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Materials Characterization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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 ...

MSD

Sr. Director, Materials Science

Rahway, NJ · On-site

This leader is responsible for providing strategic and technical leadership for materials characterization methodologies, phase screening platforms, and extraneous matter investigations to enable ...

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 ...

Entegris

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL · On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

Job Title: Material Characterization Scientist Entegris is currently seeking a Polymer ... PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field required * 3+ years of post-graduate ...

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 ...

Antares

Materials Engineer, Ceramics

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

Materials characterization including root cause investigations of failure modes. * Interface with manufacturing, neutronics, mechanical, testing, and quality engineers to integrate materials into the ...

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How much do materials characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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.

More about Materials Characterization jobs
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Materials Characterization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Characterization job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,181 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

R&D Materials Engineer

Coherent Corp.

Newark, DE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description


Job Summary
Materials engineer collaborates and works with Engineers and Technicians in the R&D group to develop new products from advanced ceramic and metal matrix composite materials. Activities include hands-on prototyping, continuous improvement of processes, testing, reporting, and interfacing with vendors, customers and various internal departments. Work functions are broad and can include design, mold production, fabrication of fixtures, processing of materials (powder processing, mixing, furnacing, other), materials testing (in-process measurements, post-fabrication properties, other), process optimization (cycle time, quality, yield), and data collection. In addition, work with external sources will leverage internal capabilities in the areas of toll processing, materials characterization, plating/coating and application tests. All results will be documented (data summaries, Work Instructions, reports). Successful new products will be transferred to manufacturing (specifying equipment, training personnel, monitoring results). Position includes participation in Lean, Six-sigma, Kaizen, FMEA, 6S, and yield enhancement activities.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Engineering prototyping with advanced composite materials, including design input, equipment programming, equipment operation, powder processing, furnacing, and inspection
  • Develop and improve production methods for ceramic-based composite materials
  • Perform materials characterization for microstructure, composition, mechanical behavior and thermal properties
  • Generate PC-based outputs on standard platforms (Office, Agile, Oracle, Cumulus, Creo, Solidworks, others)
  • Continuous improvement via participation in Lean/Kaizen, ISO, 8D and other related activities
  • Interface with outside entities (customers, tooling suppliers, equipment vendors, toll manufacturers and test labs)
  • Transfer successful products to Manufacturing, including writing documentation, specifying equipment, conducting training, and monitoring results

Education & Experience
  • BS in Materials Engineering (or equivalent engineering education)
  • 0 to 5 years of experience in advanced materials field

Skills
  • Experience processing advanced materials (ceramics, metal matrix composites, other)
  • Background with materials processing equipment (powders, furnaces, mixers)
  • Knowledge of materials characterization methods (SEM, PSD, wet chemistry, thermal properties, mechanical properties)
  • Aptitude for external interfacing with both vendors and customers

Working Conditions
  • Position requires on-site activities for prototype fabrication (this is not a work from home position).
  • Work schedule is 5 days, 40 hrs per week, first shift.

Physical Requirements
Hands-on, lab-based job environment:
  • Required to frequently lift/push/pull a minimum of 35 lbs
  • Must be able to sit, bend, squat and walk about facility
  • Depending on project assignment, may be required to walk/stand for entire 8 hour day

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.
Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently. They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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