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Material Science Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Design and execute material characterization programs: mechanical testing, environmental exposure ... Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics ...

Materials & Process Engineer

Kent, WA ยท On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Design and execute material characterization programs: mechanical testing, environmental exposure ... Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics ...

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - Experience with prototyping and implementation - Bachelor's degree materials engineering, metallurgy, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related technical ...

Nuclear Fuels Lead Engineer

Everett, WA ยท On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Technical expertise in fuel performance, thermal-mechanics, and materials science is required. A ... Review and approve engineering deliverables, including supplier submittals. Be the primary point of ...

Data Engineer, PXT Central Science

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

The PXT Central Science team is looking for a Data Engineer. This individual will join a team of ... Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material ...

S. degree in Chemical, Material Science, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or related field. * 5+ years of direct experience testing lithium-ion batteries; 3+ year in space ...

S. degree in Chemical, Material Science, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or related field. * 5+ years of direct experience testing lithium-ion batteries; 3+ year in space ...

Materials Engineer

Everett, WA ยท On-site

$159K - $208K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience * Hands on experience with ...

Showing results 21-40

Material Science Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$43.2K

$114.6K

$179.8K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Seattle, WA is $114,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $132,600.00 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 Seattle, WA?

For Material Science Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,642 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Materials & Process Engineer

Stoke Space

Kent, WA

$129K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description

We are seeking an Materials & Process Engineer to join our dynamic team to support fully reusable launch vehicles. In this role, you will be responsible for leading strategy, testing, characterization, and qualification efforts centered around Stoke's material systems. You will collaborate with design, analysis, and manufacturing teams through all phases of the product lifecycle. This role is pivotal in ensuring the reliability, performance, and producibility of Nova. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the responsible M&P engineer for Stoke's engines, structures, mechanisms, coatings, and adhesives
  • Trade, evaluate, and select appropriate materials for a variety of hardware systems, considering performance requirements, cost, and sustainability factors
  • Design and execute material characterization programs: mechanical testing, environmental exposure, fatigue, and failure analysis, generating original properties data
  • Author, implement, and maintain M&P requirements, material specifications, testing protocols and engineering work standards related to Stoke material systems
  • Lead failure analysis and root cause investigations for material-related anomalies, establishing corrective action processes that feed back into design iteration
  • Evaluate, qualify, and manage material suppliers, including receiving inspection criteria, lot acceptance requirements, and supply chain risk mitigation
  • Define the strategy and qualification philosophy for materials at Stoke
  • Collaborate with engines, structures, analysis, avionics, valves, welding, additive, and manufacturing to create a robust system level material property database
  • Own and build out Stoke's materials characterization lab, testing protocols, and development workflows

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • 3+ years of professional experience in materials engineering, with demonstrated expertise in material selection, characterization, qualification, testing, and failure analysis
  • Background working across multiple material systems & processes - metals, soft goods, coatings, powder metallurgy, welding, and heat treatment
  • Proficiency with material characterization techniques and tools - metallography, microscopy, mechanical testing
  • Demonstrated track record of material and process decisions that have been validated through flight or equivalent high-reliability hardware programs

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field
  • Experience architecting M&P programs for rocket systems across the full development lifecycle - requirements definition, trade studies, development testing, and qualification
  • Familiarity with ASTM, NASA, AWS industry standards
  • Expertise in key M&P disciplines including fracture mechanics, corrosion control, statistics, and failure analysis

Benefits

  • Equity - We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.ย 
  • Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insuranceย 
  • Company-paid life and disability insuranceย 
  • 401(k) plan with employer matchย 
  • 4 weeks' Paid Time Off ย 
  • Holidays - 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)ย 
  • Paid Family/Parental Leave ย 
  • On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)ย 
  • Dog friendly offices!ย 

Compensation

Target Levels:

  • Level 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620
  • Level 4 Range: $151,305 - $252,105

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.ย 

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.