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Materials Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Materials Designer

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$38 - $43/hr

We are seeking a Material Designer who will directly influence the aesthetic and functional evolution of materials, driving innovation and setting new standards within the industry. Your passion for ...

Materials Designer

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$38 - $43/hr

We are seeking a Material Designer who will directly influence the aesthetic and functional evolution of materials, driving innovation and setting new standards within the industry. Your passion for ...

Senior Designer, Footwear Materials

Beaverton, OR ยท On-site

$38.40 - $42.67/hr

Jun 4, 2026 Senior Designer, Materials (Footwear) Location: Greater Portland Area Duration: 6-month contract About the Role We're looking for a highly creative and consumer-obsessed Senior Materials ...

About Designer Brands At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe ... The Opportunity As a Raw Materials Specialist, you will play a hands-on role in shaping how our ...

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Materials Designer information

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$14

$23

$43

How much do materials designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials designer in the United States is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are materials designers?

Materials designers are professionals who create and develop new materials or improve existing ones to meet specific performance, sustainability, or aesthetic requirements. They use scientific knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering, often leveraging advanced technologies such as computer modeling and laboratory analysis. Materials designers work in industries such as fashion, automotive, aerospace, and electronics to develop materials like textiles, polymers, metals, and composites. Their goal is to innovate materials that offer better functionality, durability, or environmental benefits. They often collaborate with engineers, manufacturers, and product designers throughout the development process.

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

To thrive as a Materials Designer, you need expertise in material science, design principles, and a relevant degree in engineering, chemistry, or industrial design. Familiarity with CAD software, materials simulation tools, and knowledge of manufacturing processes are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for developing innovative materials that meet technical, aesthetic, and sustainability requirements in various industries.

What are some common challenges Materials Designers face when developing new materials for products?

Materials Designers often encounter challenges such as balancing material performance with cost-effectiveness, ensuring compatibility with manufacturing processes, and meeting strict environmental or regulatory standards. Collaborating closely with engineers, product designers, and suppliers is vital to address these challenges and ensure the new material meets all technical and aesthetic requirements. Staying updated on emerging materials and sustainability trends is also crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Materials Designer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMaterials DesignerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Design, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, R&D labs, product development teamsManufacturing plants, R&D labs, quality control departments
Industry UsageProduct design, innovation, material selection for new productsMaterial testing, process optimization, structural analysis
Common Search/ComparisonDesign focus, creative roles, material selectionTechnical analysis, process improvement, engineering solutions

Materials Designers focus on creating and selecting materials for new products, emphasizing aesthetics and functionality. Materials Engineers analyze material properties and optimize manufacturing processes. While both roles require a background in materials science, Designers are more involved in the creative and conceptual aspects, whereas Engineers focus on technical performance and production efficiency.

More about Materials Designer jobs
Infographic showing various Materials Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,320 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Materials Designer

Materials Designer

Aquent

Beaverton, OR โ€ข On-site

$38 - $43/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Placement Type:
Temporary
Salary:
$38-43 Hourly
Start Date:
Oct 1, 2026
*This role is a continuous talent pipeline opportunity. We are building a pool of qualified candidates for current and future openings.
We are seeking a Material Designer who will directly influence the aesthetic and functional evolution of materials, driving innovation and setting new standards within the industry. Your passion for design and keen eye for trends will be instrumental in bringing compelling concepts to life and impacting a global audience. This designer position will see you playing a crucial role in project support, contributing your materials design expertise to a dynamic team. You will be instrumental in managing your involvement across multiple initiatives, ensuring that innovative material solutions are developed and integrated seamlessly.
Responsibilities
  • Contributing to the design and development of materials for lifestyle or performance categories.
  • Actively participating in and managing your workload across various projects with competing resources and deadlines.
  • Applying a sophisticated understanding of fashion, emerging trends, and brand aesthetics to inform design decisions.
  • Collaborating with design teams to conceptualize and execute cutting-edge material applications.
  • Ensuring high standards of organization and execution in all design-related tasks.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Proven professional experience in Materials Design, specifically within lifestyle or performance product categories.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and contribute to multiple projects simultaneously, showcasing exceptional organizational skills.
  • A superior understanding of fashion, current trends, and brand identity, coupled with an above-average vision for design.
  • Previous experience working with a globally recognized brand is a nice-to-have.

**About Aquent **
Aquent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.
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Client Description