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Materials Characterization Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Stoke Space

Materials & Process Engineer

Kent, WA

$129K - $193K/yr

In this role, you will be responsible for leading strategy, testing, characterization, and qualification efforts centered around Stoke's material systems. You will collaborate with design, analysis ...

Stoke Space

Materials & Process Engineer

Kent, WA · On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Design and execute material characterization programs: mechanical testing, environmental exposure, fatigue, and failure analysis, generating original properties data * Author, implement, and maintain ...

Helion Energy

Materials Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$159K - $208K/yr

You will report to the Materials Manager, and this is an onsite role located at our Everett, WA ... Polymer characterization tools (e.g., FTIR, DSC, TGA or similar) * Experience working in a lab ...

Exponent Inc.

Metallurgical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$140K - $157K/yr

Materials characterization, metallurgical analysis * Planning, coordinating, and executing laboratory testing * Conducting field inspections * Effective presentation of results to technical and non ...

Exponent Inc.

Metallurgical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$140K - $157K/yr

Materials characterization, metallurgical analysis * Planning, coordinating, and executing laboratory testing * Conducting field inspections * Effective presentation of results to technical and non ...

Exponent Inc.

Metallurgical Engineer (Ph.D.)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$140K - $157K/yr

Materials characterization, metallurgical analysis * Planning, coordinating, and executing laboratory testing * Conducting field inspections * Effective presentation of results to technical and non ...

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Materials Characterization information

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$25

$35

How much do materials characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials characterization in Seattle, WA is $25.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 popular job titles related to Materials Characterization jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Materials Characterization jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Materials Characterization jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Characterization jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Materials Characterization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Characterization job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $52,762 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Materials & Process Engineer

Stoke Space

Kent, WA

$129K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

We are seeking an Materials & Process Engineer to join our dynamic team to support fully reusable launch vehicles. In this role, you will be responsible for leading strategy, testing, characterization, and qualification efforts centered around Stoke's material systems. You will collaborate with design, analysis, and manufacturing teams through all phases of the product lifecycle. This role is pivotal in ensuring the reliability, performance, and producibility of Nova. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the responsible M&P engineer for Stoke's engines, structures, mechanisms, coatings, and adhesives
  • Trade, evaluate, and select appropriate materials for a variety of hardware systems, considering performance requirements, cost, and sustainability factors
  • Design and execute material characterization programs: mechanical testing, environmental exposure, fatigue, and failure analysis, generating original properties data
  • Author, implement, and maintain M&P requirements, material specifications, testing protocols and engineering work standards related to Stoke material systems
  • Lead failure analysis and root cause investigations for material-related anomalies, establishing corrective action processes that feed back into design iteration
  • Evaluate, qualify, and manage material suppliers, including receiving inspection criteria, lot acceptance requirements, and supply chain risk mitigation
  • Define the strategy and qualification philosophy for materials at Stoke
  • Collaborate with engines, structures, analysis, avionics, valves, welding, additive, and manufacturing to create a robust system level material property database
  • Own and build out Stoke's materials characterization lab, testing protocols, and development workflows

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • 3+ years of professional experience in materials engineering, with demonstrated expertise in material selection, characterization, qualification, testing, and failure analysis
  • Background working across multiple material systems & processes - metals, soft goods, coatings, powder metallurgy, welding, and heat treatment
  • Proficiency with material characterization techniques and tools - metallography, microscopy, mechanical testing
  • Demonstrated track record of material and process decisions that have been validated through flight or equivalent high-reliability hardware programs

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field
  • Experience architecting M&P programs for rocket systems across the full development lifecycle - requirements definition, trade studies, development testing, and qualification
  • Familiarity with ASTM, NASA, AWS industry standards
  • Expertise in key M&P disciplines including fracture mechanics, corrosion control, statistics, and failure analysis

Benefits

  • Equity - We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees. 
  • Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance 
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance 
  • 401(k) plan with employer match 
  • 4 weeks' Paid Time Off  
  • Holidays - 10 days (including an end-of-year closure) 
  • Paid Family/Parental Leave  
  • On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location) 
  • Dog friendly offices! 

Compensation

Target Levels:

  • Level 3 Range: $129,150 - $193,620
  • Level 4 Range: $151,305 - $252,105

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. 

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

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