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Materials Characterization Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Senior Materials Engineer

Oshkosh, WI

$102K - $140K/yr

Perform advanced material characterization using scanning electron microscopy with EDS and EBSD capabilities. * Evaluate manufacturing and materials processes involving welding, casting, forging ...

New

Materials Engineer - Polymers

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Primary Function The Materials Engineer - Polymers will be a part of our Lloyd R. Smith Corporate ... Significant experience with plastics, rubbers, elastomers, and polymer characterization methods ...

Materials Engineer - Polymers

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Primary Function The Materials Engineer - Polymers will be a part of our Lloyd R. Smith Corporate ... Significant experience with plastics, rubbers, elastomers, and polymer characterization methods ...

WI · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

MEMS design * semiconductor sensor design * process development * thin film deposition * chemical vapor deposition * plasma processing * deep reactive ion etching * material characterization ...

WI · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Background in material characterization techniques and analytical chemistry, in particular, AFM, SEM, EDX, SIMS, XPS, FTIR, Auger, contact angle, spectroscopic ellipsometry, viscosity. * Experience ...

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 ...

WI · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Execute characterization and allowable campaigns. * Develop, implement and maintain materials and processes technical specifications. * Drive statistically driven experimental design and process ...

New

WI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Execute characterization and allowable campaigns. * Develop, implement and maintain materials and processes technical specifications. * Provide technical support for manufacturing and design teams in ...

New

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.

Applications Scientist 3

Oregon, WI · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Application development and characterization of cutting‑edge measurement technologies. * Creating ... D. in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics or related ...

New

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.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Argonne, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

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Materials Characterization information

See Wisconsin salary details

$9

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How much do materials characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 is a materials characterization?

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 the typical daily responsibilities of a materials characterization professional?

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 materials characterization?

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 job categories do people searching Materials Characterization jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Characterization jobs in Wisconsin are:

Infographic showing various Materials Characterization job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,613 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Senior Materials Engineer

CrossFire Group

Oshkosh, WI

$102K - $140K/yr

Contractor

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

SENIOR MATERIALS ENGINEER

Location: Oshkosh, WI
Job Type: 9–12 Month Contract | Potential Contract-to-Hire
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM
Work Arrangement: 100% On-Site
Industry: Defense | Heavy Equipment | Advanced Manufacturing

PUT YOUR MATERIALS EXPERTISE TO WORK ON COMPLEX ENGINEERING CHALLENGES

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Materials Engineer to support materials and processing engineering activities involving failure analysis, material and process evaluations, environmental testing, and new product qualification.

This is a highly technical, hands-on opportunity for an engineer with a strong background in materials science, metallurgy, welding, metals processing, and failure analysis. You will perform laboratory evaluations, investigate material failures, communicate technical findings, and support engineering teams working with complex manufactured components and processes.

The position is expected to run approximately 9–12 months and has the potential to convert to a permanent role based on performance and business needs.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Perform material and process evaluations, testing, and failure analysis on metallic and non-metallic materials.
  • Investigate material failures and identify potential causes through laboratory analysis and engineering evaluation.
  • Prepare clear written technical reports and communicate findings to engineering teams and leadership.
  • Support environmental testing, corrosion evaluations, and new product qualification activities.
  • Perform metallographic sample sectioning, mounting, polishing, and etching.
  • Utilize light microscopy, hardness testing equipment, mechanical load frames, and environmental exposure and corrosion chambers.
  • Perform advanced material characterization using scanning electron microscopy with EDS and EBSD capabilities.
  • Evaluate manufacturing and materials processes involving welding, casting, forging, heat treatment, finishing, extrusion, and related operations.
  • Support the maintenance and operation of the Materials and Process Laboratory.
  • Work within an A2LA-accredited ISO/IEC 17025 quality management system.
  • Coordinate with external laboratories for specialized analysis and testing when needed.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to other team members.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field from an accredited institution.
  • 3+ years of related engineering experience.
  • Strong materials evaluation, testing, or failure analysis experience.
  • Ability to prepare and present technical findings in written and verbal formats.
  • U.S. citizenship required. Dual citizenship cannot be accommodated for this position.
HIGHLY PREFERRED
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering.
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification, including candidates whose certification is eligible for renewal.
  • Professional experience in one or more of the following:
    • Welding
    • Casting or forging
    • Metal heat treating
    • Metal finishing
    • Metal extrusion
    • Foundry operations
    • Steel or aluminum mill operations
    • Material failure analysis
  • Experience with welding engineering, welding inspection, fabrication, or nondestructive testing.
  • Experience with metallography and laboratory-based materials characterization.
  • Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory environments.
WHAT WILL HELP YOU SUCCEED

You should be comfortable analyzing complex technical problems, interpreting engineering and scientific information, and translating laboratory findings into actionable recommendations. Strong communication, technical writing, attention to detail, and independent problem-solving skills are important for success in this role.

POSITION DETAILS
Location: Oshkosh, WI
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM
Work Arrangement: 100% on-site
Duration: Approximately 9–12 months with potential contract-to-hire
Interview Process: Microsoft Teams interview followed by an on-site visit

If you are a Materials or Metallurgical Engineer with hands-on experience in failure analysis, welding, metals processing, or material characterization, we encourage you to apply.

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