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Materials Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 2, 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.

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:

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.

Non-Metallics Materials Engineer Level 3 or 4

Northrop Grumman

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security.

Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission.

This position is for a Non-Metallics Materials Engineer Level 3 or 4 within Northrop Grumman's Marine Systems Materials Engineering and Test Laboratory (METL) department. This is a fast-paced environment where the team provides materials engineering expertise and laboratory services to our Sunnyvale production factory, design engineering, partner suppliers, and Navy & Shipyard customers. This position will provide support across all of Marine System's product lines.

An ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong technical understanding of non-metallic materials, including the physical and chemical properties of elastomers, plastics, adhesives, sealants, lubricants, and paints. This position requires a practical understanding of the forming, characterization, and adhesive bonding as well as a working knowledge of common commercial and military standards for non-metallic materials. Prior experiences supporting U.S

Department of War contracts is beneficial, but not required. This position requires a regular and onsite presence in Sunnyvale, CA; however, working hours and days are flexible. First shift support will be required during onboarding and training with the option to transition to other shifts with experience.

Occasional weekend support will be required during significant production events. These are expected roughly four times per year. This position is expected to require 10% percent travel during a typical year in support of program activities, conferences, industry events, and/or training purposes.

Regular activities in this role will include the following: Collaborating with more senior members of staff to provide materials engineering expertise during design. Engineering technical guidance and oversight when quality concerns arise during production. Own and contribute to root-cause/failure analysis investigations Mechanical characterization & tribology techniques Chemical & thermal characterization techniques Review and approval of supplier manufacturing procedures.

Managing material documentation in our product life cycle management system. Supporting and oversite of production material recertification activities. Supporting campus shelf life control processes for consumables.

Working with and providing guidance to test engineers on characterization activities. Regular collaboration with design engineering, advanced development, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, and the internal environmental, health and safety teams. This position may filled at a Non-Metallics Materials Engineer Level 3 or a Non-Metallics Materials Engineer Level 4 based on the qualifications listed below: Basic Qualifications for Level 3: Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 5 years relevant work experience; or Master's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 3 years relevant work experience.

Laboratory Environment experience required. Strong experience with elastomeric materials, paints, coatings, adhesives, and composite materials. Includes manufacturing/processing methodologies, application, and characterization techniques.

Strong experience with engineering design best practices. Knowledge of common commercial non-metallics methods and testing standards. Ability to lift 25 pounds.

US Citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Security Clearance. Basic Qualifications for Level 4: Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 8 years relevant work experience; or Master's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 6 years relevant work experience.

Laboratory Environment experience required. Strong experience with elastomeric materials, paints, coatings, adhesives, and composite materials. Includes manufacturing/processing methodologies, application, and characterization techniques.

Strong experience with engineering design best practices. Knowledge of common commercial non-metallics methods and testing standards. Ability to lift 25 pounds.

US Citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Security Clearance. Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S

Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939