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Materials Engineer Co Op Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Co-Op (Fall 2026)

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

As Engineering Co-Op, primary responsibilities include: * Provide technical analysis for projects ... material qualification, scale-up, and shelf-life improvements. * Investigate, evaluate and ...

Engineering Co-Op (Fall 2026)

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

As Engineering Co-Op, primary responsibilities include: * Provide technical analysis for projects ... material qualification, scale-up, and shelf-life improvements. * Investigate, evaluate and ...

Engineering Co-Op (Fall 2026)

Waterloo, IA

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

As Engineering Co-Op, primary responsibilities include: * Provide technical analysis for projects ... material qualification, scale-up, and shelf-life improvements. * Investigate, evaluate and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Materials Engineer Co Op information

See Iowa salary details

$35.7K

$94.6K

$148.4K

How much do materials engineer co op jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer co op in Iowa is $94,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Materials Engineer Co Op job?

A Materials Engineer Co-Op is a temporary, hands-on position where students or entry-level professionals gain practical experience working with materials used in manufacturing, construction, or product development. Co-op participants assist with testing, analyzing, and optimizing materials like metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to improve performance and durability. They often collaborate with engineers, researchers, and production teams to solve real-world material challenges. This role helps build technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and industry knowledge before transitioning into a full-time engineering career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Materials Engineer Co Op position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Engineer Co Op, you need a solid background in materials science, engineering principles, and laboratory techniques, typically supported by enrollment in a relevant engineering degree program. Familiarity with materials characterization tools such as microscopes, spectrometers, and software like MATLAB or AutoCAD is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams help candidates stand out. These skills are essential for ensuring accuracy in research, efficient teamwork on projects, and the successful application of engineering concepts to real-world materials challenges.

What types of projects or responsibilities can a Materials Engineer Co Op expect during their assignment?

As a Materials Engineer Co Op, you can expect to assist with a variety of hands-on and analytical tasks such as performing material testing, analyzing data, preparing samples, and contributing to product development projects. You may also collaborate closely with senior engineers, quality assurance teams, and manufacturing staff to troubleshoot materials-related issues or support ongoing research. The role provides valuable exposure to industry-standard tools and processes while offering opportunities to present findings and participate in team meetings. This experience helps you develop practical skills and a strong professional network, laying a solid foundation for a future career in engineering.
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer Co Op jobs in Iowa? For Materials Engineer Co Op jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer Co Op job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 26% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 63% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
Engineering Co-Op (Fall 2026)

Engineering Co-Op (Fall 2026)

Hydrite

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Hydrite Chemical rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 88 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

WHO WE ARE

We are a company where people matter.

We are family driven.

We are financially strong.

And we are looking for problem-solvers to join our growing team.

BENEFITS

  • Competitive pay
  • Professional development workshops & training
  • In-person networking opportunities with leadership and peers
  • Hands-on project experience with real business impact
  • Paid volunteer time
  • Company-sponsored events and activities
  • Potential for full-time opportunities upon graduation

JOIN A TOP WORKPLACE - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nlFHnnfvhk

Engineering Co-Op Fall 2026

The primary purpose of this position is to gain practical work experience on engineering projects. This position will uphold the Hydrite "Standards of Excellence" through continuous commitment to customer satisfaction, both internal and external. This role will run from August- December 2026.

As Engineering Co-Op, primary responsibilities include:

  • Provide technical analysis for projects as assigned.
  • Assist in implementation of capital projects and maintenance activities, where appropriate.
  • Perform engineering clerical-type duties as assigned.
  • Investigate, evaluate and implement process related cost saving improvements such as waste reduction, cycle-time reduction, lower cost raw material qualification, scale-up, and shelf-life improvements.
  • Investigate, evaluate and implement process related cycle time improvements such as batch process time reduction, continuous process throughput increase, pre/post-batch cleanout time reduction, and quality improvement intended to accomplish capacity generation.
  • Investigate, evaluate and implement site energy reduction and/or sustainability improvement opportunities.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

  • This position reports to the Engineering Manager

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATIONAL CRITERIA

  • Enrollment in accredited university in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering required. Preferably – Mechanical, Industrial, or Chemical.
  • Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Power Point (or equivalent software applications)
  • Good presentation skills preferred.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills preferred. (Candidate may have opportunity to lead installation crews on capital projects)

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

  • Summer Kick-Off Event: A two-day introduction with plant tours, leadership Q&A, team-building, and networking with interns and co-ops across Hydrite.
  • Learning Opportunities: Development sessions on DISC, career pathing, and soft skills, plus a 2-day showcase to present your projects to leadership.

WHY HYDRITE?

Watch this Why Hydrite video to find out: https://vimeo.com/201673899

WANT TO STAY CONNECTED? FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hydrite-chemical-co-
  • Facebook: facebook.com/hydrite
  • YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs_493NR8RI

Learn more about Hydrite on our website: www.hydrite.com/careers