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Material Science Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

A trusted customthermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers acrossa ... Durex servesbusinesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plasticsprocessing ...

Material Handler

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

A trusted customthermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers acrossa ... Durex servesbusinesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plasticsprocessing ...

Material Science or Ceramics * Environmental Engineering * Biomedical Engineering * Electrical Engineering * Civil Engineering * Industrial Engineering Why you will love working with us Linde is a ...

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 ...

Senior Chemist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Job Requirements: -Must hold a BS or greater in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science / Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited university, and 7+ years ...

Senior Chemist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Job Requirements: -Must hold a BS or greater in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science / Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited university, and 7+ years ...

Material Handler, SWILL

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

A trusted customthermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers acrossa ... Durex servesbusinesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plasticsprocessing ...

Material Handler, SWILL

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

A trusted customthermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers acrossa ... Durex servesbusinesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plasticsprocessing ...

Showing results 41-60

Material Science Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$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:
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.

Senior Scientist I, Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery (MPDD)

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
The Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery (MPDD) function within the Small Molecule CMC organization is accountable for a broad range of deliverables across various stages of drug discovery and development. During lead optimization and through candidate selection, MPDD scientists utilize state-of-the-art automation and computational tools supported by expertise in biopharmaceutics, drug delivery, and solid-state chemistry to collaboratively progress candidates with higher probability of success into development and advise clinical formulation strategy. From candidate selection through clinical proof of concept and product launch, MPDD scientists work in cross functional teams to identify the commercial solid form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and establish structure-property-performance correlations to help deliver robust commercial processes and align control strategies across drug substance and product.
Solid State Chemists within AbbVie's MPDD function work in cross-functional teams to support projects through all phases of development (Lead Optimization to Process Validation). In early development, they work in cross functional teams to help pick the best molecule for development, identify solid form of the API and develop scalable API isolation processes for early clinical studies. During Phase II, they work with engineers and formulation scientists to establish structure-property-performance correlations and deliver commercial API isolation processes with optimized physical properties. In the final stages of development, Solid State Chemists at AbbVie help align control strategies across API and drug product throughout development, they work with relevant teams to ensure successful regulatory submissions. In order to develop and implement robust solutions, Solid State Chemists at AbbVie use a very diverse set of experimental, analytical techniques, automation, and modeling tools. In this role, you will be a key leader within dynamic, engaging, and multidisciplinary project teams with the ability to apply your skills and expertise in this exciting function with diverse accountabilities across development phases.
Job Description
AbbVie's MPDD organization is seeking a highly motivated, talented, and creative scientist with experience in the areas of solid form development, material sciences and molecular modeling for a Senior Scientist I position.
Qualifications
  • Bachelors, Masters, or PhD with 8+ (BS), 5+ (MS), and 0-3 (PhD) years of experience in pharmaceutical or related industry. Preferred educational background includes but is not restricted to Physical Chemistry, Material Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Chemical Engineering.
  • Sound understanding of biopharmaceutical concepts to improve drug-ability of molecules through salts and cocrystals. Strong knowledge of polymorphism concepts, structure elucidation, solid form development, and materials properties assessment along with experience in analytical tools used (i.e. PXRD, HPLC, thermal techniques, microscopy, particle size analysis, etc.).
  • Familiarity with state-of-the-art computational tools for physicochemical assessment of molecules and optimization of solid forms and their properties.
  • Knowledge of preclinical and clinical development formulation design across multiple dosage forms.
  • Knowledge of material science and experience in applying mathematical models to relate material physical properties with process performance and product properties.
  • Experience in leveraging cutting-edge automation tools and data mining/analytics techniques to probe key development questions and build robust foundational knowledge base.
  • Record of independently leading research for short- and long-term organizational objectives.
  • Excellent communication skills and demonstrated record of building lasting partnerships across functional boundaries.

Key Competencies
  • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of team to enable higher performance.
  • Learns fast, grasps the "essence", and can change course quickly where indicated.
  • Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
  • Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
  • Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality

Additional Information
https://us.smrtr.io/4_6zB
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

What AbbVie employees say

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AbbVie logo

About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013