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Materials Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 · On-site

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

Antaresindustries

Materials Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field. * 2+ years of experience in materials engineering. * Proficiency in optical and electron microscopy as well as ...

Industrious Ventures

Materials Engineer II

Torrance, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field. * 2+ years of experience in materials engineering. * Proficiency in optical and electron microscopy as well as ...

Bourns, Inc.

Sr. Materials Engineer

Riverside, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Applying Materials Expertise to Complex Technical Challenges Bourns is seeking a Material Engineer, Sr. to support customers, engineering, operations, and scientists in the resolution of complex ...

Bourns, Inc.

Sr. Materials Engineer

Riverside, CA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Applying Materials Expertise to Complex Technical Challenges Bourns is seeking a Material Engineer, Sr. to support customers, engineering, operations, and scientists in the resolution of complex ...

Antares

Materials Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field. * 2+ years of experience in materials engineering. * Proficiency in optical and electron microscopy as well as ...

Oura

Staff Materials Engineer, PVD

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Manage a roadmap for materials engineering across metal surface treatments, PVD/CVD, platings and emerging technologies. * Drive R&D and materials selection efforts for current and next-generation ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 6, 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 II

Sanders Industries Holdings

Lake Forest, CA • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Job description

Materials Engineer II
Job Description

This position exists to develop new seal polymers, spring wire materials and to support sales and production through material analysis and testing on new and existing materials. To work with Stakeholders on the implementation of new materials and to investigate and analyze material issues using Lab Analysis equipment. Expected to work with minimal supervision while using technical skills to troubleshoot and solve materials problems.


About Bal Seal: Bal Seal Engineering delivers advanced sealing, connecting, and contact solutions that serve medical, aerospace, energy, and industrial markets. Our proprietary spring-energized seals and electrical contacts help customers achieve precision, efficiency, and reliability. Employees thrive in a culture that values craftsmanship, technical mastery, and close partnership with customers solving complex challenges.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Material Analysis performed using state of the art equipment, such as SEM, DSC, TGA, and FTIR
  • Evaluate and select spring energizer materials, which include various aerospace and medial grade metallic wires.
  • Independently lead and execute complex material evaluation/development and cross-functional root-cause analysis projects
  • Develop and execute test plans according to priority and due dates
  • Prepare documentation verifying results of testing
  • Perform failure and root cause analysis on materials and products not meeting requirements
  • Perform materials testing as identified by written procedures and instructions
  • Interface with Engineering personnel and other applicable department stakeholders to ensure material requirements and specifications are utilized and met
  • Provide technical analysis and reporting to identify significant material parameters
  • Development of new thermoplastics with filler to meet customer needs
  • Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment and partner with other departments to resolve technical issues


Education:

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Material Science or related Engineering field
  • Master’s degree preferred


Experience:

 

  • Experience with Thermoplastic polymer PTFE, PEEK, UHMWPE, and other specialty fluoropolymers.
  • Experience with various metallic wire materials, such as Stainless Steels, Platinum, MP35N, Cooper alloys, etc.
  • Minimum 4 years in Material Science and Engineering 
  • Strong writing and communication skills

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: