ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Material Science Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vrtx

Senior Director, Material Science

Boston, MA · On-site

$217K - $326K/yr

Vertex is seeking a talented individual to join the Engineering and Materials Science department in Boston, MA to lead the Materials Development Group. The Material Science Senior Director will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaterial Science Engineering Jobs

Material Science Engineering information

See salary details

$13

$26

$44

How much do material science engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for material science engineering in the United States is $26.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

Is material science engineering a good career?

Material science engineering is a viable career that involves developing and testing materials used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. It requires strong knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles, often involving laboratory work and technical problem-solving. Job prospects are generally good with opportunities for advancement and specialization.

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 science, chemistry, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by at least a bachelor's degree in material science or a related field. Familiarity with analytical tools like scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and materials modeling software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure the development, testing, and improvement of materials that meet industry performance and safety standards.

What are some common challenges material science engineers face when working on interdisciplinary projects?

Material science engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering, which can present challenges in aligning project goals and communication styles. Navigating differences in technical language and priorities requires adaptability and strong teamwork skills. Additionally, integrating new materials into existing manufacturing processes may involve troubleshooting unforeseen issues, making flexibility and creative problem-solving essential. These challenges ultimately foster valuable cross-disciplinary experience and can lead to innovative solutions.

What is material science engineering?

Material science engineering is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the discovery, design, and development of new materials and the improvement of existing ones. Engineers in this field study the structure, properties, and performance of materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Their work is essential for advancing technology in industries like aerospace, electronics, automotive, and healthcare. Material science engineers play a critical role in creating materials with enhanced strength, durability, or other specialized properties to meet the needs of modern applications.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

In the field of materials science engineering, senior-level professionals with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in leadership roles or within high-paying industries like aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, or energy. Achieving this salary often requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and working in regions with high living costs or demand for specialized expertise.

What kind of jobs do material science engineers do?

Material science engineers research, develop, and test materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to improve their properties for various applications. They work in industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare, often using tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, and may require knowledge of manufacturing processes and material testing standards.

What is the difference between Material Science Engineering vs Metallurgical Engineering?

AspectMaterial Science EngineeringMetallurgical Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Metallurgical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, product developmentMining, metal production, refining facilities
Industry UsageElectronics, aerospace, automotive, consumer productsMining, metal extraction, alloy development
Common Search/ComparisonMaterial Science EngineeringMetallurgical Engineering

Material Science Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering share overlapping skills in metals and materials but differ in focus. Material Science emphasizes a broader range of materials, including polymers and ceramics, and their applications across various industries. Metallurgical Engineering concentrates specifically on metals, extraction, and refining processes. Both fields are vital in manufacturing and industry, but their core areas of expertise and work environments differ.

More about Material Science Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Material Science Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Material Science Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Material Science Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Material Science Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Material Science Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Material Science Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineering jobs are:
Material Science Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,567 per year, or $26.7 per hour.
Materials Science Engineering Manager

