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Materials Characterization Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Master's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or Chemical Engineering. * Proficiency in failure analysis techniques and materials characterization methods. Direct application to ...

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How much do materials characterization scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Materials Characterization Scientist position, and why are they important?

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.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Materials Characterization Scientist?

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.

Are materials scientists in demand?

Materials scientists are in demand due to ongoing advancements in technology, manufacturing, and research sectors that require expertise in material properties and testing. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as industries seek innovative materials and rely on specialized characterization techniques such as microscopy and spectroscopy.

What jobs can I get with a materials science degree?

A materials science degree qualifies individuals for roles such as materials characterization scientist, materials engineer, quality control analyst, research scientist, and failure analysis engineer. These positions often involve working with laboratory equipment, analyzing material properties, and developing new materials, typically requiring knowledge of microscopy, spectroscopy, and materials testing methods.

How much money does a materials scientist usually make?

Materials characterization scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills, certifications, and working in specialized industries can lead to higher compensation.

What is a Materials Characterization Scientist job?

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 jobs do material scientists do?

Materials characterization scientists analyze the properties and structures of materials using techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing. They work in laboratories or research settings to develop, improve, or evaluate materials for industries like aerospace, electronics, or healthcare, often requiring knowledge of materials science, chemistry, or physics.
More about Materials Characterization Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Materials Characterization Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Materials Characterization Scientist job openings:
What states have the most Materials Characterization Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Characterization Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Materials Characterization Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,973 per year, or $59.6 per hour.
Materials Scientist/Engineer (Ph.D.)

Materials Scientist/Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.

Menlo Park, CA

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

About Exponent

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients' most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you'll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! 

Key statistics: 

  • 950+ Consultants 
  • 640+ Ph.D.s 
  • 90+ Disciplines 
  • 30+ Offices globally 
Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Materials Scientist / Engineer for our Materials Science and Electrochemistry Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role you will work as part of a team to perform broad materials science investigations of complex problems for our clients, particularly in the areas of product development, quality control, and product reliability.

You will be responsible for
  • Conducting hands-on failure analysis
  • Planning and executing laboratory tests
  • Field inspections
  • Materials characterization
  • Experimental method development
You will have the following skills and qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or related discipline, combined with a background including significant Materials Science related coursework and research experience  
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work within project teams with a strong desire to contribute
  • Knowledge of materials characterization techniques such as SEM, FIB, TEM, EDS, XPS, SIMS, FTIR,  X-ray, mechanical testing methods, or nanoindentation is required.
  • Experience designing and conducting materials characterization and analyses
  • Experience with thin film and electronic materials is preferred
  • Presently legally authorized to work in the United States.  No immigration sponsorship or processing required. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.  

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference. 

Work Environment

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite

Compensation

Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.

Salary RangeUSD $140,000.00 - USD $157,000.00 /Yr.Benefits you will enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: 

https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent 

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. 

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com. 

Job LocationsUS-CA-Menlo ParkEmployment Type: FULL_TIME