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Materials Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Raytheon

Materials Engineer II

San Jose, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Los Angeles, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

Raytheon

Materials Engineer II

San Diego, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

Sanders Industries Holdings

Materials Engineer II

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Materials Engineer II 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.

Oura

Staff Materials Engineer, PVD

San Francisco, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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 ...

Antares

Materials Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

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 ...

SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER, METALS (STARSHIP) Our Starship Materials ...

SpaceX

Materials Engineer, Additive Manufacturing

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

MATERIALS ENGINEER, ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING Our Propulsion Materials team is responsible for developing and qualifying laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processes for nickel-based superalloys used in ...

SpaceX

Materials Engineer, Additive Manufacturing

Hawthorne, CA

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

MATERIALS ENGINEER, ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING Our Propulsion Materials team is responsible for developing and qualifying laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processes for nickel-based superalloys used in ...

SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SR. 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 ...

Danaher Corporation

Senior Materials Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Materials Engineer is responsible for supporting the long-term performance, reliability, and manufacturability of materials used in Cepheid's commercially released molecular diagnostic ...

New

SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER, METALS (STARSHIP) Our Starship Materials ...

Danaher

Senior Materials Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Materials Engineer is responsible for supporting the long-term performance, reliability, and manufacturability of materials used in Cepheid's commercially released molecular diagnostic ...

Danaher

Senior Materials Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Materials Engineer is responsible for supporting the long-term performance, reliability, and manufacturability of materials used in Cepheid's commercially released molecular diagnostic ...

Raytheon

Low Observable Materials Engineer

San Jose, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Material testing and characterization (RF, mechanical, physical) * Preparation of engineering documentation * Customer and supplier interface * Participation/leadership of and program reviews

Raytheon

Low Observable Materials Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Material testing and characterization (RF, mechanical, physical) * Preparation of engineering documentation * Customer and supplier interface * Participation/leadership of and program reviews

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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 Aug 17, 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 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 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 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,419 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Materials Engineer II

Construction Innovations, LLC

Mather, CA • On-site

$97K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

ABOUT CONSTRUCTION INNOVATIONS:
At Construction Innovations, we're all about good energy - we create solutions that make electrical installations faster, safer, and cost-effective. Our products energize hundreds of projects across the U.S. in a variety of markets including solar, battery storage, substation, and transmission and distribution. Our commitment to simplifying traditional installation methods drives us to deliver all-in-one product kits that can be installed by anyone, in a fraction of the time. Our philosophy is at the core of everything we do: Innovate to Simplify®.
OVERVIEW:
The Materials Engineer develops, implements, and improves efficient, cost-effective, and repeatable manufacturing processes that meet product specifications, quality standards, and UL or other certification requirements. This role owns process design, tooling, production readiness, and manufacturing optimization to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant output. The position supports the Quality Management System (QMS), regulated manufacturing requirements, and shop floor implementation for new and revised products. It also ensures material selection and joining methods (including dissimilar metal bonding) are manufacturable, repeatable, and reliable over the product lifecycle.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support development, implementation, and validation of metal joining processes for repeatability and manufacturability
  • Assist in evaluating risks related to galvanic corrosion, thermal expansion mismatch, and electrical resistance/joint performance
  • Observe production operations to identify and improve manufacturing process inefficiencies, quality issues, and safety risks
  • Troubleshoot production issues, support root cause analysis and corrective actions
  • Support data collection for product development, Lean, and continuous improvement
  • Assist with new product sample creation and testing
  • Support NPI launches, pilot builds, and training
  • Provide material selection feedback and basic manufacturability input to the design
  • Create, maintain, and revise work instructions and SOPs
  • Act as liaison between design and manufacturing for NPI
  • Support supervisors and quality teams with documentation, training, and updates
  • Follow QMS and UL change control procedures, support audits and inspections
  • Apply safety best practices in all activities
  • Perform other duties as assigned

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
  • BS in Engineering (Materials, Manufacturing, Electrical, Industrial) or equivalent experience (5+ years)
  • Foundational knowledge on material compatibility (in particular, electrical materials such as copper and aluminium) and basic joining methods, including dissimilar metal interfaces
  • 2+ years of manufacturing/production engineering experience
  • Basic understanding of electrical assemblies and manufacturing processes
  • Exposure to Lean Manufacturing concepts
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work in regulated environments

Materials Engineer Level II
Includes all Responsibilities and Desired Skills & Experience indicated above, and the following additional responsibilities:
  • Own manufacturing processes for assigned products/subassemblies
  • Evaluate, design, and implement manufacturing methods, workflows, layouts, tooling, and assembly techniques to improve production flow and efficiency
  • Improve cost, quality, and efficiency using Lean principles
  • Provide structured DFM and material optimization feedback
  • Design, develop, test, or source product and manufacturing tools, fixtures, and equipment
  • Develop standards, procedures, and QMS documentation
  • Ensure compliance with UL and industry standards
  • Participate in UL audits, factory inspection, and compliance activities
  • Experience with dissimilar metal joining
  • 5+ years manufacturing engineering experience
  • Experience with electrical assemblies and contract manufacturing
  • 2+ years applying Lean Manufacturing
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and exchange information in written and verbal form.
  • Visual ability required to perform job-related tasks, including operating equipment, reading printed materials, and distinguishing labels, indicators, or safety markings, as applicable.
  • Ability to occasionally sit; climb; balance; stoop; kneel; reach with hands and arms at or below waist level; and work in limited spaces.
  • Ability to continuously stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear.
  • Ability to safely operate machinery or equipment in accordance with company policies and safety requirements.
  • Ability to lift, push, and pull materials weighing up to 35 pounds unassisted.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position spends most of their time in a fast-paced environment set in a manufacturing/warehouse facility with exposure to inclement weather: cold, heat and humidity. The noise level in the work environment is moderate, and there is frequent exposure to vibrations, moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, machines, and dust. Daily activities are split between time on the production floor and work in the fabrication shop. Work is performed with hand tools and stationary power tools. This position will occasionally work in production to gain relevant work experience.
REPORTING STRUCTURE:
This position reports to the New Product Development Director.
CAREER ADVANCEMENT:
Career advancement at Construction Innovations is possible with all positions, but is not guaranteed. Advancement could be within the current department or to other departments within the company.
LOCATION:
Construction Innovations facilities and offices are located in Sacramento, CA and Mather, CA.
COMPENSATION:
A reasonable estimate of the current salary range for this position is $97,300 - $156,400 annually. The actual amount offered within this range will depend on a variety of factors, including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience, and other relevant job-related factors. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.
EOE
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