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Materials Characterization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Develop and implement lab procedures spanning materials characterization, failure analysis investigations, and reporting of results to various stakeholders. * Perform failure analysis on electronic ...

Develop and implement lab procedures spanning materials characterization, failure analysis investigations, and reporting of results to various stakeholders. * Perform failure analysis on electronic ...

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Materials Characterization information

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How much do materials characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials characterization in the United States is $22.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Materials Characterization?

Professionals in Materials Characterization spend much of their day preparing specimens, operating advanced analytical instruments, and interpreting the resulting data. They may also collaborate with engineers, researchers, or product teams to provide insights that inform material selection, quality control, or product development. Documentation of experimental methods and results, maintaining laboratory equipment, and adhering to safety protocols are key aspects of the role. Additionally, there is often an opportunity to contribute to technical reports, presentations, and cross-functional meetings, making teamwork and clear communication especially important.

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

To excel in Materials Characterization, candidates typically need a background in materials science, chemistry, or physics, along with experience in analytical techniques such as electron microscopy and spectroscopy. Familiarity with instruments like SEM, TEM, XRD, and mastery of data analysis software are essential, and certifications in laboratory safety are often preferred. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills in this position. These competencies are critical for accurate material analysis, troubleshooting experimental issues, and presenting findings to interdisciplinary teams.

What is a Materials Characterization job?

A Materials Characterization job involves analyzing and evaluating the structure, composition, and properties of materials to understand their performance and potential applications. Professionals in this field use techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and diffraction to study materials at the atomic, microscopic, and macroscopic levels. They work in industries like aerospace, electronics, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals to ensure material quality and optimize product performance. This role often requires expertise in materials science, engineering, and analytical techniques.

More about Materials Characterization jobs
What cities are hiring for Materials Characterization jobs? Cities with the most Materials Characterization job openings:
What states have the most Materials Characterization jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Characterization jobs include:
Infographic showing various Materials Characterization job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,181 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Materials Characterization Engineer

Materials Characterization Engineer

Raytheon Technologies

East Hartford, CT โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-07-06
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-CT-EAST HARTFORD-RTRC K ~ 411 Silver Ln ~ RTRC K
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.
Security Clearance Type:
None/Not Required
Security Clearance Status:
Not Required
At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
What You Will Do
The individual will work on multi-disciplinary teams to develop and execute complex materials characterization and investigation plans. Communication of results and scientific interpretation is expected through preparation of professional technical reports and presentations.
The candidate may manage small to medium projects that require advanced knowledge of materials characterization instruments. Frequently will work autonomously with limited oversight from the group manager. Occasionally will coach and review the work of less senior professionals and collaborate with others regarding policies, practices, and procedures.
The preferred candidate will have demonstrated applied materials characterization experience built on a strong foundational knowledge of processing, properties, and microstructure relationships of engineering materials. Working in a hands-on laboratory environment and experience with failure analysis investigations is expected in this role.
Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations.
  • Direct experience with a variety of materials characterization methods is required. Hands-on experience with at least several of the capabilities listed below, in a professional environment, is required.
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM, FIB) and associated analytical techniques (EDS, EBSD, WDS, etc.)
  • Optical Microscopy

Qualifications We Prefer
  • PhD in Materials Science & Engineering or related field
  • Focused Ion Beam (FIB) experience highly beneficial
  • X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) experience beneficial
  • TEM experience beneficial
  • Image Analysis

Learn More & Apply Now
Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:
Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee's personal responsibility.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.
This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
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