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

Kaiser Aluminum

Metallurgical Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

MS degree in Data Science, or Computational Material Science, or Statistics, or Material Science or Mechanical Engineering is required. A PhD is preferred. * Excellent experience in statistical ...

Kaiser Aluminum

Metallurgical Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

MS degree in Data Science, or Computational Material Science, or Statistics, or Material Science or Mechanical Engineering is required. A PhD is preferred. * Excellent experience in statistical ...

Kaiser Aluminium

Metallurgical Engineer

Spokane, WA

$85K - $150K/yr

MS degree in Data Science, or Computational Material Science, or Statistics, or Material Science or Mechanical Engineering is required. A PhD is preferred. * Excellent experience in statistical ...

ARA

Staff Manufacturing Engineer 2

Spokane, WA · On-site

$43.74 - $72.89/hr

Scientific and technical background in mechanical engineering, materials science, metallurgy, manufacturing engineering, or related field. * At least 5 years of professional experience in a ...

ARA

Die-Casting Engineer 2

Spokane, WA · On-site

$43.74 - $72.89/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline, and a minimum of five (5) years of ...

Berriehill Research

Die-Casting Engineer 2

Spokane, WA

$90K - $151K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline, and a minimum of five (5) years of ...

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All JobsMaterial Science Engineer JobsMaterial Science Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA

Material Science Engineer information

See Spokane, WA salary details

$38.4K

$101.9K

$159.8K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Spokane, WA is $101,858.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $117,800.00 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 $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in high-demand areas or management responsibilities.

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 top salaries.

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 Spokane, WA? For Material Science Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA are:
What cities near Spokane, WA are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs? Cities near Spokane, WA with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:
Material Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Spokane, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 88% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,858 per year, or $49 per hour.
Metallurgical Engineer

Metallurgical Engineer

Kaiser Aluminum

Spokane, WA • On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Kaiser Aluminum rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

288th of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

Kaiser Aluminum is known around the world for its superior quality. Our secret is what we put into it-innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and a world-class commitment to customer service. In short, the same qualities we look for in our people. We are looking for a Metallurgical Data Scientist to join the Kaiser Aluminum onsite team in Spokane Washington with a background in aluminum manufacturing, physical/mechanical metallurgy and Finite Element Analysis!
Must be a USA person (identified as US Citizen, US Permanent Resident (Green Card), any individual who is granted status as a "protected person" under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Benefits
  • Salary range $85,000 to $150,000 commensurate with experience.
  • High deductible medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, including spouse and children (modest payroll deductions).
  • 10 paid holidays per year.
  • Vacation (3 weeks starting out).
  • Supplemental leave (used in conjunction with Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave).
  • 401K with matching company funds.
  • Quarterly bonus structure.
  • Tuition reimbursement.

The Metallurgical/Data Scientist is responsible for analysis, design, testing and implementation of existing and new applications and integrations. The ideal candidate will be a strong technical resource with the ability to understand, learn and master many different diverse technologies used across the enterprise, work with minimal supervision, and has ability to work closely with the business and technical resources.
What you will work on:
  • Conduct the low cost and high quality product and process improvement and optimization through the combination of advanced data analytics and ICME (Integrated Computational Material Science).
  • Monitor, evaluate, and apply the advanced computing technologies and algorithms for the most sophistic data analytics to uncover insights and hidden variables, identify root causes and patterns, forecast outcomes, and provide data-drive solutions.
  • Production process data collection, high dimension large dataset multivariate analysis, classic and penalized regression predictive modelling, advanced neural-network and decision-tree based predictive modeling development and applications.
  • Develop general and challenge specific predictive modeling capabilities by using commercially available software and/or internal computational codes.
  • Design and development of alloys and processes for Aluminum products through advanced data analytics and ICME.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship supports for different levels of data analytics including the principle and limits of different analytical algorithms.
  • Provide support for Industry 4.0 initiatives.
  • Develop, define, and complete on-time assigned research & development chartered projects.
  • Support plant projects as directed.
  • Write technical reports summarizing work as well as presentations to peers on progress at continuous improvement meetings.
  • Perform metallurgical and structural analysis of aluminum products.
  • Work in cross-functional teams to develop process and production improvements.
  • 5S of assigned areas.

What you will bring to the role:
  • MS degree in Data Science, or Computational Material Science, or Statistics, or Material Science or Mechanical Engineering is required. A PhD is preferred.
  • Excellent experience in statistical analysis and computing for data-driven problem solving in manufacturing environment.
  • Strong skills and experience in predictive modeling development by using multivariate analysis, classic and penalized regression predictive modelling, advanced neural-network and decision-tree based predictive modeling technologies.
  • Experience with the advanced computing technologies and algorithms, such as machine learning, to build high quality predictive modes, uncover insights and hidden variables, and provide solutions.
  • Experience in large dataset collection, integration, and visualization by using Excel, SQL, Mintab, Python, etc.
  • Background in aluminum manufacturing, physical, and mechanical metallurgy.
  • Experience in thermodynamic and kinetic material modeling by using CALPHA principle, and process simulations by using FEA and CFD tools.
  • An ability to apply continuous improvement tools and methodologies to processes and projects
  • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and organizational skills.
  • Proven ability to work in teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

PREFERRED SKILLS
  • Experience in metal rolling process simulation through FEA, Crystal Plasticity (CP) model, and other microstructure-based material models.
  • Experience in material characterization such as microstructure and mechanical properties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Approximately 70% of the job function is performed in an office setting requiring normal safety precautions. 30% of the job function is required in the plant. There is exposure to operating machinery and a manufacturing environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered based on job-related qualifications and abilities. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
About Kaiser Aluminum: Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing an inclusive culture.
No third-party candidate submissions are being accepted at this time for this opening

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