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Material Science Engineer Jobs in Vail, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Prattwhitney

Senior Multi-Discipline Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$86.80 - $165.20/hr

Deliver rapid turnaround results in collaboration with a multi‑disciplinary engineering team ... Bachelor's degree in material science or polymer science. * Knowledge of material testing/analysis ...

New

Raytheon

Senior Multi-Discipline Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$98K - $135K/yr

Opportunity to work in Materials Engineering Laboratory in Tucson AZ. This position will offer a ... Bachelor's Degree in Material Science and Polymer Science * Understanding, with knowledge of ...

Raytheon

Senior Multi-Discipline Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$98K - $135K/yr

Opportunity to work in Materials Engineering Laboratory in Tucson AZ. This position will offer a ... Bachelor's Degree in Material Science and Polymer Science * Understanding, with knowledge of ...

Prattwhitney

Sr. Material Program Lead

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$86.80 - $165.20/hr

Experience in program system processes related to MRBs, PCB, risk boards, engineering review boards. * Broad knowledge of materials science; ability to collaborate with SMEs. Benefits Salary range ...

New

Raytheon

Sr Material Program Lead

Tucson, AZ

Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) * 7 years of experience in materials problem solving, materials characterization, or production engineering and competency ...

Raytheon

Sr Material Program Lead

Tucson, AZ

Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) * 7 years of experience in materials problem solving, materials characterization, or production engineering and competency ...

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All JobsMaterial Science Engineer JobsMaterial Science Engineer Jobs in Vail, AZ

Material Science Engineer information

See Vail, AZ salary details

$40.1K

$106.2K

$166.6K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Vail, AZ is $106,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,400.00 and $122,900.00 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 cities near Vail, AZ are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs?

Cities near Vail, AZ with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:

Material Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Vail, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,233 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Materials Science and Engineering (Multiple)

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 23 hours ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

363rd of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Materials Science and Engineering (Multiple)
Posting Number
req23626
Department
Materials Science & Engr
Department Website Link
https://mse.engineering.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
1235 E. James E. Rogers Way , Tucson, AZ 85721 USA
Position Highlights
The Materials Science and Engineering department (MSE) is seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associates with expertise and/or interest in high temperature structural materials, additive manufacturing, non-destructive testing, multi-scale modeling and materials characterization. The ideal candidates will be able to contribute to the testing of metallic materials, micro structural characterization and/or develop ICME models and digital twins. This position is full-time and on-site at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Contribute to a research project in close collaboration with faculty supervisors, PhD students and undergraduates on additive manufacturing of high temperature structural alloys.
  • Innovate new areas of inquiry and advance materials testing, modeling and/or characterization techniques and data analysis.
  • Present research findings in meetings and publish in scientific journals; maintain detailed records and datasets.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge and experience with mechanical testing, mechanics/ICME modeling, and microstructural characterization (SEM, EBSD, TEM, etc.).
  • Experience in preparing, writing, editing and revising research articles.

Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Selected candidate must have Ph.D. conferred upon hire.
  • This position is subject to federal ITAR/EAR regulations

Preferred Qualifications
FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
3
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Sammy Tin
tin@arizona.edu
Open Date
8/26/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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