Materials Science Engineering Manager

Swagelok Company

Solon, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Swagelok rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Shift: 1st shift
City: Solon
Swagelok, Northeast Ohio, USA
Swagelok is a global organization and one of the largest employers of manufacturing talent in Northeast Ohio. We are driven by our core values of Quality, Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Customer Focus, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement, which are demonstrated through our daily actions. For over 75 years, our dedication to our core values has been the foundation for our success. Our products have been up into space, down to the bottom of the ocean, and everywhere in between. That same dedication spans to our customers.
Throughout our organization we demonstrate a commitment to these values and those we bring onboard. Whether you want to grow in your role or explore broad opportunities and develop new skills-you'll thrive in a culture that promotes learning and development.
We strive to be a company where we all can do our best work with a true sense of purpose and belonging.
Be Connected. Be Valued. Be You.
We hope you'll consider joining our team.
Position Summary:
Leads the Materials Science & Technology (MSAT) team within Swagelok's Engineering organization, managing a team of materials scientists and engineers who support both day-to-day operational needs and research & development. Provides deep technical leadership in materials characterization, failure analysis, materials selection, corrosion, chemistry, chemical proceses, and surface engineering across Swagelok's product portfolio and manufacturing operations. Drives a balanced project agenda of business sustaining initiatives and knowledge and longer-horizon R&D. Partners with cross-functional teams - including Sourcing, Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Investigations and Quality - to translate materials science expertise into measurable business outcomes.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Lead, develop, and retain a team of materials scientists, engineers, and technicians; set clear performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching, and build succession depth within the team.
  • Direct the MSAT team's project portfolio, balancing near-term operational support with longer-range R&D investments and ensuring alignment with business priorities.
  • Apply cost-vs-impact thinking to prioritize materials research projects; evaluate and communicate the business value of R&D investments to senior leadership.
  • Oversee materials characterization, failure analysis, material selection, corrosion, chemistry, chemical processes, surface engineering, and related laboratory activities.
  • Define and communicate a clear team strategy aligned with Swagelok's broader engineering and product development objectives.
  • Manage department operating budget including planning, tracking variances, identifying cost-reduction opportunities, and overseeing capital equipment investments.
  • Build and sustain relationships with external research institutions, suppliers, and industry networks to maintain awareness of advances in materials science and emerging technologies.
  • Drive talent development through structured individual development plans, mentoring, and targeted training programs; actively engage in succession planning.
  • Communicate departmental project status, resource needs, and strategic priorities to senior leadership through regular reporting and presentations.
  • As a leader, you are expected to know, enforce, and appropriately escalate all Swagelok associate policies.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Approximate # of direct reports (if applicable) - 7-12 materials scientists, engineers, and technicians (direct reports); may also provide indirect technical guidance to laboratory technicians or contractors.
Budget responsibility (if applicable) - Department operating budget including wages, laboratory supplies, capital equipment, and R&D project expenses.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field required; Master's degree strongly preferred, PHD desired.
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in materials science, metallurgy, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a formal leadership role managing engineers or technical professionals.
  • Demonstrated track record of managing both business sustaining/operational and R&D/innovation work simultaneously in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
  • Proven ability to translate materials science expertise into practical engineering and business solutions, including cost-benefit analysis of technical decisions.
  • Experience working in precision manufacturing, fluid handling, or related industries preferred.
  • Knowledge of Swagelok products, fluid system components, Semiconductor or Oil/Gas/Chemical applications preferred

Critical Competencies:
Essential for Day One:
  • Managing Complexity: Analyzes multifaceted technical and organizational problems and distills them into clear, actionable plans; comfortable operating with ambiguity and competing priorities.
  • Interpersonal Savvy: Builds strong, trust-based relationships across functions and levels of the organization; communicates with clarity, empathy, and credibility.
  • Influence: Drives alignment and commitment without direct authority; effectively advocates for team direction, resources, and technical priorities.
  • Organizational Agility: Understands how to navigate organizational dynamics to accomplish goals; adapts leadership approach based on context and stakeholder needs.
  • Business & Financial Acumen: Applies cost-vs-impact thinking to materials R&D decisions; understands the financial implications of technical choices and communicates them clearly.
  • Developing Direct Reports & Others: Actively builds bench strength; creates meaningful development plans and career pathways for team members; invests in talent retention.

Can Be Developed in Role:
  • Strategic Mindset: Connects MSAT capabilities to Swagelok's longer-term product, materials, and market strategy.
  • Decision Quality: Makes sound decisions under uncertainty, drawing on data, stakeholder input, and materials science expertise.
  • Cross-functional Knowledge: Builds familiarity with Sourcing, Product Management, Marketing, and Manufacturing/Operations to increase organizational impact.
  • External Market Awareness: Develops ongoing knowledge of emerging materials technologies, supplier landscape, and competitive dynamics relevant to Swagelok's business.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
  • Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
  • Office and laboratory environment; may require occasional work in manufacturing or test areas, which may require use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Swagelok provides a comprehensive package of valuable benefits called Total Rewards focused on health and wellness, compensation, retirement planning, and supplemental rewards.
To apply:
1. Click 'Apply Now' to the role of interest, upload your resume and complete the application.
2. Those that match our qualifications will be contacted to schedule a phone interview.
Congratulations on taking the first step to Be Connected. Be Valued. Be You.
Swagelok is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are selected without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, pregnancy-related medical conditions, age, national origin or ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran/military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristic under federal, state or local law.
Swagelok will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and Ohio state law.
This job summary is intended to be brief and does not list all the duties for this position. Nothing in this job description should be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. Swagelok is an at-will employer, which means that either party is free to terminate the employment relationship at any time, without any advanced notice, for any reason or no reason.
#AS-1

What Swagelok employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply