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Materials Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

ZF

Materials Engineer

Northville, MI · On-site

ZF is seeking a Materials Engineer - Electronics to work within their Corporate R&D Materials Technology team located at the new Northville, Michigan R&D Materials Lab. The Materials Lab is staffed ...

ZF Group

Materials Engineer

Northville, MI · On-site

The Materials Engineer - Electronics will work on both local and global material development projects, warranty claims, and occasional production quality topics. Hands-on projects will include ...

Eaton

Materials Engineer

Marshall, MI · On-site

$86K - $126K/yr

The Materials Engineer is a technical role combining engineering analysis, project support, and hands-on laboratory execution. The position supports product development, manufacturing, and failure ...

Rivian

Senior Materials Engineer - Metals

Plymouth, MI

$98K - $123K/yr

Role Summary The Senior Materials Engineer, Metals will lead material selection, validation, and problem solving across ferrous metal systems with secondary support for light-metal applications. This ...

NSF

Engineer I Materials Lab

Ann Arbor, MI

NSF is seeking a Materials Engineer who with direction, is responsible for the review and interpretation of standards and protocols, development of test methods, design of test equipment, and ...

NSF

Engineer I Materials Lab

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

NSF is seeking a Materials Engineer who with direction, is responsible for the review and interpretation of standards and protocols, development of test methods, design of test equipment, and ...

NSF

Engineer I Materials Lab

Ann Arbor, MI

NSF is seeking a Materials Engineer who with direction, is responsible for the review and interpretation of standards and protocols, development of test methods, design of test equipment, and ...

Venteon

Material Handling Equipment Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

VENTEON and Havard Resource Solutions are hiring a Sr. Material Handling Equipment Engineer to work in Troy, MI as well as travel to Fort Wayne, Indiana for the duration of the project. POSITION TYPE ...

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All JobsMaterials Engineer JobsMaterials Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Materials Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$33.1K

$87.8K

$137.7K

How much do materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer in Michigan is $87,803.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $101,500.00 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 Michigan? The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Materials Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Materials Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Materials Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer jobs in MI? For Materials Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,803 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Materials Engineer

Materials Engineer

ZF

Northville, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago

ZF rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

355th of 430 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

 Req ID 89306 | Northville, United States ZF Active Safety US Inc.

Job Description

About the Team: ZF is seeking a Materials Engineer - Electronics to work within their Corporate R&D Materials Technology team located at the new Northville, Michigan R&D Materials Lab. The Materials Lab is staffed with a cross functional team and equipment to analyze all material types. The Materials Engineer - Electronics will work on both local and global material development projects, warranty claims, and occasional production quality topics. Hands-on projects will include product development and laboratory testing/failure analysis. Product exposure is primarily the ZF portfolio of electronics. Less frequent product exposure would include braking, steering, transmissions, axles, suspension, and chassis components.
What you can look forward to as a Materials Engineer - Electronics:

  • Use of various Materials Lab analytical equipment and testing techniques to support routine and complex customer requests.
  • Operate equipment and instruments including but not limited to: sectioning, grinding, polishing, optical microscopes, scanning electron microscope (SEM), non-destructive testing (x-ray CT), and chemical analysis (EDS, FT-IR, XRF, etc).
  • Precise sectioning and sample preparation, specializing in difficult samples such as solder joints, printed circuit boards and small components.
  • Visual examination of PCBA for evaluation of tin whiskers, dendritic growth, cracking, corrosion, contamination, damage, and/or related criteria.
  • Advise appropriate investigative processes for the evaluation of failures, interpretation of results, reporting findings and to implement corrective actions.
  • Provide support for other materials testing activities as needed including surface protection, corrosion, tribology, and contamination.
  • Generate detailed lab testing reports and attend customer meetings as required.
  • Work with other Engineers and Technicians within the local and global Materials Technology department.

Your profile as a Materials Engineer - Electronics:

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, or Metallurgical Engineering.
  • Hands-on laboratory testing experience.
  • Knowledge of quality systems, familiarity with lab information management systems (LIMS) and related software tools desired.
  • Familiarity with electronic materials testing standards (IPC) and more general testing standards (ASTM, ISO) desired.
  • Strong technical writing and presentation skills required.
  • Laboratory testing skills including sample preparation, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, image analysis, x-ray, chemical analysis, and related supporting testing/methods required.
  • Practical experience with electronics sample preparation techniques, especially with regard to PCBA required.
  • Practical experience with electronics manufacturing processes and materials desired.
  • Knowledge of hand tools and automotive products desired.
  • Knowledge of metal and/or polymer properties, coatings,  and processing desirable but not required.

Be part of our ZF team as Materials Engineer and apply now!

Contact

Hannah Cline

+7 34 855 2922

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT: 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice. 

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility. 

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran

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