provide engineering & troubleshooting support for assembly and testing activities * Drive ...

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All JobsMaterial Science Engineer JobsMaterial Science Engineer Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Material Science Engineer information

See Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

$39.9K

$105.7K

$165.8K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Highlands Ranch, CO is $105,736.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $122,300.00 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 cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs?

Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:

Material Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,736 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Material & Processes Engineering Intern

Littleton, CO • On-site

Canopy A&D
See more jobs at Canopy A&Dexternal

$25/hr

Full-time, Internship

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Canopy Aerospace & Defense
Canopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D's advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.
Position Summary
Canopy Technologies is seeking exceptional engineering and materials science students to join our team as Materials & Processes Engineering Interns for Fall 2026. In this role, you will help develop next-generation thermal protection materials for spacecraft and hypersonic vehicles. These systems must survive extreme environments including re-entry heating, plasma exposure, and high mechanical loads.
Interns on the materials team contribute directly to the design, formulation, and testing of new material systems, including polymer-derived ceramics, advanced composite substrates, and high-temperature resin systems. You will work alongside engineers and scientists to prototype new TPS materials from first principles - mixing formulations, fabricating samples, and evaluating their performance in laboratory and high-temperature test environments.
This role is ideal for students who enjoy combining chemistry, materials science, and hands-on experimentation to develop materials that push the limits of aerospace performance.
Key Responsibilities
  • Assist with the design and formulation of new thermal protection materials, including polymer-derived ceramics and composite substrates
  • Prepare and process experimental material formulations using custom resin systems and fillers
  • Fabricate composite and polymer samples using techniques such as casting, layup, curing, and infiltration
  • Characterize material properties including thermal conductivity, density, mechanical properties, and thermal stability
  • Assist with high-temperature testing of materials in laboratory or simulated aerothermal environments
  • Analyze experimental results to inform material design and processing parameters
  • Document material formulations, processing methods, and test results
  • Support scale-up and manufacturing development efforts for promising material systems
  • Collaborate with aerothermal, structural, and manufacturing teams to integrate materials into TPS designs

Required Qualifications
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemistry, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • Experience applying engineering skills outside the classroom through laboratory work, research, engineering project teams, or personal projects
  • Strong foundation in materials science, chemistry, or polymer science
  • Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing languages
  • Experience with laboratory experimentation or materials characterization through coursework, research, or project work
  • Strong professional communication and technical writing skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative R&D environment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Coursework or research experience involving polymers, composites, or ceramic materials
  • Experience with polymer formulation, resin systems, or composite processing
  • Familiarity with characterization techniques such as TGA, DSC, DMA, SEM, or thermal conductivity measurement
  • Experience working with laboratory equipment and experimental test methods
  • Exposure to high-temperature materials or aerospace materials systems
  • Participation in research labs, materials-focused project teams, or internships

Additional Requirements
  • Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English
  • Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, industrial equipment, and temperature variations
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry, keyboarding, and mouse use
  • Ability to view computer screens for prolonged periods
  • Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via email
  • Abilityto use a computer to complete assignments

Job Details
Type: Internship
Base Salary: $25.00/hour
Base Location: Littleton, CO
Travel: None
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.
EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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