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Material Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entegris

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL · On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field required * 3+ years of post-graduate industry experience in polymer structural characterization, mechanical testing and rheology; Successful ...

TERA-PRINT LLC

Materials Scientist

Skokie, IL · On-site

... science, physics or chemical engineering to drive the development of this technology into thin-film material synthesis. This role will allow you to work in a fast-paced and collaborative team focused ...

TERA-PRINT LLC

Materials Scientist

Skokie, IL · On-site

... science, physics or chemical engineering to drive the development of this technology into thin-film material synthesis. This role will allow you to work in a fast-paced and collaborative team focused ...

TERA-PRINT LLC

Materials Scientist

Skokie, IL · On-site

... science, physics or chemical engineering to drive the development of this technology into thin-film material synthesis. This role will allow you to work in a fast-paced and collaborative team focused ...

CHAMPRO

Textile & Raw Materials Specialist

Bannockburn, IL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

This role is ideal for someone with a background in textile science, textile technology, material development, or apparel product development who wants to build expertise in fabric development and ...

CHAMPRO

Textile & Raw Materials Specialist

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

This role is ideal for someone with a background in textile science, textile technology, material development, or apparel product development who wants to build expertise in fabric development and ...

Material Sciences Corporation

Be Seen First

Maintenance Mechanic

Chicago, IL · On-site

$31 - $35/hr

At Material Sciences Corporation (MSC) , we are a leader in the field of metal laminating and advanced material solutions , proudly supporting innovation across industries for over 70 years. Our Elk ...

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How much do material science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for material science in Chicago, IL is $22.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $26.01 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Material Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:
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Material Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,611 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Material Characterization Scientist

Entegris

Aurora, IL

$114K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 19 hours ago

Entegris rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Title:

Material Characterization Scientist

Job Description:

Entegris is currently seeking aPolymerCharacterization Scientist, CMPPadto join our Materials Solutions Division R&D team. This position will be based at our Aurora (Greater Chicago Area) facility.

In this role, you will develop and advance fundamental understanding of the mechanical and rheological behavior of polymer systems used in CMP pad materials. You will lead the development of metrology capabilities and analytical frameworks that enable deep insight into structure-property relationships, supporting improved product design, consistency, and performance.

WhatYou'llDo

Metrology & Method Development:

  • Develop, optimize, and standardize mechanical testing methods(e.g., DMA, stress-strain, creep, oscillatory rheology)for CMP pad materials across development and manufacturing environments

  • Establish rheological characterization protocols (e.g., cure kinetics, viscoelastic behavior, frequency/temperature sweeps) to understand polymer network formation and processing sensitivity

  • Define and implement measurement best practices, calibration methods, and inter-lab correlation to ensure data consistency and reproducibility

EstablishStructure-Property-PerformanceRelationship:

  • Correlate mechanical and rheological properties to CMP performance metrics

  • Build property-performance models to enable material design targets and process control windows

  • Support root-cause investigations for yield, consistency, and customer performance issues using quantitative metrology data

Data &Modeling:

  • Working with scientistsand engineers in product design and production to design and execute DOE-based studies to isolate key variables affecting mechanical properties

  • Develop data analysis workflows and predictive models;Establish databases and visualization tools to enable data-driven decision making across teams

Cross-functional andExternalCollaboration:

  • Partner with formulation scientists, process engineers, and application teams to translate metrology insights into actionableproductsand process improvementsguidance

  • Work with manufacturing teams to transfer lab-scale metrology into production-relevant measurements

  • Collaborate with instrument vendors and external partners to evaluate and deploy new characterization capabilities

Communication &TechnicalLeadership

  • Document and communicate findings through technical reports, standards, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders

  • Contribute to metrology strategy and roadmap, identifying gaps and future capability needs

  • Mentor team members on best practices in mechanical testing, rheology, and data interpretation

WhatWeSeek

  • PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Scienceor related field required

  • 3+ years ofpost-graduate industryexperience in polymerstructuralcharacterization, mechanical testingandrheology; Successfuldevelopedtest methods, measurement systems, or analytical approaches

  • Hands-on experience with characterization techniques such asthermal-mechanical testing, rheometer,tensile and fatigue testing,and compression and flexural testingwith demonstrated ability to design and troubleshoot experiments

  • Strong understanding of polymer mechanical and viscoelastic behavior, including structure-property relationships and the impact of network formation, crosslinking, and formulation on material performance

  • Practical experiencein Design of Experiments (DOE), data analysis, and problem solving

  • Experience with thermoset,thermoplastic,elastomeric, or filled polymer systems is preferred

  • Knowledge of CMP or semiconductor processes is a plus, but not required

  • Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to operate effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment

  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical findings into practical recommendations

What We Offer:

At Entegris, weinvest in providing opportunity to our employees and promote from within. The new hire in this role will have the potential to grow and create relationships across the organizationand be recognized for demonstrated success and adherence to company PACE values.

Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you're looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.

  • Generous401(K) plan with an impressive employer match

  • Excellenthealth, dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs

  • Flexible work schedule and 11 paid holidays a year

  • Paid time off (PTO)policy that empowersyouto take the timeyouneed to recharge

  • Education assistance to support your learning journey

  • Values-driven culturewith colleagues that rally around People, Accountability, Creativity and Excellence.

Compensation: $114,000-$144,000, dependent on candidate skillset and experience.

At Entegris we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, and reward employees for their individual abilities, achievements and experience without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital or military status.

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