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Material Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PPG Industries, Inc.

Materials Scientist

Burbank, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

... of material performance. * Passion for Science: Thrives in a technical role, enjoys reading papers and patents, and is driven by scientific exploration. * Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen or ...

PPG

Materials Scientist

Burbank, CA

$115K - $130K/yr

... of material performance. * Passion for Science: Thrives in a technical role, enjoys reading papers and patents, and is driven by scientific exploration. * Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen or ...

Eurofins Scientific

Scientist, SIMS

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

If you're energized by materials science, analytical chemistry, engineering rigor, and solving problems that matter, you'll feel right at home here. Every analysis, every test, and every question ...

Apple

Product Design FEA Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Description As the cornerstone between material science and mechanical engineering, you will design experiments to characterize materials, advance mathematical descriptions and simulation workflows ...

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Material Science information

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How much do material science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for material science in California is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you do with material science?

Material science graduates can pursue careers as materials engineers, research scientists, quality control specialists, or product development engineers. These roles involve analyzing, testing, and developing materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, often requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques and computer-aided design tools.

What is a material science salary?

A material science salary varies based on experience, education, and location, but typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually for entry-level to experienced professionals. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in high-demand industries such as aerospace, automotive, or research. Many roles also include benefits like health insurance and opportunities for advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Material Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Material Science, you need a solid background in physics, chemistry, materials engineering, and problem-solving, usually supported by at least a bachelor's degree in materials science or a related discipline. Familiarity with scientific instrumentation, materials characterization software, and quality control systems is often required, along with certifications such as Six Sigma or experience with ISO standards. Strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and collaborative skills distinguish outstanding professionals in this field. These competencies enable effective research, innovation, and seamless teamwork in developing and optimizing new materials for various industries.

What jobs can you get with a material science degree?

A material science degree can lead to careers such as materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, or product development specialist. These roles often involve working with metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites, and may require knowledge of testing methods, CAD software, and industry standards.

What are some typical projects and day-to-day tasks in a Material Science position?

Material Science professionals often engage in researching, testing, and developing new materials or improving existing ones to meet specific industry needs. Typical tasks might include preparing and analyzing material samples, conducting experiments in labs, interpreting test data, and collaborating closely with engineering or product development teams. You may also be involved in troubleshooting manufacturing processes or supporting quality assurance efforts. These roles frequently require documenting findings, presenting results, and contributing to cross-departmental meetings, making every day varied and dynamic. Many positions offer hands-on involvement as well as opportunities for cross-functional teamwork.

What is a Material Science job?

A Material Science job involves researching, developing, and testing materials to improve their properties for various applications. Material scientists work with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites to enhance performance in industries like aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. They analyze the structure and properties of materials to innovate and create new products or improve existing ones. These professionals often collaborate with engineers and manufacturers to ensure materials meet required standards for durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Is material science high paying?

Material science careers can offer competitive salaries, especially for roles in research, development, or engineering that require specialized knowledge and skills. Salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and industry, with positions in aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing typically paying higher wages.
What are the most commonly searched types of Material Science jobs in California? The most popular types of Material Science jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Material Science jobs in California? For Material Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Material Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Material Science job openings:
Material Science jobs near you

Material Sciences - Graduates - AI Training - USA

Prolific Academic Ltd

San Diego, CA • On-site, Remote

$40/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Material Sciences - Graduates - AI Training - USAbout Prolific

Prolific is not just another player in the AI space – we are building the biggest pool of quality human data in the world.

Over 35,000 AI developers, researchers, and organizations use Prolific to gather data from paid study participants with a wide variety of experiences, knowledge, and skills.

The role

We're looking for Materials Science Specialists to join our Expert Network to help train and evaluate cutting-edge AI models using real scientific expertise. If you have a background in materials research, engineering, or technical analysis, we'll send you a quick 10- to 15-minute test to assess your skills and suitability for AI tasks. If successful, you'll be invited to join Prolific as a participant, where you'll get paid to train and evaluate powerful AI models.

Researchers looking for your skills tend to pay $40+/hr, depending on skills and experience level. You must be prepared to complete paid tasks that require one hour of uninterrupted work, though many are shorter.

What you'll bring
  • Educational Background: at minimum, a BSc (Bachelor of Science) in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
  • Technical Literacy: deep interest or experience in materials research, including the ability to interpret phase diagrams, crystalline structures, and property data.
  • Analytical Rigor: strong attention to detail and the ability to concentrate on complex technical tasks for extended periods.
  • Professional Verification: a valid LinkedIn profile or professional history to verify your credentials during the screening process.
  • A PayPal account to receive payment from our clients
What you'll be doing in the role
  • AI Evaluation & Ranking: comparing multiple AI-generated technical explanations or research summaries and ranking them based on scientific accuracy and logic.
  • Strategic Document Audit: reviewing Materials Science scientific papers alongside AI-generated graphical abstracts to identify inaccuracies or misrepresentations.
  • Fact-Checking: verifying that the AI-generated data (formulas, material properties, and experimental results) faithfully represent the source scientific documentation.
  • Model Alignment: providing high-level feedback to help AI models produce "enterprise-ready" corporate and scientific intelligence.
  • Technical Verification: auditing the structural integrity of summaries involving complex chemical compositions and material behaviors.
Key Technologies
  • Generative AI (LLMs): training and fine-tuning models specialized in STEM and corporate intelligence.
  • Scientific Visualization: evaluating AI-generated graphical abstracts and data visualizations.
  • Research Databases: navigating technical literature to provide "ground truth" data.
Why Prolific is a great platform to join as a Participant

Joining our platform as a Prolific participant will give you the chance to influence the AI models of the future using professional legal expertise. Once you pass our assessment, you can join Prolific in just 15 minutes, and start enjoying competitive pay rates, flexible hours, and the ability to work from home.

We've built a unique platform that connects researchers and companies with a global pool of participants, enabling the collection of high-quality, ethically sourced human behavioural data and feedback. This data is the cornerstone of developing more accurate, nuanced, and aligned AI systems.

We believe that the next leap in AI capabilities won't come solely from scaling existing models, but from integrating diverse human perspectives and behaviours into AI development. By providing this crucial human data infrastructure, Prolific is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of AI innovation – one that reflects the breadth and the best of humanity.

Links to more information on Prolific

Website

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Privacy Statement

By submitting your application, you agree that Prolific may collect your personal data for recruiting and global organisation planning. Prolific's Candidate Privacy Notice explains what personal information Prolific may process, where Prolific may process your personal information, its purposes for processing your personal information, and the rights you can exercise over Prolific use of your personal personal information.