ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Material Science Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaterial Science Engineer JobsMaterial Science Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Material Science Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$40.3K

$106.8K

$167.6K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Portland, OR is $106,833.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Material Science Engineer, and why are they important?

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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.

What is the highest salary for a material engineer?

The highest salaries for materials science engineers can exceed $130,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or working in specialized industries such as aerospace or semiconductor manufacturing. Senior engineers with leadership roles or specialized skills in materials characterization and testing tend to earn the highest compensation.

What are Material Science Engineers?

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 do material science engineers do?

Material science engineers research and develop new materials and improve existing ones for various applications, such as electronics, aerospace, and healthcare. They analyze material properties, use tools like microscopes and testing equipment, and often work in laboratories or manufacturing environments to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards.
What are popular job titles related to Material Science Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Material Science Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:
Material Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,833 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Material Sciences - Graduates - AI Training - Portland, US

Prolific Academic Ltd

Portland, OR • On-site, Remote

$40/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Material Sciences - Graduates - AI Training - USAbout Prolific

Prolific is not just another player in the AI space – we are building the biggest pool of quality human data in the world.

Over 35,000 AI developers, researchers, and organizations use Prolific to gather data from paid study participants with a wide variety of experiences, knowledge, and skills.

The role

We're looking for Materials Science Specialists to join our Expert Network to help train and evaluate cutting-edge AI models using real scientific expertise. If you have a background in materials research, engineering, or technical analysis, we'll send you a quick 10- to 15-minute test to assess your skills and suitability for AI tasks. If successful, you'll be invited to join Prolific as a participant, where you'll get paid to train and evaluate powerful AI models.

Researchers looking for your skills tend to pay $40+/hr, depending on skills and experience level. You must be prepared to complete paid tasks that require one hour of uninterrupted work, though many are shorter.

What you'll bring
  • Educational Background: at minimum, a BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
  • Technical Literacy: deep interest or experience in materials research, including the ability to interpret phase diagrams, crystalline structures, and property data.
  • Analytical Rigor: strong attention to detail and the ability to concentrate on complex technical tasks for extended periods.
  • Professional Verification: a valid LinkedIn profile or professional history to verify your credentials during the screening process.
  • A PayPal account to receive payment from our clients
What you'll be doing in the role
  • AI Evaluation & Ranking: comparing multiple AI-generated technical explanations or research summaries and ranking them based on scientific accuracy and logic.
  • Strategic Document Audit: reviewing Materials Science scientific papers alongside AI-generated graphical abstracts to identify inaccuracies or misrepresentations.
  • Fact-Checking: verifying that the AI-generated data (formulas, material properties, and experimental results) faithfully represent the source scientific documentation.
  • Model Alignment: providing high-level feedback to help AI models produce "enterprise-ready" corporate and scientific intelligence.
  • Technical Verification: auditing the structural integrity of summaries involving complex chemical compositions and material behaviors.
Key Technologies
  • Generative AI (LLMs): training and fine-tuning models specialized in STEM and corporate intelligence.
  • Scientific Visualization: evaluating AI-generated graphical abstracts and data visualizations.
  • Research Databases: navigating technical literature to provide "ground truth" data.
Why Prolific is a great platform to join as a Participant

Joining our platform as a Prolific participant will give you the chance to influence the AI models of the future using professional legal expertise. Once you pass our assessment, you can join Prolific in just 15 minutes, and start enjoying competitive pay rates, flexible hours, and the ability to work from home.

We've built a unique platform that connects researchers and companies with a global pool of participants, enabling the collection of high-quality, ethically sourced human behavioural data and feedback. This data is the cornerstone of developing more accurate, nuanced, and aligned AI systems.

We believe that the next leap in AI capabilities won't come solely from scaling existing models, but from integrating diverse human perspectives and behaviours into AI development. By providing this crucial human data infrastructure, Prolific is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of AI innovation – one that reflects the breadth and the best of humanity.

Links to more information on Prolific

Website

Youtube

Privacy Statement

By submitting your application, you agree that Prolific may collect your personal data for recruiting and global organisation planning. Prolific's Candidate Privacy Notice explains what personal information Prolific may process, where Prolific may process your personal information, its purposes for processing your personal information, and the rights you can exercise over Prolific use of your personal personal information.