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

Senior Manager, Materials Science

Everett, WA ยท On-site

$236K - $272K/yr

Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related fields * Proven experience leading R&D organizations delivering complex, high ...

Weld Engineer

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$37 - $74/hr

S. degree; or equivalent experience; a degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a related technical discipline is desired. * Experience with weld engineering for new design

US - WA - Redmond Mechanical Testing Engineer Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field is required. 5+ Years of experience required $101/hr MAX bill rate Last ...

US - WA - Redmond Mechanical Testing Engineer Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field is required. 5+ Years of experience required $101/hr MAX bill rate Last ...

Battery Cell Engineer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$145 - $203/hr

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 applications ...

New

Sr. Quality Engineer (2026-124)

Kirkland, WA ยท Hybrid

$94K - $141K/yr

... Material Science, Computer Science, or similar), preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of Engineering degree Proficiency in the duties of this role which is usually achieved with ...

Sr. Quality Engineer (2026-124)

Kirkland, WA ยท Hybrid

$94K - $141K/yr

... Material Science, Computer Science, or similar), preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of Engineering degree Proficiency in the duties of this role which is usually achieved with ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Senior Manager, Materials Science

Helion Energy

Everett, WA โ€ข On-site

$236K - $272K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

About Helion
We are a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to build the world's first fusion power plant, enabling a future with unlimited clean electricity. Our vision is a world with clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone.
Since Helion's founding in 2013, we have raised $1.5 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group as well as new investors including Thrive Capital, LightSpeed Venture Capital, SoftBank, and others to propel us forward. Our current prototype, Polaris, has reached record-breaking plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius (13 keV). Helion is continuing to iterate and on the path to the world's first fusion power plant, Orion.
This is a pivotal time to join Helion. You will tackle real-world challenges with a team that prizes urgency, rigor, ownership, and a commitment to delivering hard truths - values essential to achieving what no one has before. Together, we will change the future of energy, because the world can't wait.
What You Will Be Doing:
You will lead Helion's Materials Interactions and Diagnostics team with a strong focus on developing and deploying critical capabilities that enable the design, testing, and monitoring of materials for extreme environments. You will oversee the delivery of key R&D tools and guide a team of subject matter experts to meet Helion's materials innovation goals. This onsite position is based in our Everett, WA office and reports to the Director of Materials Science.
You Will:
  • Set the strategic vision for Materials Interactions and Diagnostics, establishing long-term technical roadmaps spanning characterization, modeling, monitoring, and lifetime prediction in fusion-relevant environments.
  • Lead, develop, and support subject matter experts driving the development and deployment of new lab infrastructure, driving materials monitoring technologies and developing predictive models and simulations to extend material performance and reliability.
  • Own end-to-end delivery of infrastructure and platforms, including advanced materials characterization systems, in-situ monitoring technologies, and integrated modeling frameworks.
  • Build and manage a network of collaborative relationships, both internally and externally, to develop new materials that can survive a fusion environment.
  • Translate annual goals into objective tasks and manage month-to-month planning towards completing goals and objectives. Drive schedule ownership to accelerate the completion of milestones.

Required Skills:
  • 10+ years of materials-related industry experience and 3+ years of management experience
  • Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related fields
  • Proven experience leading R&D organizations delivering complex, high-impact technologies in demanding environments.
  • Deep expertise in materials characterization, degradation mechanisms, and lifetime prediction, including high temperature, and stress-driven phenomena.
  • Experience with multiphysics modeling (e.g., Matlab, COMSOL, Python), with the ability to integrate modeling into decision-making frameworks.
  • Expertise in NDT and in-situ diagnostics, with a track record of advancing monitoring capabilities for critical systems.
  • Demonstrated success in hiring, mentoring, and developing managers and senior technical talent.
  • Ability to operate with high autonomy in ambiguous, fast-paced environments, balancing rapid execution with long-term strategic thinking.

Benefits
Our total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families
  • 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)
  • 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break
  • Up to 5% employer 401(k) match
  • Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance
  • Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)
  • Annual wellness stipend

Helion is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.