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Material Scientist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Materials Scientist

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Materials Science Domain Expert Type: Contract Compensation: $70-$110/hour Location: Hybrid, Bay Area, California Commitment: 40 hours/week Role Responsibilities * Evaluate the quality of materials ...

Senior Scientist

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$112.80 - $169.20/hr

Use material science knowledge to lead research & decision making relative to new resin solutions and alternatives.Drives ongoing innovation and technology scouting activities in sustainability ...

Senior Scientist

Midland, MI ยท On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

At Qnity , we're more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and ... Position Summary Qnity Electronics is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead formulation development ...

Senior Scientist

Midland, MI ยท On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

At Qnity , we're more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and ... Position Summary Qnity Electronics is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead formulation development ...

Scientist

Romeo, MI ยท On-site

* As a Scientist, you will create new technologies and problem solve in structural and environmental sealing materials and processes through a technically fundamental approach. Responsibilities:

At Qnity , we're more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and ... Position Summary Qnity Electronics is seeking a Senior Scientist/Engineer to lead the development ...

Senior Scientist R&D

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$96K - $122K/yr

Responsibilities include synthesizing advanced hydrocarbon polymer materials and supporting their ... Mentor and support junior scientists and lab assistants in the planning and execution of polymer ...

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Showing results 1-20

Material Scientist information

See Michigan salary details

$46.2K

$108.1K

$150.8K

How much do material scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for material scientist in Michigan is $108,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a material scientist do?

A Material Scientist researches, develops, and analyzes materials to improve existing products or create new ones. They study the properties and structures of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and other substances to enhance performance, durability, and sustainability. Material Scientists work in various industries, including aerospace, healthcare, electronics, and manufacturing, ensuring materials meet specific technical and safety standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a material scientist?

To thrive as a Material Scientist, you need a strong background in materials engineering or chemistry, supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related field (often a master's or Ph.D. is preferred). Familiarity with analytical tools such as SEM, XRD, and laboratory management systems, as well as relevant certifications or training in material characterization techniques, is highly valued. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set standout professionals apart. These abilities are essential for conducting high-quality research, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and driving innovation in material development.

What opportunities for career advancement are available to material scientists?

Material Scientists often have diverse pathways for career growth, including progressing into senior research roles, project management, or specialized technical leadership positions. With experience and advanced education, some professionals move into roles that focus on product development, quality assurance, or even executive leadership in research and development. Many organizations also support continued training and professional development, allowing Material Scientists to expand their expertise and take on more complex projects. Advancement can come from both demonstrated technical excellence and the ability to coordinate and lead cross-functional teams.

How much do material scientists get paid?

Material scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $97,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $150,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in characterization techniques and research can lead to higher compensation, especially in industrial or research settings.

Is material scientist high paying?

Material scientists typically earn competitive salaries, with median annual wages above the national average for all occupations. Salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and industry, with those working in research and development or specialized fields often earning higher pay. Advanced degrees and skills in characterization tools like microscopy or spectroscopy can also influence earning potential.

Is materials science high paying?

Materials scientists typically earn competitive salaries, with median wages above the national average for many professions. Salaries vary based on experience, education, industry, and location, and advanced skills or certifications can lead to higher pay. Overall, materials science can be a financially rewarding career path.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Material Scientist jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Material Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Scientist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,054 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Materials Scientist

Detroit, MI โ€ข On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Materials Science Domain Expert
Type: Contract
Compensation: $70–$110/hour
Location: Hybrid, Bay Area, California
Commitment: 40 hours/week

Role Responsibilities

  • Evaluate the quality of materials science knowledge work tasks and model outputs. Identify missing behaviors and unsupported claims.
  • Write high-quality instruction specs and produce golden solutions to materials problems. Define new tasks that reflect real-world practices.
  • Design challenging materials science tasks and evaluation sets. Build materials-specific skills and tools with the research team.
  • Collaborate with client researchers to maintain consistent standards. Translate tacit materials judgment into explicit criteria.
  • Work independently and asynchronously to meet deadlines while improving AI model performance.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • PhD in materials science, materials engineering, or related fields.
  • 4+ years of research or industrial R&D experience in materials.
  • Specialization in areas like energy storage, semiconductors, or computational materials.
  • Progression to a senior level, such as Senior Scientist or Principal Investigator.
  • Peer-reviewed publications, patents, or shipped materials programs.
  • Experience with large language models in professional work.
  • Living in the Bay Area, California, and able to work on-site as required.
  • Excellent written communication skills.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.


#hiringmercor