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Materials Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Insight Global

Materials Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$45 - $53/hr

Materials Engineer Location: San Diego, CA Duration: 12 month contract-to-hire Pay Rate: $45.00 - $53.00/hr Insight Global is seeking a Materials Engineer to join a leading organization developing ...

Motive Companies

Materials Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$38 - $55/hr

Materials Engineer Location: Santa Clarita, CA Pay Rate: $38.00 - $55.00 per hour Industry: Motorsports / High-Performance Engineering A leading motorsports and high-performance engineering company ...

Motive Companies

Materials Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$38 - $55/hr

Materials Engineer Location: Santa Clarita, CA Pay Rate: $38.00 - $55.00 per hour Industry: Motorsports / High-Performance Engineering A leading motorsports and high-performance engineering company ...

Mariana Minerals

Materials Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Role Overview Mariana Minerals is seeking a highly motivated Materials Engineer to join our R&D and product development team. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing ...

Joby Aviation

Materials Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$86K - $137K/yr

Joby Aviation is seeking a materials engineer to join our Additive Manufacturing team. You will own the full material lifecycle for AM metallic components--feedstock qualification through post ...

nudge

Materials Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the role As a Materials Engineer at Nudge, you will: * Design materials and fabrication methods for in-house ultrasound array fabrication * Design high efficiency elements for transmission ...

Joby Aviation

Materials Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$86K - $137K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a materials engineer to join our Additive Manufacturing team. You will own the full material lifecycle for AM metallic components-feedstock qualification through ...

Joby Aviation

Materials Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$86K - $137K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a materials engineer to join our Additive Manufacturing team. You will own the full material lifecycle for AM metallic components-feedstock qualification through ...

The Structures Company

Materials Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$19 - $94/hr

Materials Engineer LOCATION: Santa Rosa, CA PAY RATE: $79.00-94.15/hour We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier ...

Chipton Ross

Materials Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$94.15/hr

Job #219494 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Materials Engineer for a contract opportunity in Santa Rosa, CA. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) * Must have the ability to obtain a secret ...

Antares

Materials Engineer, Ceramics

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $185K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Materials Engineering or a related physics-based field. * 2+ years of experience in materials science and engineering. * Proficiency ...

SpaceX

Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

MATERIALS ENGINEER, METALS (STARSHIP) Our Starship Materials Engineering team is serving as experts in various material disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rockets and ...

SpaceX

Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

MATERIALS ENGINEER, METALS (STARSHIP) Our Starship Materials Engineering team is serving as experts in various material disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rockets and ...

RSS, LLC.

Materials Engineer II

Mather, CA

The Materials Engineer develops, implements, and improves efficient, cost-effective, and repeatable manufacturing processes that meet product specifications, quality standards, and UL or other ...

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All JobsMaterials Engineer JobsMaterials Engineer Jobs in California

Materials Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$99.4K

$155.9K

How much do materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer in California is $99,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a materials engineer?

Materials engineers are professionals who study, develop, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from computer chips to aircraft components. They work with metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and other substances to improve their properties and performance. Their work often involves selecting appropriate materials for specific applications, researching new materials, and troubleshooting issues related to material failures. Materials engineers play a critical role in advancing technologies in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering.

What does a materials engineer do?

As a materials engineer, you develop, test, and process new materials. You may create new types of plastic, metal, or ceramic materials for use in various applications. You work with nanomaterials and other unusual substances to create products that meet specific chemical, electrical, or mechanical requirements. Depending on the company's needs and the status of a material's development, you typically work in a laboratory or an office setting. Many potential materials are modeled on computers before attempting manufacture, so familiarity with design software is paramount.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials engineer?

To thrive as a Materials Engineer, you need a solid understanding of materials science, engineering principles, and typically a bachelor's degree in materials, chemical, or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with analytical tools like scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and computer-aided design (CAD) software is often required. Effective problem-solving, project management, and strong communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present findings clearly. These abilities are essential for developing innovative materials and ensuring product reliability and performance in various industries.

What are some common challenges materials engineers face when working on cross-functional project teams?

Materials Engineers often collaborate with professionals from design, manufacturing, and quality assurance departments. One common challenge is effectively communicating complex materials science concepts to team members without a technical background. Additionally, balancing the ideal material properties with project cost, manufacturability, and timeline constraints requires strong problem-solving and negotiation skills. Overcoming these challenges typically involves active participation in team meetings, clear documentation, and a willingness to adapt solutions based on feedback from various stakeholders.

What is the difference between Materials Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMaterials EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field; often includes certifications like ASM certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license may be preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, quality controlDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, testing labs
Industry UsageMaterials development, failure analysis, quality assuranceProduct design, systems, and machinery development

Materials Engineers focus on developing and testing materials used in products, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems. Both roles often collaborate but serve different core functions within manufacturing and product development industries.

Is it hard to get a job as a materials engineer?

Getting a job as a materials engineer can be competitive, especially without relevant experience or advanced degrees. Strong skills in materials analysis, proficiency with engineering software, and professional certifications can improve employment prospects. Entry-level positions may be easier to obtain with internships or co-op experience.
More about Materials Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer jobs in California?

For Materials Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Materials Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Materials Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Materials Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer jobs in CA?

For Materials Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,419 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Materials Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

Insight Global
See more jobs at Insight Globalexternal

$45 - $53/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company: Insight Global

Title: Materials Engineer

Location: San Diego, CA

Duration: 12 month contract-to-hire

Pay Rate: $45.00 - $53.00/hr

Job Description

Insight Global is seeking a Materials Engineer to join a leading organization developing advanced gas turbine technologies. This individual will be responsible for supporting the selection, testing, evaluation, and continuous improvement of materials used in critical turbine components operating in high-temperature, high-stress environments.

The Materials Engineer will work closely with design, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to solve complex engineering challenges, improve component reliability, and support the development of next-generation products. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer with a strong metallurgy background who enjoys blending laboratory analysis, failure investigation, and hands-on manufacturing support.

Responsibilities

  • Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations of turbine components and materials-related issues.
  • Provide technical guidance regarding metallurgy, materials selection, and materials performance.
  • Support development and qualification of high-temperature alloys, coatings, and related manufacturing processes.
  • Collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve product quality, reliability, and cost effectiveness.
  • Evaluate supplier materials and manufacturing capabilities to ensure compliance with technical requirements.
  • Conduct materials testing, characterization, and data analysis to support engineering decisions.
  • Assist with development and validation of new products and technologies.
  • Generate technical reports, specifications, and engineering documentation.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on manufacturing efficiency and product performance.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Experience working with metallic materials, including nickel alloys, stainless steels, titanium, or aluminum.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Experience conducting failure analysis and root cause investigations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Gas turbine, aerospace, energy, or other high-temperature materials experience.
  • Knowledge of superalloys, coatings, and materials performance in demanding environments.
  • Experience with casting, forging, welding, or heat treatment processes.
  • Familiarity with supplier quality programs and process improvement methodologies.
  • Exposure to Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or continuous improvement initiatives.