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Material Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

If you are a scientist or engineer with experience in polymer development who's excited to break new ground in an industry that's moving at lightning speed, we want you as a Materials Scientist . The ...

... material synthesis with the ultimate aim of shaping the future of electronics and advanced ... Work with scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds on a broad spectrum of applications in ...

... material synthesis with the ultimate aim of shaping the future of electronics and advanced ... Work with scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds on a broad spectrum of applications in ...

... material properties. · Work closely with the CTO and Director of Product Development to design ... Qualifications · PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related ...

... 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 ...

RJ Lee Group is a multidisciplinary scientific consulting, analytical laboratory, and technology ... material performance, manufacturing processes, product development, quality concerns, and failure ...

If you are a scientist or engineer with experience in polymer development who's excited to break new ground in an industry that's moving at lightning speed, we want you as a Materials Scientist . The ...

If you are a scientist or engineer with experience in polymer development who's excited to break new ground in an industry that's moving at lightning speed, we want you as a Materials Scientist . The ...

If you are a scientist or engineer with experience in polymer development who's excited to break new ground in an industry that's moving at lightning speed, we want you as a Materials Scientist . The ...

Materials Scientist

Somerville, MA · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

If you are a scientist or engineer with experience in polymer development who's excited to break new ground in an industry that's moving at lightning speed, we want you as a Materials Scientist . The ...

Materials Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

If you are a scientist or engineer with experience in polymer development who's excited to break new ground in an industry that's moving at lightning speed, we want you as a Materials Scientist . The ...

Materials Scientist

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Senior Materials Scientist Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally ...

Materials Scientist

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Senior Materials Scientist Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally ...

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Material Scientist information

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$53K

$124K

$173K

How much do material scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for material scientist in the United States is $123,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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

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 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.

More about Material Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Material Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Material Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Material Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Material Scientist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Material Scientist jobs? The top employers for Material Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Material Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Material Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Material Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,973 per year, or $59.6 per hour.
Non-Destructive Inspection Engineer/Material Scientist (Faculty)

Non-Destructive Inspection Engineer/Material Scientist (Faculty)

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

204th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are seeking scientists and engineers to join the Polymer Composite Manufacturing Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. As part of a technical team engaged in engineering and technology needs you will support the research and development of new materials, innovative material system designs, and novel fabrication and testing methods. This will cover a wide range of material systems including composites (fiber-reinforced polymers, ceramic matrix composites, metal matrix composites), elastomers, additively manufactured polymers, and ceramics as well as emergent technologies.
The Polymer Composites Fabrication Department focuses on creating the development and optimization of materials processes for research, prototype development, and transition to implementation. The advanced inspection technologies and application of operational health monitoring represents a vital capability to achieve and maintain our historical implementations.
These positions can be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems
  • Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems
  • Identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/sponsor needs
  • Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes
  • Conduct experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas (may include taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data and planning/designing experiments or tests and supervising the execution thereof)
  • Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, papers, or oral/written presentations
  • Manage projects of varying size and scope, including technical elements, budget/schedule implications, and communication with sponsor(s)
  • Interact in a collaborative manner with other team members, engineers, and scientists to accomplish organizational goals
  • Provide innovative problem-solving approaches to enhance organizational capabilities
  • Initiate or contribute to business development activities (i.e. white papers, proposals, etc.)
  • Supervise the work of lower-level staff and undergraduate students
  • Team with engineers in other technical areas across ARL
  • Work on the development of proposals and projects

Faculty rank will be commensurate with education and experience. Minimally requires a Master's degree in an Engineering or Science Discipline and 1 year related experience.
Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Materials inspection development and optimization including nondestructive technique selection, process monitoring optimization, and prototype development for a range of materials
  • Static and fatigue mechanical testing related to structural health monitoring, data analysis and nondestructive inspection for a range of geometries from material coupons to full-scale hardware including instrumentation
  • Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
  • Proposal and technical writing skills
  • Exceptional problem solving skills and creative thinking

These positions will be located on-site in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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