ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Material Science Engineer Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Canopy A&D

R&D Engineer

Littleton, CO · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Canopy's engineering centers around extreme environment materials needed to withstand heat ... This role sits at the intersection of materials science, mechanical design, and experimental test.

CANOPY A&D

R&D Engineer

Littleton, CO · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Canopy's engineering centers around extreme environment materials needed to withstand heat ... This role sits at the intersection of materials science, mechanical design, and experimental test.

Canopy A&D

R&D Engineer

Littleton, CO · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Canopy's engineering centers around extreme environment materials needed to withstand heat ... This role sits at the intersection of materials science, mechanical design, and experimental test.

Canopy A&D

R&D Engineer

Littleton, CO

$80K - $140K/yr

Canopy's engineering centers around extreme environment materials needed to withstand heat ... This role sits at the intersection of materials science, mechanical design, and experimental test.

Gates

Product Engineer - Motorcycle

Denver, CO · On-site

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 ...

Apple

Acoustic Transducer Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

Ability to travel internationally. BS in Mechanical Engineering, Audio/Acoustic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or equivalent. Preferred Qualifications MS or PhD in Mechanical ...

Medium

Optical Coatings Materials Scientist

Denver, CO · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a closely related field. * Experience : 5-10 years of industry experience in coating development, materials engineering, or ...

New

CoorsTek

Quality Assurance Engineer III

Golden, CO

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, or related Physical Science or Engineering with 10 years relevant experience or Master's degree in Engineering or business or related Physical Science with 7 ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 7, 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 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 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% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,736 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

R&D Engineer

Canopy A&D

Littleton, CO • On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Canopy Technologies' mission is to manufacture humanity's ascent. Our team advances materials and manufacturing processes to support the most challenging missions in the galaxy: re-entry from space, interplanetary travel, hypersonic weapons, and more. Canopy's engineering centers around extreme environment materials needed to withstand heat, corrosive environments, and the harshness of space. 
 
 
Job Summary: Canopy Technologies is seeking an exceptional R&D Engineer to lead the development, integration, and flight validation of next-generation materials and payload systems for extreme environments.
 
This role sits at the intersection of materials science, mechanical design, and experimental test. You will take novel ceramic, composite, and multi-material systems from first-principles concept through proof-of-concept, qualification, and flight demonstration. You will design hardware that survives re-entry, hypersonic heating, and harsh maritime and defense environments - and you will personally help build, test, and refine it.
 
This is not a narrow, single-discipline role. It requires an engineer who is equally comfortable deriving governing equations from scratch, building robust CAD models for complex assemblies, instrumenting hardware for high-temperature test, and standing in front of a torch or arc-jet facility diagnosing failure modes in real time.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, qualify, integrate, and flight-test payloads and components for re-entry and high-temperature systems
  • Characterize and test advanced materials and stackups (ceramics, composites, soft goods, coatings, embedded sensors)
  • Design and implement instrumentation, data acquisition, and calibration systems for high-temperature and high-dynamic testing
  • Analyze experimental data to validate models, refine designs, and inform next iterations
  • Perform first-principles thermal, structural, and multiphysics analyses to guide engineering decisions
  • Interface with embedded systems and software to enable sensing, telemetry, control, and data capture
  • Design, prototype, and integrate complex assemblies using advanced CAD tools
  • Partner with Manufacturing and Production teams to transition prototypes into scalable, repeatable hardware systems
  • Translate early-stage concepts into validated proof-of-concept demonstrations
  • Contribute to technical proposals and capture efforts for advanced defense and space programs
Required Qualifications
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
  • 3-5 years of hands-on engineering experience developing, building, and testing hardware systems
  • Experience using CAD software and producing engineering drawings to GD&T standards
  • Experience planning, executing, and analyzing experimental tests
  • Experience building, integrating, and using data acquisition systems to collect data from COTS sensors.
  • Strong engineering first principles in solid mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, and electronics
  • Functional software ability in at least one high level programming language (Python preferred), with the ability to interface with test equipment and perform data analysis.
  • Experience designing and executing project plans, managing technical scope, and coordinating cross-functional efforts to deliver hardware programs
Preferred Qualifications
  • Proven experience thriving in a dynamic environment with a high degree of autonomy
  • Experience working with advanced manufacturing equipment such as 3D printers, CNC machines, robotic systems, or automated production equipment
  • Graduate-level degree in materials science or engineering, ideally with a focus in high-temperature materials or hypersonics
  • Proven experience finding scrappy ways to deliver on milestones or programs ahead of schedule
  • Published external literature in academic journals
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
  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret security clearance
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed. 
$80,000 - $140,000 a year
Type: Full Time, Exempt (Salaried)
Reports to: President, Canopy Technologies
Base Location: Littleton, CO onsite M-F
Travel:  <20% of the time
Work Environment
       Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations.
       Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs and perform tasks involving standing, walking, bending, and manual assembly.
       Visual acuity required for reading technical drawings, inspecting components, and operating precision instruments.
       Occasional travel to customer or test sites, including outdoor or industrial settings, with adherence to company and OSHA safety protocols.
 
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. Retirement plan participation (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.
 
Equal Opportunity
Canopy Aerospace & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
 
Join Us
If you feel you're qualified for the role, but don't exactly meet the criteria - please apply! We value diversity and prioritize passion.
 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.
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.
apply for this job

Apply