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Materials Engineer Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... The Materials Specialist is responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and ...

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... The Materials Specialist is responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and ...

Staff Catheter Engineer

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$107 - $179/hr

Staff Catheter Engineer Waltham, MA Join a team focused on the design, development, and ... Select and evaluate catheter materials, including polymers, balloons, shafts, braids, coils ...

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... The Materials Specialist is responsible for purchasing and negotiating materials, equipment, and ...

The Supply Chain team is responsible for planning and sourcing of materials to support rapidly ... Partner with Engineering teams to plan, track, and maintain material requirements throughout NPI ...

The Supply Chain team is responsible for planning and sourcing of materials to support rapidly ... Partner with Engineering teams to plan, track, and maintain material requirements throughout NPI ...

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Materials Engineer information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$37.9K

$100.5K

$157.7K

How much do materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer in Worcester, MA is $100,519.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $116,200.00 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 popular job titles related to Materials Engineer jobs in Worcester, MA?

For Materials Engineer jobs in Worcester, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Materials Engineer jobs in Worcester, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Engineer jobs in Worcester, MA are:

What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Materials Engineer jobs?

Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Materials Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Materials Engineer job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,519 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Professor of Practice | Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Worcester Polytech

Worcester, MA โ€ข On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE

Professor of Practice | Mechanical and Materials Engineering

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Mechanical & Materials Engineering

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks applicants for a full-time teaching faculty position in the area of design as professor of practice. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in engineering design including product development, prototyping and fabrication, and/or design theory and methodology.
A commitment to innovative, evidence based teaching is highly desired. The candidate will be expected to contribute to WPI's project based curriculum by developing and teaching design focused courses at all undergraduate levels, mentoring student project teams, and integrating hands on, experiential learning into the classroom. The ability to collaborate across disciplines and engage students in authentic, open ended problem solving is essential. Candidates should show evidence of effective teaching, related industry experience, or design-focused scholarship.
Candidate is required to have a PhD or equivalent degree in mechanical engineering or another relevant discipline or commensurate engineering design experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department at WPI (https://www.wpi.edu/academics/departments/mechanical-materials-engineering) has 26 dual-mission faculty, 8 full-time teaching faculty, and 14 research faculty. MME offers undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering to over 1100 students. The department offers graduate degrees in mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, and manufacturing engineering to about 200 graduate students. The department's annual externally sponsored research expenditures have exceeded $19.7M.

WPI's reputation as a rigorous and innovative university rests on the shoulders of its faculty. A highly selective, private technological university and one of the nation's first, WPI believes that when great minds work together, great advances follow. At WPI the boundaries to multidisciplinary collaboration are low-faculty members, students, and other partners work together on the real-world projects and purposeful research that are hallmarks of the WPI experience. Located one hour west of Boston, the university's campus is in Worcester, Massachusetts, a thriving 21st century college city recognized as a growing hub of scientific and technological innovation.

Applications should include curriculum vitae, statements of teaching and research interests, and a list of five professional references. This search will remain open until the position is filled. Questions can be addressed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Professor Sarah Wodin-Schwartz, swodinschwartz@wpi.edu.

Salary: $100,000 - $110,000 per year. Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI's benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status,or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making.It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.