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Materials Characterization Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Optical Engineer

Appleton, WI

$122K - $158K/yr

Candidates with a proven track record of applying high-power lasers to industrial materials ... Perform optical simulations, modeling, testing, and characterization. * Troubleshoot laser system ...

Laboratory Technician

Madison, WI · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Adhesive formulation, characterization, and testing. Preparation, bonding, and mechanical testing ... Keep laboratory space organized and report equipment or material issues to supervisors.

... materials synthesis and characterization. The postdoc will be primarily based at Argonne National Laboratory, alongside active reporting/visits and engagement with LSU research teams. Job ...

Train users on microfabrication and characterization equipment * Perform equipment installation ... Experience with solid modeling, AutoCAD, and engineering materials/properties * 3+ years of ...

As a Data Scientist your work may be focused in a variety of areas, including Machine learning predictions of material properties, thermal management of forgings, automated characterization methods ...

As a Data Scientist your work may be focused in a variety of areas, including Machine learning predictions of material properties, thermal management of forgings, automated characterization methods ...

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Materials Characterization information

See Wisconsin salary details

$9

$22

$31

How much do materials characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials characterization in Wisconsin is $22.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $25.48 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.

What are popular job titles related to Materials Characterization jobs in Wisconsin? For Materials Characterization jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Materials Characterization job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,613 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Senior Materials Science Engineer

Senior Materials Science Engineer

Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI)

Menasha, WI • On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Faith Technologies rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 442 rated engineering


Job description

You've discovered something special. A company that cares. Cares about leading the way in construction, engineering, manufacturing and renewable energy. Cares about redefining how energy is designed, applied and consumed. Cares about thoughtfully growing to meet market demands. And - as "one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America" - is focused on the mind/body/soul of team members through our Culture of Care
Faith Technologies Inc. (FTI) is seeking a Senior Material Science Engineer to join our Product Engineering team in Menasha, WI. The Material Science Senior Engineer will support the development, characterization, selection, and qualification of materials used across products, components, and manufacturing processes. This role combines deep technical expertise with hands on experimentation and cross functional collaboration to ensure materials meet performance, reliability, cost, and regulatory requirements. The senior engineer will drive materials innovation, solve complex material-related challenges, and support product development from concept through production.
The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of materials used in electrical systems such as metals, metal plating, protective/insulative coatings and experience evaluating properties, failure modes, and manufacturing processes, along with material characterization methods such as microscopy, XRF, FTIR, hardness testing, corrosion testing, and non-destructive evaluation of various physical properties. They demonstrate the ability to solve complex technical problems through strong analytical and critical thinking skills and have experience collaborating with suppliers in production-scale environments. Excellent communication and documentation abilities are essential, as is a collaborative mindset to effectively work with multiple teams and engineering disciplines. Familiarity with environmental and regulatory compliance related to materials is required. Preferred qualifications include experience with reliability testing and qualification methods, materials selection, materials specifications, manufacturability, and failure analysis
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelors Degree in Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), Metallurgy, Polymer Science, or related field
  • 5 or more years of relevant industry experience in materials development, testing, or applied materials engineering
  • OR
  • Master's or PhD in Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Polymer Science, or related field with 3 years of relevant industry experience in materials development, testing, or applied materials engineering

Travel: 10-25%
Work Schedule: This position works between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM, Monday- Friday. Works a sufficient schedule to meet the expectations of the role.
Work Location: This role requires work to be done Onsite from our Menasha, WI office. Our onsite roles include a high level of workplace and schedule flexibility to support a healthy work-life balance.
Menasha, WI offers an excellent quality of life with a low cost of living, short commute times, and a strong sense of community. Located in the heart of the Fox Valley and along Lake Winnebago, the area provides access to outdoor recreation, safe neighborhoods, and top-rated schools. Just minutes from Appleton and within easy reach of Green Bay and Milwaukee, Menasha combines small-town living with convenient access to dining, entertainment, sports, and regional travel, making it an ideal place to relocate and build a long-term career.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Identify, evaluate, and select materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, coatings, adhesives) for use in new or existing products.
  • Develop material specifications, material libraries, datasheets, and acceptance criteria.
  • Innovate and explore new materials, formulations, or treatments to improve performance or reduce cost.
  • Plan and execute material characterization testing (mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical).
  • Interpret test data, generate reports, and make recommendations based on performance results.
  • Conduct failure analysis and root cause investigations on material related issues.
  • Collaborate with design, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure materials are manufacturable and reliable.
  • Support prototype builds, pilot runs, and process development activities.
  • Provide technical guidance on material processing (molding, casting, coatings, heat treatment, etc.).
  • Work with suppliers to validate material properties, ensure consistency, and resolve technical issues.
  • Review supplier documentation and audit material related processes when necessary.
  • Assist in qualifying new suppliers or materials.
  • Ensure materials comply with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ASTM, ISO, RoHS).
  • Develop and maintain internal material standards and testing protocols.
  • Support internal hazardous materials tracking, monitoring, and controlling processes and systems.
  • Create clear technical documentation, reports, specifications, and presentations.
  • Communicate material decisions and technical findings to cross functional teams and leadership.
  • Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time other than the TN1 Visa (Canadian).
The job description and responsibilities described are intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.
How Does FTI Give YOU the Chance to Thrive?
If you're energized by new challenges, FTI provides you with many opportunities. Joining FTI opens doors to redefine what's possible for your future.
Once you're a team member, you're supported and provided with the knowledge and resources to achieve your career goals with FTI. You're officially in the driver's seat of your career, and FTI's career development and continued education programs give you opportunities to position yourself for success.
FTI is a "merit to the core" organization. We recognize and reward top performers, offering competitive, merit-based compensation, career path development and a flexible and robust benefits package.
Benefits are the Game-Changer
We provide industry-leading benefits as an investment in the lives of team members and their families. You're invited to review the full list of FTI benefits available to regular/full-time team members. Start here. Grow here. Succeed here. If you're ready to learn more about your career with FTI, apply today!
Faith Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer - veterans/disabled.

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