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Material Science Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Booz Allen Hamilton

Materials Science Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

You Have: * Experience with materials science engineering or materials chemistry * Experience with materials testing, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical compatibility * Knowledge of ...

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How much do material science engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 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 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 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 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 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.

Are material science engineers in high demand?

Material science engineers are in steady 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, with skills in research, testing, and materials characterization being highly valued.

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 utilizing tools like microscopy and spectroscopy. Job prospects are generally stable with opportunities for research, development, and innovation.

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.
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Material Science Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,567 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Materials Science Engineer

Latrobe, PA • On-site

Kennametal, Inc.
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Kennametal, Inc.external

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Kennametal rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About Kennametal

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2.1 billion in revenues in fiscal 2023. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job Title: Engineer - Materials Science & Engineering
Location: Latrobe, PA (Hybrid)

Company

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2.1 billion in revenues in fiscal 2023. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

 

Job Description - Requirements

Kennametal has an opening for an experienced candidate in Material Science and Engineering, Chemical, Solid State or Physical Science and Engineering for an assignment in our research facility in the Pittsburgh, PA region.  A minimum of a B.S. degree with preferably three years of practical experience in one of the above field of studies will be given consideration for a commensurate title and assignment.  Knowledge of physical metallurgy particularly in powdered metals / hard metal /metal alloys / industrial ceramics is strongly preferred. Knowledge about metal powder particle manipulation, application, surface science, chemical and physical vapor deposited coatings and polymer science are other fundamental areas of interest. Practical experience of manufacturing or lab-scale processing is a plus.  Beneficial skills/experience would include project management, process modelling, thermodynamic modelling, statistical data analysis, powder formulation, characterization, and binder system design.

This position works under the supervision of the Manager to develop new materials, processes and technology in the area of hard metal powder design, synthesis and application.  The successful candidate must demonstrate effective verbal/written communications skills, excellent troubleshooting skills and an ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.  Time management and prioritization skills are critical.  Applicants should possess a desire to join an extended team of research and manufacturing colleagues in a fast-paced environment.

Job Description - Tasks

  • Establish subject matter expertise for materials, processes and technologies for enterprise-wide support.
  • Support product development, process development, intellectual property, quality, manufacturing and EHS through the development of hardmetal powder processes for a wide variety of product platforms.
  • Direct a technical Competency Team in the standardization and deployment of cost-effective processes.
  • Initiate, plan and implement technology, manufacturing and capital projects.
  • Lead, implement and sustain local/global system improvements, including measurement system analyses to improve consistency and correlation of processes.
  • From time to time, may be required to provide remote and on-site technical assistance to manufacturing.
  • Establish a technical presence in the hardmetal community through industry association involvement and publications in relevant trade journals and conferences.
  • Lead teams to resolution in the systematic use of data-driven analysis, decision making and validation.
  • Author and maintain internal procedures and work instructions.
  • Assist in vendor and material qualification, prepare functional specifications.
  • Research, evaluate and develop new technologies, analytical techniques and processing methods.
  • Travel up to 25%, depending on project activity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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