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Materials Engineering Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Materials Engineering Consultant information

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How much do materials engineering consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials engineering consultant in the United States is $48.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $55.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a materials engineering consultant do?

A Materials Engineering Consultant specializes in advising organizations on the selection, development, testing, and application of materials for various products and projects. They analyze material properties, suggest improvements, and help solve issues related to material performance or failure. Consultants often work across industries such as manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and energy, providing expert recommendations to optimize performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Their role may also involve overseeing quality control processes and staying updated with advances in materials science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials engineering consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Engineering Consultant, you need a solid background in materials science, engineering principles, and typically an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with materials characterization tools, CAD software, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) are often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and excellent client communication skills set top consultants apart. These skills ensure you can provide expert guidance on material selection, failure analysis, and innovative solutions that meet client needs and industry standards.

What are some common challenges materials engineering consultants face when working with cross-functional project teams?

Materials Engineering Consultants often collaborate with professionals from design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. A common challenge is translating complex material science concepts into actionable insights for team members without a technical background. Balancing project timelines with the need for rigorous testing and analysis can also be demanding. Successful consultants excel at clear communication, adaptability, and aligning materials solutions with broader project goals.

What is the difference between Materials Engineering Consultant vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMaterials Engineering ConsultantMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering, professional certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering, often with licensure
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, client sites, project-basedManufacturing, R&D labs, production facilities
Employer & IndustryConsulting companies, engineering firms, industrial clientsManufacturers, research institutions, aerospace, automotive

Materials Engineering Consultants focus on providing expert advice, project management, and specialized solutions to clients across industries. Materials Engineers typically work within organizations, handling design, testing, and development of materials. Both roles require strong technical knowledge, but Consultants emphasize client interaction and project-based work, while Engineers focus on internal product development.

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What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineering Consultant jobs?

For Materials Engineering Consultant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Materials Engineering Consultant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Materials Engineer Level 4 / 5

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
Northrop Grumman Marine systems is seeking a Materials Engineer, Level 4 or 5, to participate in the development and ongoing support submarine and surface ship missile launcher systems. This role will require an onsite presence in Sunnyvale, CA.
This position is for a dynamic role within Northrop Grumman's Marine Systems Materials Engineering and Test Laboratory (METL) department. This is a fast-paced environment where the team provides materials engineering expertise and laboratory services to our Sunnyvale production environment, design engineering, partner suppliers, and Navy & Shipyard customers. This position will support upcoming design activities within our shipboard launcher program spaces.
An ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of materials engineering and/or weld engineering expertise and will have a strong background in metallurgical and weld processes for ferrous materials. This position requires a practical understanding of metallurgy, forming processes, metallographic evaluation, non-destructive test methods, heat treatments, corrosion control, and how to conduct root-cause investigations. Knowledge of common U.S. military and commercial standards for specifying and evaluating the performance of ferrous materials is expected. Familiarity with common commercial weld codes and NavSea technical publications will be a requirement for this role. Experience with nonmetallic materials (e.g. paints, adhesives, elastomers, and polymers) is advantageous. Knowledge of metallic and nonmetallic additive manufacturing processes is useful. Prior experiences operating under U.S. Department of Defense contracts are also beneficial.
Regular activities in this role will include the following:
  • Collaborating with staff across disciplines to provide materials engineering expertise during design.
  • Engineering technical guidance and oversight when quality concerns arise during production.
  • Review and approval of supplier manufacturing procedures.
  • Working with and providing guidance to test engineers on characterization activities.
  • Proving consultation to suppliers.
  • Interacting with technical and programmatic representatives from the customer community.
  • Regular collaboration with design engineering, advanced development, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, and the internal environmental, health and safety teams.

Level 4-Basic Qualifications:
  • Materials Engineering or related Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience; or 6 years with a Master's Degree, or 4 years with a PhD.
  • Extensive materials engineering/science or weld engineering background.
  • Background in metallurgical practices, (e.g, weld, metallurgy, metallographic evaluation, heat treatments, fracture mechanics, corrosion control, and failure analysis).
  • Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
  • Familiarity into Navy / DoD processes and workflow.
  • US Citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a secret-level clearance.

Level 5-Basic Qualifications:
  • Materials Engineering or related Bachelor's degree with 12 years of experience, or 10 years with a Master's Degree, or 8 years with a PhD.
  • Extensive materials engineering/science or weld engineering background.
  • Background in metallurgical practices, (e.g, weld, metallurgy, metallographic evaluation, heat treatments, fracture mechanics, corrosion control, and failure analysis).
  • Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.
  • Familiarity into Navy / DoD processes and workflow.
  • US Citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a secret-level clearance.

Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939