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Materials Engineer Phd Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Materials Engineer Phd information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$35.7K

$94.8K

$148.6K

How much do materials engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer phd in Rio Rancho, NM is $94,755.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,200.00 and $109,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Materials Engineer PhD, you need advanced expertise in materials science, analytical techniques, and a doctoral degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, materials characterization tools (such as SEM, TEM, XRD), and scientific software for modeling and data analysis is typically required. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and excellent written and verbal communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving innovative research, publishing impactful findings, and contributing to advancements in materials technology.

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

CriteriaMaterials Engineer PhdMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Materials Science or Engineering, advanced research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, some roles may require a PhD
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsResearch labs, academia, industry R&D
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, aerospace, automotive, R&D firmsResearch institutions, industry, academia

Materials Engineer Phd and Materials Scientist roles often overlap in research and development. The PhD holder typically engages in advanced research, design, and problem-solving in manufacturing and product development, while Materials Scientists may focus more on fundamental research and material properties. Both roles require strong technical expertise, but the PhD often signifies a higher level of specialization and leadership in complex projects.

What opportunities are available for career advancement for a Materials Engineer with a PhD in industry settings?

Materials Engineers with a PhD often start in specialized research or development roles, but there are significant opportunities for advancement. With experience, you may move into senior scientist, project leader, or managerial positions, overseeing teams and strategic projects. Many organizations also offer pathways into technical consulting or innovation leadership, leveraging your advanced expertise to drive new product development. Career progression is often supported by ongoing professional development and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, providing a dynamic and rewarding environment.

What are Materials Engineers with a PhD?

Materials Engineers with a PhD are experts who study, develop, and improve materials used in a wide variety of applications, such as electronics, aerospace, and biomedical devices. Their advanced education allows them to conduct high-level research, design new materials, and solve complex engineering problems. They often work in research and development, academia, or specialized industries, contributing to innovations in materials science. Their work involves understanding the properties and behaviors of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites at a fundamental level.
What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer Phd jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Materials Engineer Phd jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Materials Engineer Phd jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Materials Engineer Phd job openings:
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer Phd job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,755 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Senior/Principal R&D Materials Science - Radiation Effects Research, Onsite

Senior/Principal R&D Materials Science - Radiation Effects Research, Onsite

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$117K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a material scientist, engineer, or physicist eager to develop expertise in radiation/matter interactions, conduct experiments in radiation effects in materials and lead radiation-environment qualification activities for materials, components, and systems. You will work in a collaborative environment with a diverse team.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
  • Propose, design, execute, analyze, and report on experiments at flagship national test facilities, such as the Z Machine (Sandia National Laboratories) and National Ignition Facility (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) and other specialized test facilities.
  • Experiments may range from fundamental investigations into the behavior of materials in radiation environments to the response of components at higher levels of product integration to meet technical and programmatic objectives for a variety of customers.
  • Team with other specialists, including those in computational modeling and simulation, advanced materials, and test instrumentation to plan experiments, analyze results, and to present new insights, observations, or qualification evidence.
  • Join multidisciplinary teams to develop and qualify new technologies and components for the nuclear weapons stockpile.
  • Some travel will be required, for experiments, project meetings, and conferences.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected candidate must be able to work onsite.
Salary Range
$117,500 - $235,700
*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and ability to perform independent research and development.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q clearance

Qualifications We Desire
The ideal R&D S&E Material Science candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:
  • Graduate degree in Material Science or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g. independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
  • Experience in a research and development environment.
  • Experience with materials characterization techniques.
  • Experience working on teams consisting of multidisciplinary and multi-disciplinary experimentalists, modelers, and theorists with a common goal.
  • Effective interpersonal skills for giving presentations, preparing reports, writing articles, and explaining the important aspects of technical work to customers.

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:
  • PhD in Materials Science or STEM related field
  • Experience analyzing and presenting scientific results as demonstrated through conference presentation and/or peer-reviewed publication of results
  • Experience interrogating radiation effects phenomena, materials in extreme environments, or product environmental testing
  • Knowledge of the interaction of radiation with matter
  • Experience translating product requirements into test specifications or working with product development teams
  • Experience in conducting experiments at radiation facilities (x-ray, gamma, or neutron)
  • Experience collaborating with others to model experiments or material environmental responses
  • Experience developing research ideas, submitting proposals, establishing collaborations, organizing research teams and/or reporting progress to sponsors
  • Experience in project management or participating in research teams

About Our Team
The Radiation Effects Research team is dedicated to research and development focused on intense radiation environments. Our scope includes studying radiation effects from nuclear detonations (such as X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and electromagnetic pulses), as well as natural and enhanced space environments and in situ radiation. Our research encompasses radiation effects in electronics, materials, and accelerator technologies.
We conduct active research in advanced materials, focusing on the response of materials and components to intense X-rays. This includes studying thermal, structural, shock, and impulse responses. Additionally, we develop advanced experimental diagnostics and accelerator technology to enhance the characterization and production of radiation environments.
Topical Areas of Research:
  • X-ray and E-Beam environments and diagnostics
  • Advanced materials
  • Devices
  • Circuits
  • Components
  • Systems

Our team supports Sandia's Nuclear Deterrence and Satellite programs, and we participate in the development of new technologies and capabilities for a variety of programs. Our activities include conducting hostile radiation qualification tests at the system, component, and device levels, as well as performing physics discovery and basic research experiments.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.