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Materials And Process Engineer Jobs in California

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Materials And Process Engineer information

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$40K

$91.4K

$116.9K

How much do materials and process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials and process engineer in California is $91,426.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials and process engineer?

To thrive as a Materials and Process Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in materials, chemical, or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, materials testing equipment, and quality management systems such as ISO 9001 is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable materials, optimizing processes, and ensuring product quality and innovation in manufacturing environments.

What are some typical challenges materials and process engineers face when introducing new materials into production?

Materials and Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring new materials meet safety and performance standards, working within budget constraints, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to align on manufacturing capabilities. They must also address scalability, sourcing, and regulatory compliance while troubleshooting unforeseen issues during the transition from prototype to full-scale production. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate these complexities and ensure a smooth integration of new materials.

What does a materials and process engineer do?

A Materials and Process Engineer is responsible for selecting, developing, and testing materials used in manufacturing processes to ensure they meet required standards for strength, durability, and performance. They analyze how materials interact with each other and with the environment, and often troubleshoot issues related to materials failures or inefficiencies in production. These engineers work closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve product reliability. They are commonly employed in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and manufacturing.

Are materials and process engineers in high demand?

Materials and process engineers are in high demand across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing due to their expertise in developing and improving materials and production methods. The role often requires knowledge of CAD software, quality control, and certifications like Six Sigma, and employment prospects are strong with steady growth expected in the coming years.

What is the difference between Materials And Process Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectMaterials And Process EngineerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering; certifications like ASM or Six SigmaBachelor's in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, quality controlProduction floors, factory settings, process optimization
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, electronics, materials developmentAutomotive, consumer goods, electronics manufacturing

Materials And Process Engineers focus on developing and improving materials and manufacturing processes, often working in R&D or quality control. Manufacturing Engineers optimize production processes and workflows on the factory floor. While both roles require engineering backgrounds and certifications, their primary focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Materials And Process Engineer jobs in California? For Materials And Process Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials And Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Materials And Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Materials And Process Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Materials And Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Materials And Process Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,426 per year, or $44 per hour.

Materials Process Engineer Level 3 or 4-Sunnyvale,California

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Boulder Creek, CA

$103K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
Northrop Grumman's Marine Systems Materials Engineering and Test Laboratory (METL) department is looking to hire a Materials Process Engineer Level 3 or 4. This is a fast-paced environment where the team provides materials engineering support to design engineering and on-site production activities. This team supports all programs within Marine Systems. These include missile launch systems and Propulsion and Power Generation (PPG) across Virginia, Columbia, Ford, Zumwalt, and upcoming platforms. This role will require an onsite presence in Sunnyvale, CA.
We are seeking a Materials Process Engineer Level 3 or 4 with advanced knowledge of metallographic sample preparation for ferrous alloys, wet-chemistry etching, light-optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, hardness testing, XRF, carbon/sulfur analysis, borescopes and load frames, as well as familiarity with commercial testing standards, material specifications and weld codes (NavSea preferred). Experience with non-metallic processes such as FTIR, thermal analysis, rheology, KF titration and paints/coatings testing is a plus, as is knowledge of DoW lifecycle-management procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform metallographic sample preparation, wet-chemistry etching, and analysis of ferrous alloys using optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, hardness testing, XRF, carbon/sulfur analysis, borescopes, and load frames.
  • Conduct non-metallic laboratory tests (FTIR, thermal analysis, rheology, KF titration, paints/coatings) as needed.
  • Develop, analyze, and specify material properties, processing methods, fabrication procedures, and design allowables for metallic, non-metallic, and composite materials.
  • Execute failure analyses, life-prediction studies, and define material requirement specifications.
  • Review/approve subcontractor material-processing procedures and ensure compliance with commercial testing standards, material specs, weld codes (NavSea preferred), and DoD lifecycle-management processes.
  • Provide technical leadership for designated laboratory areas.

This position may filled at a Material Process Engineer Level 3 or a Materials Process Engineer Level 4 based on the qualifications listed below:
Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 5 years relevant work experience; or Master's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 3 years relevant work experience.
  • Laboratory Environment experience required.
  • Subject matter expertise with metallographic inspection and analysis of ferrous materials, e.g., sectioning parts, mount, prep & etch, light optical microscopy, SEM, hardness evaluations.
  • Experience with metallographic inspection and analysis of ferrous materials.
  • Knowledge of common commercial testing standards, material specs, and NavSea weld codes.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds.
  • US Citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Security Clearance.

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:
  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 8 years relevant work experience; or Master's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 6 years relevant work experience.
  • Laboratory Environment experience required.
  • Subject matter expertise with metallographic inspection and analysis of ferrous materials, e.g., sectioning parts, mount, prep & etch, light optical microscopy, SEM, hardness evaluations.
  • Experience with metallographic inspection and analysis of ferrous materials.
  • Knowledge of common commercial testing standards, material specs, and NavSea weld codes.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds.
  • US Citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Skills with non-metallics laboratory processes, such as FTIR, thermal analysis, rheology, KF titration, and paints and coatings tests are a plus.
  • Experience with DoD processes and lifecycle management processes are also beneficial.

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939