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Materials Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Applied Materials

Materials Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

Amat

Materials Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting ...

New

Chipton Ross

Materials Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$38/hr

Job #219269 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Materials Engineer for a contract opportunity in Santa Rosa, CA. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) * Degree in Material Sciences, Chemical ...

Neuralink

Materials Engineer

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$113K - $209K/yr

The Materials Engineering Team at Neuralink develops and qualifies high-performance, biocompatible materials for next-generation brain-computer interfaces. The team owns material characterization ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

Raytheon

Materials Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA

The Materials and Process Engineering Department, which functions within Hardware Engineering, is looking for a Materials Engineer to join our Advanced Materials Section in Tucson, AZ. A qualified ...

Raytheon

Materials Engineer II

San Diego, CA

The Materials and Process Engineering Department, which functions within Hardware Engineering, is looking for a Materials Engineer to join our Advanced Materials Section in Tucson, AZ. A qualified ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 3, 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 the Job of a Materials Engineer?

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 materials engineers?

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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain senior roles in software or data engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior materials engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand industries like aerospace or oil and gas, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires specialized skills, leadership roles, and working in regions with high cost of living or competitive markets.

What jobs can materials engineers do?

Materials engineers design, develop, and test materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites for use in products and structures. They work in industries like aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and electronics, often using tools like computer-aided design (CAD) and conducting laboratory testing. Their roles may include research, quality control, and process improvement, requiring knowledge of material properties and engineering principles.

What is the work of a Materials Engineer?

A Materials Engineer researches, develops, and tests materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to improve their performance and suitability for specific applications. They analyze material properties, design new materials, and work with manufacturing processes, often using tools like microscopes and testing equipment to ensure quality and safety.

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

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 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,419 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Materials Engineer

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Applied Materials rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

Who We Are
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Salary:
$147,000.00 - $202,500.00
Location:
Santa Clara,CA
You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.
As a Mechanical Engineer, you'll leverage your strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and materials science to process and resolve mechanical problems, design and implement custom mechanical tooling and associated processes, and enable the handling, assembly, and disassembly of parts, components, sub-assemblies, and final assemblies throughout the product life cycle. You'll be responsible for designing, developing, and modifying mechanical engineering layouts, schematics, and specifications. You will oversee manufacturing and installation processes, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations-- and you'll coordinate the procurement and assembly of mechanical components and equipment for design projects, identifying sources of critical parts and subsystems to resolve technical issues.
Role Responsibilities:
  • Identify and troubleshoot a wide range of complex mechanical problems with limited to no supervision
  • Lead or execute engineering projects, including the development of key suppliers
  • Develop, design, or modify engineering layouts, schematics, or drawings/specifications of complex scope
  • Communicate with internal and external customers regarding a wide range of complex mechanical issues for specific projects
  • Implement concepts for a range of complex product issues and solutions
  • Design, develop and implement custom mechanical tooling, fixturing and associated processes; enable the handling, assembly and/or disassembly of parts, components, sub-assemblies, and final assemblies; establish standards across operational processes; serve as a technical expert on specialized projects or programs
  • Generate product specifications
  • Define, coordinate, perform and generate engineering test reports; specify and review engineering documentation; specify or perform complex engineering analysis
  • Clearly communicate complex concepts and influence various perspectives

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 7-10 years of experience
  • Subject-matter expertise with CAD software, thermodynamics, sheet metal design, material selection, manufacturing methods, GD&T, flow analysis and/or Design for Excellence principles

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of the Applied Materials product life cycle, including prototyping, packaging, material selection and manufacturing methods

Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Relocation Eligible:
Yes
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Applied Materials

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We're the brain (and the brawn) behind every new technology development--whether it's building semiconductor chips for smartphones and computers, or the underpinnings for robotics, AI and even smart TV display screens. With 27,000 employees in 19 countries, we offer an exciting place to grow and learn alongside some of the best people you'll ever meet. We take deep pride in our Culture of Inclusion, and we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that help us build stronger, more resilient teams. Join us as we innovate to Make Possible a Better Future!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1967

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