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Materials Engineer Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Motors

Textile Materials Engineer

Warren, MI

Master's or PhD degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. * DFSS Black Belt or Master Black Belt. * Familiarity with automotive industry standards ...

General Motors

Textile Materials Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

Master's or PhD degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. * DFSS Black Belt or Master Black Belt. * Familiarity with automotive industry standards ...

General Motors

Textile Materials Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

Master's or PhD degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. * DFSS Black Belt or Master Black Belt. * Familiarity with automotive industry standards ...

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Materials Engineer Phd information

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$38K

$100.7K

$158K

How much do materials engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer phd in the United States is $100,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $116,500.00 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.
More about Materials Engineer Phd jobs
What cities are hiring for Materials Engineer Phd jobs? Cities with the most Materials Engineer Phd job openings:
What states have the most Materials Engineer Phd jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Engineer Phd jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Materials Engineer Phd jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Engineer Phd jobs are:
Materials Engineer Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer Phd job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,738 per year, or $48.4 per hour.
Materials Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Materials Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 59 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
MATERIALS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)
At SpaceX, we're leveraging our rocket and spacecraft expertise to deploy Starlink, the world's largest and most advanced satellite constellation, delivering fast internet to over 10 million users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate the full system - from thousands of satellites to user terminals and software.
We're revolutionizing the launch market through rapid reusability and cutting-edge technology. As a Materials Engineer, you'll take a hands-on role in developing, implementing, and troubleshooting advanced material systems. You'll use your expertise, experience, and creativity to solve complex material selection and processing challenges as we scale Starlink for high-volume production.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own the development, scale-up, qualification, reliability testing, and production stabilization of novel thermoset and thermoplastic polymer systems (adhesives, sealants, coatings, rubbers, plastics, and injection-molded parts) for Starlink satellites and products, applying deep process knowledge and expertise.
  • Guide engineering, production, and supply chain teams on material selection, testing, analysis, DFM requirements, application processes, and design allowables to deliver cost-effective, robust solutions for harsh space environments.
  • Lead root cause failure investigations, acting as the subject matter expert (SME) for polymer failure mechanisms through hands-on laboratory testing of flight hardware and raw materials, always driving to first principles.
  • Champion innovation by solving high-ambiguity problems through rapid iteration ("the algorithm"), providing risk foresight in design reviews, performing production walk-downs, conducting ROI analyses, and leading prototype-to-volume transitions.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to drive material and process improvements on current and next-generation products, while mentoring team members on problem-solving, technical judgment, escalation, and collaboration.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, polymer science, chemistry, physics, or other engineering discipline.
  • 1+ years of experience characterizing, testing, and evaluating the performance of plastics, elastomers, and adhesives.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in materials science, materials engineering, polymer, chemistry, physics, or a related engineering field.
  • Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with genuine enthusiasm for the team's spirit of innovation in cutting-edge technology.
  • Hands-on experience with polymer characterization techniques and equipment, including SEM-EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, LFA, DMA, TMA, rheometry, optical microscopy, and mechanical property testing.
  • Familiarity with industry specifications for adhesives, sealants, coatings, structural plastics, and other non-metallic materials.
  • Demonstrated track record of success in a fast-paced, highly competitive environment.
  • Strong ability to work autonomously, communicate effectively, and take extreme ownership of areas of responsibility.
  • Broad knowledge of aerospace-grade polymeric and elastomeric materials and their processing.
  • Deep understanding of failure modes in polymer materials.
  • Experience with technical review of polymer processing and the interaction between process variables and final material performance.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors for significant or extended periods (up to 25%).
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs unassisted.
  • Ability to stand/walk for long periods of time.
  • Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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