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Material Science Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

CHAMPRO

Textile & Raw Materials Specialist

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Coursework or experience in textile testing, textile science, fabric engineering, material development, quality assurance, or product development strongly preferred. * Working knowledge of Excel ...

S&C

Staff Engineer - Process Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$116K - $154K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or other relevant Engineering. * Ability to take ownership and work independently within a ...

Monosol-Llc

Data Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130 - $155/hr

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related technical field; Master's or PhD strongly preferred

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$13

$25

$42

How much do material science engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for material science engineering in Illinois is $25.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $31.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 research. Job prospects are generally stable 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 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 safety 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Material Science Engineering jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Material Science Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Material Science Engineering jobs in Illinois? For Material Science Engineering jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineering jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
Material Science Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineering job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,846 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Research Science Management

University of Utah

Campus, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Details
Open Date 06/29/2026 Requisition Number PRN45481B Job Title Research Science Management Working Title Senior Manager, Materials Engineering Management Career Progression Track M00 Track Level M4 - Senior Manager FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
Monday - Friday 8-5pm
VP Area Academic Affairs Department 00067 - Material Science and Engineer Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range 70,000-120,000 Close Date 11/30/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
Research Science Management
Direct/Manage/Supervise engineers in the selection, qualification, testing, and failure analysis of materials and processes. Oversee research and strategy development regarding material technologies for various applications and production processes. Lead training and development for engineering staff on material-related trends and topics. Collaborate cross-functionally with design engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement teams to provide materials guidance and expertise. May specialize in polymer, metallurgical, ceramics, or other types of materials. Second-level manager. Manage the activities of first-level managers and/or supervisors. Responsible for hiring, firing, performance appraisals, and pay reviews. Broad knowledge of the field with proven leadership skills.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all aspects of department laboratory operations, ensuring high-quality technical support, training, and services for both internal and external users. The Materials Engineer Manager will act as a key liaison between the department, lab staff, faculty, and user community, supporting research, teaching, and service missions of the department as well as other duties as assigned.
The day-to-day responsibilities will include:
Technical Support & Equipment Oversight: Manage shared laboratory equipment in the MSE department, Materials Characterization Lab (MCL), SMART, and Crus Center facilities, including SEM, XRD, BET, MLA, UV/Vis, TGA/DSC, ICP-MS, electrokinetic analyzer, 3D printers, furnaces, crushing and grinding equipment, solution extraction and separation equipment, and autonomous laboratory equipment. Provide user training, develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), process samples for internal and external clients, and handle billing for equipment usage.
Advanced Characterization & Research Support: Conduct high-level sample characterization and coordinate multi-technique analytical projects. Write technical reports summarizing results and project outcomes for clients. Collect, compare, and synthesize vendor quotes for equipment purchases and service contracts. Interact professionally with internal and external users and work to meet associated research needs.
Instructional and Faculty Support: Support instructional labs by training TAs, students, and technicians operating in the center, preparing demonstrations, and maintaining teaching equipment. Collaborate with faculty on shared equipment use, potential donations, and long-term procurement planning.
Laboratory Operations & Maintenance: Order supplies (e.g., gloves, gases) and maintain an updated chemical inventory. Oversee general housekeeping and lab upkeep. Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and basic repairs on instruments, including alignment, calibration, and component replacement. Coordinate vendor service visits and oversee contract maintenance.
Safety & Compliance: Maintain a safe and compliant work environment in the MCL and Crus Center. Ensure all lab users complete required university EHS training and equipment-specific training. Develop, implement, and enforce safe laboratory procedures. Work with students and researchers to establish best practices and assist in drafting SOPs. Properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Senior Manager, Research Science: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850

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