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Materials Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Materials Engineer Location: Knoxville, TN Job Type: Direct Hire Department: Manufacturing Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Position Overview M Force Partners is seeking a Materials ...

As a materials engineer, you will play a vital role in supporting Type One Energy's materials program across various components and materials systems. This will be accomplished by executing materials ...

Responsibilities The Materials Engineer position supporting Eastman's Worldwide Engineering & Construction (WWE&C) provides subject matter expert engineering support for Eastman manufacturing ...

Responsibilities The Materials Engineer position supporting Eastman's Worldwide Engineering & Construction (WWE&C) provides subject matter expert engineering support for Eastman manufacturing ...

Westlake is hiring a Materials Engineer in Bristol, TN to help drive formulation innovation, process improvement, and manufacturing performance. In this role, you will work closely with operations ...

Westlake is hiring a Materials Engineer in Bristol, TN to help drive formulation innovation, process improvement, and manufacturing performance. In this role, you will work closely with operations ...

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Materials Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$34.5K

$91.4K

$143.4K

How much do materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer in Tennessee is $91,431.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,600.00 and $105,700.00 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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What job categories do people searching Materials Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Materials Engineer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Materials Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Materials Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,431 per year, or $44 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Description Materials Engineer Location: Knoxville, TN Job Type: Direct Hire Department: Manufacturing Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Position Overview M Force Partners is seeking a Materials Engineer to provide technical engineering support within a materials testing environment in Knoxville, TN. This position will focus heavily on X-ray Diffraction (XRD), residual stress, retained austenite, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and materials characterization while supporting laboratory testing, customer applications, technical reporting, and continuous development of testing capabilities. The ideal Materials Engineer has a background in Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related discipline and hands-on knowledge of XRD and materials testing.

This opportunity is well suited for an early-career engineer who enjoys laboratory work, technical problem-solving, data analysis, and working directly with both customers and technical teams. Key Responsibilities Perform materials testing, measurements, and analysis within a laboratory environment Analyze and interpret materials testing data and communicate technical findings Support X-ray Diffraction (XRD) applications, testing, measurements, and troubleshooting Perform and support residual stress and retained austenite measurements Support X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing and materials characterization activities Prepare, review, and communicate technical reports for customers Provide technical support to customers regarding materials testing applications, results, and testing capabilities Collaborate with laboratory personnel and internal technical teams to troubleshoot testing and measurement challenges Mentor and train laboratory personnel on testing procedures, equipment, and technical concepts Support precision measurement equipment and ensure accurate, repeatable testing results Assist with applied research, technical investigations, and product development initiatives Support the development and implementation of new materials testing capabilities and applications Develop technical presentations, documentation, reports, and application materials Support laboratory quality requirements and procedures in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 Maintain accurate testing documentation and laboratory records Identify opportunities to improve testing methods, laboratory processes, and technical capabilities Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline Minimum of 1 year of relevant materials engineering, materials testing, metallurgy, or laboratory experience Knowledge of X-ray Diffraction (XRD) principles and applications Knowledge of residual stress measurement and retained austenite analysis Experience analyzing and interpreting technical or materials testing data Ability to clearly communicate technical findings through written reports and verbal presentations Experience working with precision measurement or laboratory equipment Strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to work effectively with customers, engineers, technicians, and laboratory personnel Preferred Qualifications 2-5 years of materials engineering, metallurgy, or materials testing experience Hands-on XRD testing or instrumentation experience X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) experience Experience in a materials testing, metallurgical, or manufacturing laboratory Knowledge of materials characterization techniques Experience with residual stress and retained austenite testing Experience working within ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 9001 quality systems Applied research or product development experience Experience developing technical reports, presentations, or application documentation Experience training or mentoring laboratory personnel Job presented by M Force Partners M Force Partners is a specialized recruitment partner connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations. With a deep understanding of engineering/technical, medical, professional and executive disciplines and industry demands, we deliver tailored recruitment solutions, including direct hire and contract placements, to ensure the right fit for both candidates and clients.

If this role isn't the right fit for you, we encourage you to explore our other opportunities at mforcepartners.com. Do you know someone who may be a great match. Feel free to share this opportunity within your network

Equal Opportunity Employer M Force Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.