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Materials Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Materials Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$38 - $43/hr

... designer to join a globally recognized team at the forefront of design innovation. This is an unparalleled opportunity to directly influence the aesthetic and functional evolution of materials ...

As a materials designer, you won't just be designing; you'll be igniting the spark of innovation that defines future collections, working at the dynamic intersection of design, material science ...

Are you a visionary Creative Materials Designer with a profound passion for design and a deep connection to culture-driven trends? This is an extraordinary opportunity to significantly influence the ...

CMF Designer

Troy, MI · On-site

$96K - $144K/yr

The responsibilities of the Color and Materials Designer include but not limited to the following: * CMF design activities for both Interior and Exterior projects for all our vehicles. Create mood ...

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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 Aug 24, 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 is a materials designer?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,320 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Materials Designer

Aquent

Beaverton, OR • On-site

$38 - $43/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Placement Type:
Temporary
Salary:
$38-43 Hourly
Start Date:
Oct 1, 2026
Aquent, a leading talent solutions partner, is seeking a visionary designer to join a globally recognized team at the forefront of design innovation. This is an unparalleled opportunity to 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, contributing to a leading company that is shaping the future of its industry through innovative design and product development.
Step into a pivotal role where your materials design expertise will directly shape groundbreaking products. You will be a crucial contributor, managing your involvement across multiple initiatives and ensuring innovative material solutions are developed and integrated seamlessly. This is a chance to join a continuous talent pipeline, pushing boundaries and creating solutions that resonate with a global audience.
What You Will Do
  • Contribute to the design and development of cutting-edge materials for lifestyle or performance categories, bringing visionary concepts to fruition.
  • Actively participate in and expertly manage your workload across diverse projects, skillfully navigating competing resources and deadlines.
  • Apply a sophisticated understanding of fashion, emerging trends, and brand aesthetics to inform and elevate critical design decisions.
  • Collaborate seamlessly with dynamic design teams to conceptualize and execute groundbreaking material applications.
  • Uphold and ensure the highest standards of organization and execution in all design-related tasks, maintaining excellence from concept to completion.

Must-Have Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree, providing a strong foundation for your design career.
  • Proven professional experience in Materials Design, specifically within high-demand lifestyle or performance product categories.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and contribute to multiple projects simultaneously, showcasing exceptional organizational skills and a proactive approach.
  • A superior understanding of fashion, current trends, and brand identity, coupled with an above-average vision for design that anticipates future directions.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications
  • Previous experience working with a globally recognized brand, bringing a valuable perspective to our innovative team.

About Aquent Talent
Aquent Talent 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.
Client Description