ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Materials Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

Materials Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Position Overview NANO Nuclear Energy is seeking a Materials Engineer to support materials selection, qualification, testing, and performance evaluation for advanced microreactor systems. This role ...

Messina Talent Advisors

Be Seen First

Materials Test Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Seeking a Materials Test Engineer for a contract opportunity in Lisle, IL to assist our client's Analytical Test Team with surface analysis and performing cross-sections. Essential Responsibilities:

Lochner

Materials Management Coordinator

Lisle, IL · On-site +1

$45.80 - $68/hr

S. engineering expertise with the global reach, technical excellence, and career opportunities of a ... We are looking for a Materials Management Coordinator to join our Lisle, IL team. At Egis, every ...

Labor Solutions, LLC

Materials Manager

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Position Summary The Senior Materials Manager provides leadership for all aspects of materials ... This position partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Sales, Finance, and Executive ...

Koch Industries

Innovation Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Materials Innovation & Technology Development * Lead investigations into material behavior ... Engineering Analysis & Problem Solving * Conduct structured root cause analysis and failure ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaterials Engineer JobsMaterials Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Materials Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.1K

$103.8K

$162.8K

How much do materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer in Chicago, IL is $103,775.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $120,000.00 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.
More about Materials Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Materials Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Materials Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Materials Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Materials Engineer job openings:

Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,775 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Materials Engineer

St Charles Manufacturing Company

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

We are looking for a Materials Engineer to help identify alternative materials to be utilized in our manufacturing process. 

As a Material Engineer you will conduct research on the property and characteristics of materials. You will create test materials and analyze results to determine their performance under different conditions. You will apply your problem solving and research skills to develop new materials and processes to meet specific product requirements. Valuing collaboration and safety in every step of the testing and analysis process.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

· Developing strong relationships with department management to implement new materials and processes.

Duties/Responsibilities:

· Selecting appropriate materials for different applications in manufacturing and development processes.

· Creating materials that can withstand greater stresses.

· Identifying materials that are cheaper to produce, boosting company profitability.

· Developing materials that require fewer resources, contain less toxic materials or decompose quickly.

· Developing new materials to meet specific needs and challenges.

· Analyzing and testing materials under different conditions to evaluate performance and safety.

· Generating detailed reports on the findings of materials testing.

· Working closely with vendors and associations to ensure materials meet necessary specifications and regulations.

· Monitoring and improving manufacturing processes to maintain material quality and efficiency.

· Coordinating with suppliers and vendors to source materials.

· Staying updated on the latest developments in material science and engineering.

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Naturally curious

· Proven work experience as a Material Engineer or similar role.

· Knowledge of Quality Control Best Practices.

· Strong knowledge of materials science and engineering principles.

· Utilizing Problem Solving Skills to brainstorm material based solutions, using creativity and adaptability to consider previously unexplored material possibilities.

· Experience conducting material testing and analysis.

· Familiarity with manufacturing processes and material sourcing.

· Proficiency with CAD software.

· Utilizing Analytical Skills to identify the unique properties of materials, interpret research findings, and understand the reasons for material failures.

· Ability to communicate technical information effectively. Practicing Active listening, open-mindset and clearly verbalizing within teams and non-engineer colleagues.

Education and Experience:

· Bachelors degree in Material Engineering

· Project management experience

· Engineering Certifications are a plus

Physical Requirements:

· Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

· Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

*** Other Duties and Responsibilities May be Assigned Without Notice.

Company Description

Perfect Plastic is a leading producer of financial transaction devices. It has experienced consistent growth for going on 10 years. We are looking for the right individual to help us create and evaluate new innovations relative to our markets. Our company is focused on alternative product materials and other transaction device options. Come work for a dynamic company in a thriving field. We strive to have happy, engaged employees at all levels.

Come join our team as we expand into a manufacturing facility that is state of the art, and help us in our efforts to continue setting revenue records.