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Materials Engineer Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $190K/yr

Master's degree or PhD in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or other related technical discipline * Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with ...

SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $190K/yr

Master's degree or PhD in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or other related technical discipline * Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with ...

SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $190K/yr

Master's degree or PhD in Material Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or other related technical discipline * Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with ...

Ōura

Staff Materials Engineer, PVD

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. * Experience with biocompatibility and regulatory requirements for skin-contact ...

Lucid Motors

Staff Materials Engineer, Castings

Newark, CA · On-site

$161K - $237K/yr

PhD in Materials Engineering. Salary Range : The compensation range for this position is specific to the locations listed below and is the range Lucid reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for ...

ERC, Inc.

Material Engineer IV

Redstone Arsenal, AL · On-site

In your role as a Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for collecting various evidence of ... PhD in Engineering in the appropriate area of specialization or related discipline from an ...

ERC Inc.

Material Engineer IV

Huntsville, AL · On-site

In your role as a Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for collecting various evidence of ... PhD in Engineering in the appropriate area of specialization or related discipline from an ...

K2 Space

Materials & Process Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field * Experience architecting M&P programs for solar array systems across the full development lifecycle ...

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All JobsMaterials Engineer Phd Jobs

Materials Engineer Phd information

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$38K

$100.7K

$158K

How much do materials engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 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.
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Materials Engineer Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer Phd job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,738 per year, or $48.4 per hour.
Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer

Flammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineer

Pae

Houston, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States.

We have an exciting opportunity for aFlammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineerto join the team with Aerodyne Industries, a teammate company.

TheFlammability & Nonmetallic Materials Engineerwill:

  • Provide leadership for projects related to textile materials selection, flammability testing in high oxygen atmospheres, ignition characterization, battery thermal runaway tests, and related test campaigns across multiple NASA centers, partner agencies and commercial entities
  • Support various NASA programs by providing nonmetallic and fibrous materials expertise for the selection of soft goods and polymeric materials exposed to different atmospheres, high vacuum, and extreme temperatures. This support applies to any type of soft goods and polymeric materials: rigid andsemi-rigid plastics, thin films, coatings, foams, textiles, and their finishing treatments.
  • Provide technical leadership on nonmetallic material and fibrous materials selection to use in Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) development for various NASA programs.
  • Support NASA Materials and Processes (M&P) engineers with respect to the evaluation and selection of nonmetallic and fibrous materials
  • Act as primary engineer coordinating various flammability, ignition and combustion tests in accordance with NASA-STD-6001 with the White Sands Test Facility.
  • Direct development of flammability configuration coupons made from various soft goods and polymeric materials.
  • Review NASA reports, requirement documents, proposals, conference papers, journal articles related to nonmetallics and fibrous materials.
  • Perform testing and characterization on nonmetallic materials as needed.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Requisition Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels.Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering and a minimum of 2- 5 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

  • BS, MS, or PhD in Polymer Science and Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Fire Science and Engineering, or related field and a minimum of 2 years of direct experience in the field, preferably with some understanding or experience in textiles.
  • Familiar with high performance polymers that are commonly in film, foam, or fiber form, such as PTFE, PVDF, Aramids, Polyimide, PEEK, PBI, etc.
  • Familiarity with flammability testing, fire testing, flame testing or combustion testing on polymers.
  • Experience incharacterization methods, such as FTIR, DSC, TGA,SEM/EDS. Familiar with polymer testing standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and productively with team members and cross functional team.
  • Problem solver and quick learner with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills include the ability to prepare and give presentations.

Requisition Preferences:

  • Experience with textiles for structural applications.
  • Previous experience supporting a NASA project.

Why Join Our Team?

In addition to exciting career opportunities, we also have:

  • Excellent personal and professional career growth
  • 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
  • Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
  • Much, much more!

For more information on our partnership with NASA at Johnson Space Center (JSC), please visitwww.wehavespaceforyou.com

  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position.
  • Must be able tocomplete a U.S. government background investigation.
  • Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

Essential Functions

Work Environment

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on task.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of time).

Equipment and Machines

Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).

Attendance

Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is critical. Ability to work outside normal schedule and adjust schedule to meet peak periods and surge requirements.

Other Essential Functions

Professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

#JETS #JETSII

Compensation Details:

EN2-ESS

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

07/01/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.

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