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Material Science Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Sorion

Senior Research Engineer (Materials)

Houston, TX · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with relevant industry experience (or MS with significant industry experience) * Demonstrated ...

TechnipFMC plc

Rigid Pipe Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Material Science, Welding, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial) * Minimum 2+ years of engineering experience * Experience or knowledge in:

NobleAI

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site +1

$97K - $128K/yr

At NobleAI, we believe that energy, material science and chemistry are key to building a ... As a Lead Machine Learning Engineer specializing in conversational and agentic systems at NobleAI ...

NobleAI

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site +1

$97K - $128K/yr

At NobleAI, we believe that energy, material science and chemistry are key to building a ... As a Lead Machine Learning Engineer specializing in conversational and agentic systems at NobleAI ...

NobleAI

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Houston, TX · Remote

$104K - $138K/yr

At NobleAI, we believe that energy, material science and chemistry are key to building a ... As a Lead Machine Learning Engineer specializing in conversational and agentic systems at NobleAI ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMaterial Science Engineer JobsMaterial Science Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Material Science Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$36.3K

$96.2K

$150.9K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Houston, TX is $96,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $111,300.00 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 are popular job titles related to Material Science Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

For Material Science Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:

Material Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,202 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Failure Analysis Engineer

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Summary

A failure analysis engineer for the process integration team will be responsible for failure analysis of semiconductor optical laser devices. He/She should have experience with front-end and back-end-of-line, and packaging processing. Good understanding of reliability evaluation techniques and understanding failure analysis experience is desirable. He/she will collaborate with other individuals and functional teams, define projects, address issues, develop improvement plans, and finally to document and deliver the desired end results.

Job Duties

  1. Responsible for internal failure analysis including device decap, internal microscopic and SEM inspection, internal measurement data analysis.

  2. Hands-on experiences on sample Preparation & Imaging: Utilize Focused Ion Beam (FIB) to prepare TEM samples and perform high-resolution imaging (HR-STEM) to identify defects at the atomic level.

  3. Root Cause Analysis: Analyze structural, electrical, and physical defects in semiconductor devices, identifying issues related to yield, reliability, or process.

  4. Material Characterization: Apply Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX/EDS) and other analytical techniques (SIMS, XPS, SEM) to characterize materials.

  5. Reporting & Collaboration: Document findings in detailed technical reports, present data to cross-functional teams (design, process, QA), and support continuous improvement initiatives.

  6. Equipment Maintenance: Ensure high uptime of TEM/FIB equipment through routine calibration and troubleshooting.

Qualifications

  1. Hands-on experience with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and FIB in a lab or manufacturing environment (typically 1–3+ years).

  2. Master’s degree or Ph.D in Material Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline plus 1 year of working experience in semiconductor laboratory or fabrication is preferred.

  3. Knowledge of compound semiconductor device theory is desired.

  4. Microsoft Access, SQL, LabVIEW and other programing skills preferred.

  5. Experience with DOE techniques and SPC (Statistical Process Control) is preferred.

  6. Strong data analysis and problem solving skills.

  7. Detail oriented and self-motivated.

  8. Ability to work independently and as a team.

  9. Ability to work in clean room environment wearing smock

  10. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for successful inter and intra-group interactions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

  1. Subject to noise, vibration, dust, odors, and exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.

  2. The associate work in a manufacturing environment and be require to wear personal protective equipment.

Location

This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.

WHY AOI?

  • Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual needs

  • Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals

  • Unused PTO payout at end of the year

  • Relocation package available within US

  • Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.

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