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Materials Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Materials Chemist

Everett, WA · On-site

$200K - $236K/yr

You will own the chemistry-driven understanding of how coolants and process fluids interact with materials and components. You will quantify degradation mechanisms, define compatibility limits, and ...

This role sits at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and hardware engineering, and directly impacts the performance and durability of Helion's fusion systems. You will report to the ...

Perform accurate and timely analysis of raw materials and packaging materials or in-process ... Experience/Education Requirements: BS Degree in Chemistry or related field AS Degree in Chemistry ...

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

R0241727 Material Chemist Overview Become a part of our warfighter technology team delivering ... You'll perform custom formulations, develop soft materials, generate test samples, coordinate with ...

Position Summary - The Quality Control Raw Materials Chemist I performs testing using a variety of analytical techniques. The successful candidate ensures that Testing and Documentation is compliant ...

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

Material Chemist The Opportunity: Become a part of our warfighter technology team delivering ... You'll perform custom formulations, develop soft materials, generate test samples, coordinate with ...

Position Summary - The Quality Control Raw Materials Chemist I performs testing using a variety of analytical techniques. The successful candidate ensures that Testing and Documentation is compliant ...

Position Summary - The Quality Control Raw Materials Chemist I performs testing using a variety of analytical techniques. The successful candidate ensures that Testing and Documentation is compliant ...

... materials. Chemist Candidates shall work to support requirements for PR0001 Communications And Knowledge Management Support and work with subject matter experts to: * Provide a high level review of ...

QC Raw Material Chemist Employment Type: Contract Pay Range: $27.00 - $28.85 per hour Work Schedule ... In this position, you'll perform critical chemical and physical testing of raw materials ...

Degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Chemistry or related field B.S or engineering degree with 3-6 yrs, M.S. 1-2 yrs industrial experience. Techniques: Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) with ...

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Materials Chemist information

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How much do materials chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a materials chemist do?

A materials chemist studies and develops new materials by understanding and manipulating their chemical properties and structures. They work with metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and other substances to create materials with specific characteristics for various applications, such as electronics, energy storage, or medical devices. Materials chemists often conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with engineers and other scientists to solve real-world problems and improve existing materials. Their work is essential in developing innovative products and advancing technology in many industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry, materials science, and analytical techniques, typically supported by at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field (advanced degrees preferred for research roles). Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and X-ray diffraction, as well as proficiency in data analysis software, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills enable Materials Chemists to develop, test, and improve materials efficiently, ensuring innovative solutions and safe, reliable products.

How do materials chemists typically collaborate with engineers and product development teams in the workplace?

Materials Chemists often work closely with engineers and product development teams to ensure that new materials meet specific performance criteria for various applications. This collaboration involves regular meetings to discuss project requirements, sharing analytical data, and conducting joint testing of prototypes. By combining their deep understanding of material properties with the practical insights of engineers, Materials Chemists help streamline the transition from laboratory research to scalable, real-world products. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for troubleshooting issues and optimizing material performance throughout the development process.

What is the difference between Materials Chemist vs Chemical Engineer?

AspectMaterials ChemistChemical Engineer
EducationBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Chemical Engineering
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plantsProcess design, plant operations, industrial settings
Job FocusDeveloping and testing new materials, analyzing material propertiesDesigning chemical processes, optimizing production methods
Industry UsageMaterials development, R&D, manufacturingProcess engineering, chemical production, energy

Materials Chemists primarily focus on developing and analyzing new materials, working closely with research and manufacturing. Chemical Engineers design and optimize chemical processes for large-scale production. While both roles require chemistry knowledge, Materials Chemists are more research-oriented, whereas Chemical Engineers focus on process efficiency and scale-up.

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What cities are hiring for Materials Chemist jobs?

Cities with the most Materials Chemist job openings:

What states have the most Materials Chemist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Materials Chemist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Materials Chemist jobs?

For Materials Chemist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Materials Chemist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.

Senior Materials Chemist

Everett, WA • On-site

Helion Energy
Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

$200K - $236K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

About Helion
We are a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to build the world's first fusion power plant, enabling a future with unlimited clean electricity. Our vision is a world with clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone.
Since Helion's founding in 2013, we have raised $1.5 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group as well as new investors including Thrive Capital, LightSpeed Venture Capital, SoftBank, and others to propel us forward. Our current prototype, Polaris, has reached record-breaking plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius (13 keV). Helion is continuing to iterate and on the path to the world's first fusion power plant, Orion.
This is a pivotal time to join Helion. You will tackle real-world challenges with a team that prizes urgency, rigor, ownership, and a commitment to delivering hard truths - values essential to achieving what no one has before. Together, we will change the future of energy, because the world can't wait.
What You Will Be Doing:
You will own the chemistry-driven understanding of how coolants and process fluids interact with materials and components. You will quantify degradation mechanisms, define compatibility limits, and develop practical mitigation strategies that improve system reliability and lifetime.
This role sits at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and hardware engineering, and directly impacts the performance and durability of Helion's fusion systems. You will report to the Materials Science Manager and this is an onsite role located at our Everett, WA office.
You Will:
  • Quantify coolant-driven degradation and failure
  • Design and execute experimental programs to evaluate coolant and fluid impacts on materials, including corrosion, erosion, deposition/retention, polymer swelling/attack, and contamination transport
  • Develop test conditions that reflect relevant operating environments (temperature, pressure, flow, impurity levels, and cycling)
  • Develop and validate mitigation strategies
  • Drive cross-functional integration and execution

Required Skills:
  • MS or PhD in Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Corrosion Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
  • 5+ years of experience in corrosion/electrochemistry, coolant or process fluid chemistry, materials compatibility testing, or degradation and failure analysis in demanding environments
  • Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze multi-variable datasets, and communicate actionable results to engineering teams

#LI-Onsite #LI-TS1
Benefits
Our total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families
  • 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)
  • 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break
  • Up to 5% employer 401(k) match
  • Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance
  • Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)
  • Annual wellness stipend

Helion is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.