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Materials Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Eaton

Materials Engineer

Marshall, MI · On-site

$71K - $105K/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 ...

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 ...

Rivian

Senior Materials Engineer - Metals

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$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

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

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

Eaton

Marshall, MI • On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Eaton rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 219 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

Eaton's IS VEH Technology division is currently seeking a Materials Engineer. This is a full time, on-site position based at our Marshall, MI facility.
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 analysis activities by performing metallurgical testing, interpreting results, and providing engineering recommendations.
This role bridges the gap between engineering design and laboratory execution, requiring both practical lab expertise and the ability to apply engineering principles to solve materials-related problems. The incumbent works independently and as part of cross-functional teams to support new product development, manufacturing support, quality improvement, and innovation initiatives.
The expected annual salary range for this role is $71000 - $105000 a year.
Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Eaton announced, on June 11, 2026, the intent to combine its Mobility Group (including both the Vehicle and eMobility segments) with a new company. We expect to complete this process by the end of the first half of 2027. The compensation and benefits that will initially be offered for this position are based on Eaton's plans, programs and practices. If you are offered and accept this position and are actively employed by the Mobility Group when the transaction closes, the new company will provide further details to employees concerning compensation and benefits at that time.
What you'll do:
  • Support materials engineering projects related to new product development, design validation, manufacturing support, and failure analysis.
  • Review test requests and develop test plans in collaboration with engineers.
  • Coordinate laboratory work within project schedules to meet engineering and program deliverables.
  • Conduct metallurgical characterization and testing, including:
    • Macro and micro photographic documentation, metallographic sample preparation, microstructure evaluation
    • Superficial, bulk, and microhardness testing, case depth determination
    • x ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis
    • Carbon/Sulfur elemental analysis
  • Perform fractography and advanced analysis using optical and electron microscopes (SEM/EDX).
  • Interpret metallurgical test results and provide technical recommendations to engineers, manufacturing, and quality teams.
  • Prepare engineering reports, test summaries, and presentations to communicate results and recommendations.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as cut off saws, mounting presses, polishers, microscopes, and hardness testers.
  • Ensure safe laboratory practices, including chemical handling, disposal, and use of safety equipment.
  • Maintain compliance with Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety management systems

Qualifications:
Required Basic Qualifications:
  • Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or Metallurgical Engineering from an accredited institution and/or candidates with an anticipated graduation by 8/2026
  • Minimum one (1) year basic knowledge of ferrous metallurgy, heat treating, and/or failure analysis (accepted experience is inclusive of college courses on related topic, co-ops, internships and/or direct work experience)
  • Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any "CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc."
  • No relocation is available for this position. Candidates must reside within a 75 mile radius of Marshall, MI. (Active Duty Military service members are exempt from this geographical limitation)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in materials engineering and/or metallurgical lab environment.
  • Exposure to SEM/EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy), fractography, or advanced materials characterization.
  • Familiarity with nondestructive testing, manufacturing environments and quality systems.

Skills:
  • Proven analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to juggle multiple priorities
  • Effective oral and written communication skills as well as planning and organizational skills
  • Ability to effectively work with cross functional teams
  • Limited travel may be required for plant/supplier support

All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates' privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.
We are 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.
Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.
You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.
We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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About Eaton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US

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