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Materials Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Materials Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$83K - $92K/yr

MATERIALS ENGINEER Department: Manufacturing Reports To: Director of Materials & Nuclear Pay : 83k - 92k DOE Position Summary The Materials Engineer provides technical expertise and engineering ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

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 27, 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.

Materials Engineer

PrideStaff

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$83K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

MATERIALS ENGINEER

Department: Manufacturing
Reports To: Director of Materials & Nuclear
Pay : 83k - 92k DOE 


Position Summary

The Materials Engineer provides technical expertise and engineering support, with a primary focus on X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), residual stress, retained austenite, and related materials characterization services.

This position reviews and interprets technical data, prepares and reviews customer reports, performs customer measurements, supports troubleshooting and product development, and provides technical guidance to internal personnel and customers.

The Materials Engineer also provides technical mentoring to MT laboratory personnel, supports laboratory quality and accreditation requirements, conducts applied research, develops technical content and presentations, and assists in identifying and developing new products and services that expand the company’s materials testing capabilities.


Essential Functions

The following duties are representative of the position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.


Materials Engineering and Technical Support

  • Provides materials engineering expertise, technical information, guidance, and troubleshooting assistance related to MT division capabilities.
  • Provides technical expertise related to XRD and XRF applications, measurements, and results.
  • Provides technical support and guidance to TEC personnel and current or prospective customers.
  • Interprets and analyzes materials testing data and provides technical guidance regarding measurement results.
  • Assists with technical problem-solving activities, product enhancement, and product development projects.
  • Identifies, evaluates, and recommends opportunities to expand or improve existing materials testing capabilities.


Customer Support and Reporting

  • Prepares, reviews, and provides technical interpretation of customer reports generated through MT division services.
  • Performs customer measurements within the MT laboratory in accordance with established procedures and quality requirements.
  • Provides measurement assistance and technical troubleshooting to customers as needed.
  • Supports customer inquiries and assists with the technical evaluation of current and prospective customer applications.
  • Provides technical presentations, training, and other educational information to customers as appropriate.


Materials Testing Laboratory Support

  • Provides technical mentoring, guidance, and knowledge transfer to MT laboratory personnel to support their technical development and competency.
  • Provides training to laboratory personnel on applicable materials engineering concepts, measurement techniques, equipment, procedures, and interpretation of results.
  • Assists laboratory personnel with technical questions, measurement challenges, and interpretation of test results.


Quality and Compliance

  • Supports technical matters related to laboratory accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025.
  • Supports technical activities associated with the company’s ISO 9001 quality management system.
  • Assists with the development, review, and maintenance of technical procedures, documentation, and quality-related materials.
  • Performs measurements and technical activities in accordance with applicable quality requirements, procedures, and customer specifications.


Research, Development, and Technical Communications

  • Performs applied research related to materials testing, characterization, measurement techniques, and customer applications.
  • Develops application notes, technical documentation, and other materials to communicate technical information.
  • Prepares and delivers technical presentations to internal and external audiences.
  • Conducts reviews or studies as requested.
  • Identifies and assists with the development of new products and services related to current and emerging company capabilities.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related engineering or technical discipline.
  • 1 year of experience in materials engineering, materials testing, XRD, residual stress analysis, or a directly related field.
  • Demonstrated technical and applied knowledge of XRD.
  • Demonstrated technical and applied knowledge of residual stress and retained austenite measurement and analysis.
  • Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate technical data and results.
  • Ability to read and understand technical drawings, datasheets, specifications, procedures, and written work instructions.
  • Ability to perform technical research and develop clear, accurate written and oral presentations.
  • Ability to use precision measurement equipment, including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, and similar instruments.
  • Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.


Preferred Qualifications

  • 2–5 years of experience in materials engineering, materials testing, XRD, residual stress analysis, or a directly related field.
  • Experience working in a materials testing, materials engineering, or manufacturing laboratory, or related technical environment.
  • Experience with XRF.
  • Experience with laboratory quality systems and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
  • Experience with ISO 9001 quality management systems.
  • Experience with SAP Business One.
  • Additional education, training, or coursework in materials science, metallurgy, materials characterization, or a related discipline.
  • Experience developing technical presentations, application notes, research findings, or other technical publications.
  • Experience providing technical training, mentoring, or coaching to laboratory or engineering personnel.
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical and measurement-related issues and develop effective solutions.


Physical Demands

  • Requires extensive computer use, including repetitive hand and finger movements associated with data entry, data processing, technical analysis, documentation, and report preparation.
  • Requires the ability to lift, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 20 pounds daily, 20–50 pounds frequently, and over 50 pounds periodically, as required by the job.
  • May require walking or standing for periods of time.
  • May require periodic bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, and climbing as required.
  • Requires the ability to use precision measurement equipment and laboratory equipment.
  • Requires sustained concentration, attention to detail, mathematical accuracy, organization, technical reasoning, and effective communication.


Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in an office and laboratory environment with regular interaction with customers, coworkers, laboratory personnel, and other stakeholders through verbal, written, and electronic communication. The work environment is adequately heated and ventilated. The position may involve exposure to laboratory equipment, electropolishing processes, and other materials testing activities. The employee may occasionally work around equipment or materials requiring adherence to established safety procedures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).


Travel

Minimal travel may be required.


Equipment Used

  • Computer and standard office equipment.
  • TEC XRD systems and additional lab equipment.
  • Measuring devices such as micrometers and calipers.

Company Description

PrideStaff wants you to Succeed! We have dedicated consultants that provide employment market insights and resources! We offer the support you need along the way. Over the years, we have helped tens of thousands of people find outstanding career growth opportunities. At PrideStaff, we truly value people, and we are dedicated to getting to know you and advocating on your behalf with our network of employers from across the country. Our Recruiters will help guide you with career tools and resources.


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About PrideStaff

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Accountability of local ownership along with the resources and expertise that the $200m national organization of PrideStaff backing us has. Therese is involved in all day-to-day operations. She leads a dynamic team of recruiters who together are focused on ensuring both clients and candidates have an exceptional experience. When you call the office, it is not unusual that Therese will answer the phone. Along with her team, she conducts interviews and helps with the hiring process. Additionally, PrideStaff’s 80+ other locations across the United States gives us resources not available to most other local staffing firms. It’s not what we say about ourselves that matters…it’s what has been said in our over 3,800 client testimonials that we’ve received over the years that matters.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fresno, CA, US