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Material Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Material Sciences Specialist

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$55 - $62.02/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Material Sciences Specialist Location: Novato CA 94949 Type: Contract Compensation: $57-$62.07 Work Model: Hybrid - onsite and remote Hours: 8-5 MF (Tuesday and Wednesday onsite) Overview Leading ...

Scientist, SIMS

Sunnyvale, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Material Science information

See California salary details

$9

$21

$31

How much do material science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 analysts, or product development specialists. 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a 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.

How hard is it to get a job in material science?

Securing a job in material science can be competitive and typically requires a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in materials science, engineering, or related fields. Strong skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with tools like microscopy or spectroscopy can improve employment prospects, which may also involve internships or research experience.

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?

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.

What jobs can I get with a material science degree?

A material science degree qualifies individuals for roles such as materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, and product development engineer. These jobs often require knowledge of materials properties, testing methods, and proficiency with tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, with opportunities in industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and manufacturing.

Is material science a good career?

Material science is a viable career that involves studying and developing materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites for various industries. It often requires strong knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering, and offers opportunities in research, manufacturing, and product development with steady demand. Job prospects can be enhanced through advanced degrees and proficiency with tools like microscopy and spectroscopy.

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 cities in California are hiring for Material Science jobs?

Cities in California with the most Material Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,577 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Material Sciences Specialist

System One Holdings, LLC

Novato, CA โ€ข On-site

$55 - $62.02/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Material Sciences Specialist
Location: Novato CA 94949
Type: Contract
Compensation: $57-$62.07
Work Model: Hybrid - onsite and remote
Hours: 8-5 MF (Tuesday and Wednesday onsite)
Overview
Leading biotechnology company looking for an experienced Material Sciences Specialist. Ideal candidates should have a bachelors degree 3-4 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality, technical services, material sciences, or regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
โ€ข Support execution of a global material specification remediation program associated with regulatory commitments and CAPA activities.
โ€ข Work with Material Sciences, Global Quality, Regulatory Compliance, and Site Quality teams to review, revise, implement, and maintain raw material specifications in accordance with compendial and internal requirements.
โ€ข Review existing raw material specifications against current compendial requirements, including USP, Ph. Eur., JP, ACS, and supplier specifications where applicable.
โ€ข Support revision of excipient, chemical, and process material specifications.
โ€ข Compile technical justification packages and supporting rationale for specification updates.
โ€ข Support initiation and execution of change controls related to specification updates.
โ€ข Coordinate impact assessments from affected functional groups and track implementation progress and CAPA milestones.
โ€ข Maintain specification inventories, generate summary reports, and verify data consistency across documents.
โ€ข Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Material Sciences, Quality Systems, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Procurement.
โ€ข Assist with meeting preparation, impact assessment follow-ups, and action tracking.
โ€ข Prepare documentation for regulatory inspections and CAPA reviews.
โ€ข Ensure specifications align with regulatory expectations and are inspection-ready.
Requirements
โ€ข BS degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
โ€ข 3-4 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality, technical services, material sciences, or regulatory compliance.
โ€ข Experience working with GMP documentation.
โ€ข Strong technical writing and document revision skills.
โ€ข Familiarity with change controls, CAPAs, and deviation systems.
โ€ข Knowledge of pharmacopeial standards (USP, EP, JP).
โ€ข Experience with raw material specifications and supplier quality systems (preferred).
โ€ข Understanding of excipient and chemical control strategies (preferred).
โ€ข Support experience with regulatory inspections or remediation programs (preferred).
โ€ข Familiarity with Veeva, document management systems, and electronic quality systems (preferred).
โ€ข Ability to independently manage multiple workstreams and priorities.
System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulรฉ and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.
System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Ref: #558-Scientific