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Materials Characterization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent

R&D Materials Engineer

Newark, DE · On-site

Perform materials characterization for microstructure, composition, mechanical behavior and thermal properties * Generate PC-based outputs on standard platforms (Office, Agile, Oracle, Cumulus, Creo ...

Coherent Corp.

R&D Materials Engineer

Newark, DE · On-site

Perform materials characterization for microstructure, composition, mechanical behavior and thermal properties * Generate PC-based outputs on standard platforms (Office, Agile, Oracle, Cumulus, Creo ...

II-VI Incorporated

R&D Materials Engineer

Newark, DE

Perform materials characterization for microstructure, composition, mechanical behavior and thermal properties * Generate PC-based outputs on standard platforms (Office, Agile, Oracle, Cumulus, Creo ...

SpaceX

Materials R&D Technician (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

$36 - $45/hr

This hands-on position focuses on laboratory operations, materials characterization, sample preparation, and process validation. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and takes pride in ...

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How much do materials characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials characterization in the United States is $22.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.24 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.

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Materials Characterization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Characterization job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,181 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Materials Scientist - Technical Support

AIT - A Specialty Materials Company

Princeton Junction, NJ • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

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Job description

About AI Technology, Inc.

AI Technology, Inc. (AIT) is a leading manufacturer of advanced polymer-based materials including adhesives, thermal interface materials, films, and coatings for semiconductor, electronics packaging, aerospace, and energy markets. Our products are highly application-specific, and close technical collaboration with customers is central to our success.


Position Overview

We are seeking a Materials Scientist – Technical Support to serve as a key technical resource supporting customers, sales, and internal operations. This role is not a primary R&D formulation position. Instead, it focuses on material characterization, application testing, customer problem-solving, and technical documentation.


The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in polymer science and materials characterization, enjoys working on real-world application challenges, and is comfortable interfacing with customers and cross-functional teams.


Key Responsibilities


Technical Support & Customer Applications

  • Serve as a technical point of contact supporting customers with product selection, application conditions, and performance questions.
  • Perform detailed testing and evaluation of existing polymer products under customer-specific usage conditions.
  • Assist in troubleshooting field or application issues and recommend solutions or product adjustments.
  • Work directly with customers, sales, and application engineers to support product trials, evaluations, and qualifications.


Materials Testing & Characterization

  • Conduct hands-on polymer and materials characterization (thermal, mechanical, rheological, adhesion, electrical, etc.).
  • Develop, refine, and document test methods and procedures using existing laboratory instrumentation.
  • Generate and analyze data to support product performance claims and customer requirements.
  • Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, test records, and technical reports.


Product Support & Documentation

  • Support minor product modifications or adjustments in collaboration with senior scientists and manufacturing.
  • Prepare technical data summaries, application notes, and customer-facing documentation.
  • Assist with internal training and knowledge transfer related to material properties and applications.


Qualifications

  • Degree in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
  • Strong background in polymer chemistry, polymer physics, and materials science.
  • Hands-on experience with polymer and materials properties characterization.
  • Ability to interpret test data and translate results into practical recommendations.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple support requests and prioritize work effectively.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills; customer-facing experience is a plus.


Preferred (Not Required)

  • Experience supporting adhesives, coatings, films, or electronic packaging materials.
  • Prior experience in a technical service, applications engineering, or customer support role.
  • Familiarity with regulated or customer-driven testing environments.

Company Description

AIT is a high tech manufacturer of adhesives, coatings and other specialty materials.