1

Materials Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Serve as a materials subject matter resource for product and project engineers for new product and process development efforts as well as assist manufacturing with solving materials-related problems.

Serve as a materials subject matter resource for product and project engineers for new product and process development efforts as well as assist manufacturing with solving materials-related problems.

We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the ... You will be a key driver in bringing our core technology from R&D milestones to market-ready ...

Serve as a materials subject matter resource for product and project engineers for new product and process development efforts as well as assist manufacturing with solving materials-related problems.

We engineer and manufacture ground-breaking battery materials that significantly increase the ... You will be a key driver in bringing our core technology from R&D milestones to market-ready ...

Ph.D. or MS in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics with 5+ years of ... A proven track record of scaling synthesis, process developments on battery or advanced composite ...

Basic Job Functions: Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell ... Plan, execute, and characterize development engineering experiments in a laboratory environment ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Materials Development Engineer information

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

To thrive as a Materials Development Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, engineering principles, and analytical problem-solving, often supported by a relevant degree such as materials science or chemical engineering. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, materials characterization tools (e.g., SEM, XRD), and modeling software like MATLAB or ANSYS is typically required. Strong project management, collaboration, and communication skills help you effectively coordinate with cross-functional teams and convey technical findings. These skills are crucial for innovating, optimizing material properties, and ensuring successful product development in competitive markets.

How does a Materials Development Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during the product development process?

Materials Development Engineers work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure that new materials meet both performance and production requirements. They often participate in regular meetings to discuss material specifications, testing protocols, and timelines. Effective communication with suppliers and R&D teams is essential, as it helps to align material innovations with project goals and regulatory standards. This collaborative approach allows for rapid problem-solving and smooth integration of new materials into final products.

What does a Materials Development Engineer do?

A Materials Development Engineer is responsible for researching, designing, and testing new materials to improve or create products for various industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing. They work closely with scientists and engineers to innovate materials with specific properties, such as strength, durability, or conductivity. Their duties often include analyzing material performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that materials meet regulatory and safety standards. This role requires a strong background in chemistry, physics, and engineering, as well as problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Materials Development Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectMaterials Development EngineerMaterials Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, product development teamsResearch labs, academic institutions, industrial R&D
Industry UsageProduct development, process improvement, materials testingFundamental research, material characterization, innovation

Materials Development Engineers focus on applying materials knowledge to develop and improve products and processes, often working in industrial settings. Materials Scientists conduct fundamental research to understand material properties and behaviors, typically in academic or research institutions. Both roles require a strong background in materials science but differ in their primary focus and application.

More about Materials Development Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Materials Development Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Materials Development Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Materials Development Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Development Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Materials Development Engineer jobs? For Materials Development Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Materials Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Materials Development Engineer

Materials Development Engineer

Corning

Hickory, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 75642

The company built on breakthroughs. ​  
Join us.​                            
         

                                        

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.  ​  

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. ​  

​At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.​   

​Come break through with us.  


Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Purpose of Position:

Lead materials development activities related to COC (Corning Optical Communications) globally, focusing on materials for global use.  Support active interaction with the COC Global Materials Group members as well with the materials groups within Corning.  Apply expertise and innovation in polymer science and engineering to support new product development activities and assist with existing products. Assist with polymer compound selection and evaluation for cable applications and connector products. Serve as a materials subject matter resource for product and project engineers for new product and process development efforts as well as assist manufacturing with solving materials-related problems. Also demonstrate technical leadership and innovation in the area of materials science and polymer engineering through rigorous mechanistic problem solving approaches.

Major Roles & Responsibilities:

Day-to-Day

•    Conduct research, propose experiments and analyze data to test hypotheses to enhance understanding of products and processes and to provide Corning with inventive solutions toward new development efforts.  
•    Apply sophisticated scientific or engineering understanding to research or development problems, ideas or projects. 
•    Participate in project teams, providing polymer materials fundamental understanding and development support 
•    Interface with suppliers and procurement to test and evaluate new materials, analytical equipment and services. Work with suppliers to resolve problems with materials as well as maintain relationship with suppliers to stay abreast of new material availability. 
•    Lead and support materials-focused development work for short and long-term R&D goals
•    Balance hands-on work related activities with technical leadership related activities 
•    Collaborate with research and manufacturing functions throughout product development cycle
•    Make assignments to technicians 
•    Communicate and document results

Required Education & Experience:

•    Bachelors degree in material science, engineering or chemistry required - (0-2 years)
•    Masters degree is a plus - (0-1 years)

Required Skills:

•    Experience with thermoplastic polymers / polymer compounds
•    Relevant experience in product development or product testing
•    Ability to develop new test methods for in-depth product characterization 
•    Ability to apply fundamental understanding & scientific principles to solve technical problems and identify product solutions
•    Ability to document work and write reports in clear English that can convey technical investigation findings
•    Ability to formulate testing protocols for desired material properties, starting with basic analytic capabilities (FTIR, TGA, DSC, …)
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Sharepoint)


Desired Skills:

•    Knowledge of engineering thermoplastics (also high temperature), silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers and epoxy compounds
•    Basic knowledge in sealing, encapsulation and physical support of materials for product development
•    Basic knowledge of injection molding and/or extrusion
•    Structure-property knowledge of engineering thermoplastics and elastomers
•    Hands on experience with polymer characterization methods such as rheology, DMA, DSC, TGA, TMA, SEM and mechanical testing; understanding or experience with optical testing a plus
•    Experiences with the evaluation of product lifetime
•    International Work Experience


Soft Skills:

•    Ability to work within a multicultural team environment 
•    Ability to multitask
•    Ability to work independently 
•    Effective oral and written communication skills
•    Ability to mentor other engineers and train others on primary knowledge base
•    Expected to bring enthusiasm, Collaboratory, and innovative spirit
•    Likes to present achievements and is open for constructive discussions

Travel:

•    Travel: max. 10%

Hours of work/work: 40-50 hours/week

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

The range for this position is $81,989.00 - $112,735.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

A job that shapes a life.  

Corning offers you the total package.  

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.


What Corning employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom