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Materials Characterization Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entegris

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL · On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

Job Title: Material Characterization Scientist Entegris is currently seeking a Polymer ... PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field required * 3+ years of post-graduate ...

E Ink

Materials Characterization Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Working closely with senior scientists, you will help answer fundamental questions about material ... Prepare samples, routine characterization of particles, inks, and formulations using analytical ...

E Ink Corporation

Chemical Engineer

Fremont, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $225K/yr

S. Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field. * Minimum 5 years of industrial experience in analytical chemistry, materials characterization, or a ...

E Ink

Chemical Engineer

Fremont, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $225K/yr

S. Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field. * Minimum 5 years of industrial experience in analytical chemistry, materials characterization, or a ...

RJ Lee Group Inc

Materials Scientist

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

We are seeking a Materials Scientist or Applied Physicist to join our Materials Characterization team and contribute to technically complex investigations involving material performance ...

BWXT

Materials Characterization Intern

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$25.05 - $31.83/hr

As a Materials Characterization Intern, you will be part of a team assisting multiple nuclear ... Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Nuclear Engineer, Physics, Chemistry etc.

MP Materials

Manager, Characterization

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in materials characterization and analytical science, combined with demonstrated success leading laboratory organizations, developing technical talent ...

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How much do materials characterization scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials characterization 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 is a materials characterization scientist?

A Materials Characterization Scientist analyzes the structure, composition, and properties of materials to understand their performance and improve their applications. They use techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and diffraction to investigate materials at atomic and molecular levels. This role is essential in industries like electronics, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals, where material properties directly impact product quality. Scientists in this field collaborate with engineers and researchers to develop new materials, troubleshoot issues, and optimize manufacturing processes. Their work supports innovation by ensuring materials meet desired specifications and industry standards.

What does a materials characterization scientist do?

As a Materials Characterization Scientist, your typical day may involve preparing material samples, operating advanced analytical equipment like electron microscopes or spectrometers, and interpreting complex data sets to understand material properties. You will often document your results, troubleshoot experimental issues, and maintain laboratory safety protocols. Collaboration with chemists, engineers, or product development teams is common, especially when providing insights that inform new material design or process improvements. Regularly, you may be tasked with presenting your findings to colleagues or clients, contributing to reports, and keeping up-to-date with advancements in characterization techniques.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a materials characterization scientist?

To excel as a Materials Characterization Scientist, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, or physics, with experience in analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and diffraction. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation like SEM, TEM, XRD, and relevant software analysis tools, as well as safety certifications, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective scientific communication are highly valued soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure precise data interpretation, safe laboratory practices, and successful collaboration on multidisciplinary research projects.

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Materials Characterization Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Characterization Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,973 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL • On-site

Entegris
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Entegrisexternal

$114K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Entegris rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title:
Material Characterization Scientist
Job Description:
Entegris is currently seeking a Polymer Characterization Scientist, CMP Pad to join our Materials Solutions Division R&D team. This position will be based at our Aurora (Greater Chicago Area) facility.
In this role, you will develop and advance fundamental understanding of the mechanical and rheological behavior of polymer systems used in CMP pad materials. You will lead the development of metrology capabilities and analytical frameworks that enable deep insight into structure-property relationships, supporting improved product design, consistency, and performance.
What You'll Do
Metrology & Method Development:
  • Develop, optimize, and standardize mechanical testing methods (e.g., DMA, stress-strain, creep, oscillatory rheology) for CMP pad materials across development and manufacturing environments

  • Establish rheological characterization protocols (e.g., cure kinetics, viscoelastic behavior, frequency/temperature sweeps) to understand polymer network formation and processing sensitivity

  • Define and implement measurement best practices, calibration methods, and inter-lab correlation to ensure data consistency and reproducibility

Establish Structure-Property-Performance Relationship:
  • Correlate mechanical and rheological properties to CMP performance metrics

  • Build property-performance models to enable material design targets and process control windows

  • Support root-cause investigations for yield, consistency, and customer performance issues using quantitative metrology data

Data & Modeling:
  • Working with scientists and engineers in product design and production to design and execute DOE-based studies to isolate key variables affecting mechanical properties

  • Develop data analysis workflows and predictive models; Establish databases and visualization tools to enable data-driven decision making across teams

Cross-functional and External Collaboration:
  • Partner with formulation scientists, process engineers, and application teams to translate metrology insights into actionable products and process improvements guidance

  • Work with manufacturing teams to transfer lab-scale metrology into production-relevant measurements

  • Collaborate with instrument vendors and external partners to evaluate and deploy new characterization capabilities

Communication & Technical Leadership
  • Document and communicate findings through technical reports, standards, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders

  • Contribute to metrology strategy and roadmap, identifying gaps and future capability needs

  • Mentor team members on best practices in mechanical testing, rheology, and data interpretation

What We Seek
  • PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field required

  • 3+ years of post-graduate industry experience in polymer structural characterization, mechanical testing and rheology; Successful developed test methods, measurement systems, or analytical approaches

  • Hands-on experience with characterization techniques such as thermal-mechanical testing, rheometer, tensile and fatigue testing, and compression and flexural testing with demonstrated ability to design and troubleshoot experiments

  • Strong understanding of polymer mechanical and viscoelastic behavior, including structure-property relationships and the impact of network formation, crosslinking, and formulation on material performance

  • Practical experience in Design of Experiments (DOE), data analysis, and problem solving

  • Experience with thermoset, thermoplastic, elastomeric, or filled polymer systems is preferred

  • Knowledge of CMP or semiconductor processes is a plus, but not required

  • Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to operate effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment

  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical findings into practical recommendations

What We Offer:
At Entegris, we invest in providing opportunity to our employees and promote from within. The new hire in this role will have the potential to grow and create relationships across the organizationand be recognized for demonstrated success and adherence to company PACE values.
Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you're looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.
  • Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match

  • Excellent health, dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs

  • Flexible work schedule and 11 paid holidays a year

  • Paid time off (PTO) policy that empowers you to take the time you need to recharge

  • Education assistance to support your learning journey

  • Values-driven culture with colleagues that rally around People, Accountability, Creativity and Excellence.

Compensation: $114,000-$144,000, dependent on candidate skillset and experience.
At Entegris we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, and reward employees for their individual abilities, achievements and experience without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital or military status.

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