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Materials Engineer Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI (NOW HIRING)

General Motors

Chassis Materials Engineer

Warren, MI

The Chassis Materials Engineer will apply a strong metallurgy and materials engineering background to specify materials used in vehicle design, with a focus on gears, driveline systems, axles, prop ...

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All JobsMaterials Engineer JobsMaterials Engineer Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

Materials Engineer information

See Rochester Hills, MI salary details

$35K

$92.7K

$145.4K

How much do materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer in Rochester Hills, MI is $92,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $107,200.00 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 cities near Rochester Hills, MI are hiring for Materials Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester Hills, MI with the most Materials Engineer job openings:
Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer job openings in Rochester Hills, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,724 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
Core Technical Engineer - Chassis & Underhood Materials Engineer

Core Technical Engineer - Chassis & Underhood Materials Engineer

Stellantis

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Stellantis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 44 rated automakers

Job description

Responsibilities include:
  • Development of Automotive plastics for Stellantis vehicle applications
  • Working closely with Product Engineers, sub-tier suppliers and materials suppliers in the development, application and specification of materials as well as integration into vehicle applications.
    Knowledge of vehicle materials is a must for this position
  • Approving production suppliers and managing short- and long-term materials development programs
  • Development of materials, processes, and preferred practices for vehicle applications
  • Maintaining materials specifications for their respective area and for the development of long term strategies for vehicle material technology to achieve corporate objectives.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Minimum of a Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or Material Sciences or related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years materials engineering experience with automotive materials for under hood, underbody or powertrain; Materials & application development, specification and product support.
  • Background with Tier one component or sub-tier material supplier a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering or Material Sciences from an ABET accredited University
  • Automotive OEM Materials Engineering experience with concentration on the development of under hood / powertrain materials.
  • Urethane foam formulation experience is also a plus.
  • Program management capability to organize short- and long-term materials development programs, coordinate efforts between Materials Engineering and Platform Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing
  • Assist in the development and establishment of materials & processes preferred practices for under hood systems a plus.

Other Requirements:
  • Must excel in a team environment, including shared team responsibilities.
  • Must exhibit strong oral and written communication skills, strong problem-solving skills, and strong planning skills.
  • Must be able to work independently.
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal (soft people) skills.
  • Ability to summarize and present work to cross functional teams as well as senior management.
  • The ability to develop long-term strategies for vehicle materials to achieve corporate objectives
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office applications

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