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Material Scientist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related engineering or science with 6+ years in a laboratory and product development setting with emphasis on experimental work and ...

Senior Scientist

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$87K - $119K/yr

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related engineering or science with 6+ years in a laboratory and product development setting with emphasis on experimental work and ...

Senior Scientist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related engineering or science with 6+ years in a laboratory and product development setting with emphasis on experimental work and ...

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN

$94K - $120K/yr

Evaluate emerging detector materials, architectures, external research opportunities, and strategic partnerships that support ORTEC product strategy. * Represent ORTEC in technical reviews ...

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Evaluate emerging detector materials, architectures, external research opportunities, and strategic partnerships that support ORTEC product strategy. * Represent ORTEC in technical reviews ...

Evaluate emerging detector materials, architectures, external research opportunities, and strategic partnerships that support ORTEC product strategy. * Represent ORTEC in technical reviews ...

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of ... The scientist will translate these fundamentals into robust, safe, and repeatable processing ...

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of ... The selected candidate will work closely with a team of scientists, engineers and technicians at ...

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Showing results 1-20

Material Scientist information

See Tennessee salary details

$48.1K

$112.5K

$157K

How much do material scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for material scientist in Tennessee is $112,520.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,900.00 and $151,600.00 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 are popular job titles related to Material Scientist jobs in Tennessee?

For Material Scientist jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Material Scientist jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Material Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Scientist job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,520 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Scientist / Nuclear Weapons SME

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET)

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$175K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

THIS POSITION IS 100% ON-SITE IN GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND.

Relocation Support to the Germantown area may be provided.

Global Engineering & Technology (GET) is seeking a Nuclear Weapons Subject Matter Expert (SME) with expertise in nuclear weapon science to support the Department of Energy's Office of Classification in Germantown, Maryland.

This is a highly compensated full-time position with benefits, with work performed primarily at the DOE facility in Germantown, Maryland. This long-term position may provide relocation support to the Germantown area for those who live outside of the DMV (region encompassing the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).

Salary Range: Compensation for this position will range from $175,000 to $190,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Duties:
  • This position requires expert-level knowledge to advise senior DOE management on current technical issues related to the SME's area of expertise in nuclear weapons research (e.g., nuclear weapon design, materials science research, stockpile management, special nuclear materials production, developments relating to improvised nuclear devices, or other areas of expertise)
  • This leadership and policy guidance position requires the ability to lead working groups and develop white papers and presentations
  • This senior professional prepares classification guidance and classification/declassification policy documents and guides in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, DOE Orders, and DOE Office of Classification procedures for Restricted Data (RD), Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), National Security Information (NSI), and Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI), including but not limited to the technical areas described below

Requirements

Security Clearance:

Candidate MUST be a United States citizen and have a current DoD Top Secret security clearance or DOE Q security clearance

Education and Experience:

  • Applicant MUST have earned an advanced degree in nuclear engineering or a physical science
  • Applicant MUST have hands-on nuclear weapon science experience
  • This position requires excellent writing and verbal communication skills. The individual must demonstrate the ability to read and understand written English at or above academic grade 15 (Nelson Denny reading assessment).

Minimum of ten (10) years' total field experience in the subject area of nuclear weapons is required. Hands-on experience with nuclear weapons-related matters such as any of the following is highly valued:

  • Computer Codes and Simulation Tools
  • Nuclear Weapon Design
  • Weapon Science
  • Use Control and other surety aspects of nuclear weapons
  • Knowledge of Improvised Nuclear Devices (INDs)
  • Advanced understanding of Radiation Exposure Devices and Radiological Dispersal Devices, including their basic science and technological principles
  • Expert knowledge of programs such as Second Line of Defense to interdict nuclear materials
  • Hands-on knowledge of computer code development to support the nuclear weapon complex is desirable, as is experience with XML computer language
  • Experience working with DOE / NNSA / DoD / DHS / NRC and the national nuclear weapon laboratories

The following are also highly valued:

  • Expertise in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)
  • Experience teaching and developing testing and educational materials for subjects such as IND or ICF is highly desirable

Benefits

We provide exceptional benefits to our full-time employees (spouse/family coverage option is available at a company-subsidized rate).

Benefits include:

  • Medical Plan Options With UnitedHealthcare
  • Dental Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Generous 401(k) Match

All benefits are effective on day one of employment.

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET) does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.