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Materials Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Minimum Education ● Bachelor"s in Mechanical, Aerospace or Materials Engineering ● Master"s or PhD preferred Experience ● 4-8 years in component life / durability or materials & processes, or a ...

MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field. * 2+ years of hands-on experience with explicit dynamics FEA (LS-DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit, or similar) - not static/modal only ...

Qualifications · PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related materials-focused discipline. · Proven expertise in polymer composite engineering to formulate and ...

S., or PhD in a relevant science or engineering field (all are welcome) Bonus Skills: * Experience developing materials for 3D printing, especially for SLA/DLP or SLS printers! * 3D CAD modeling

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How much do materials phd jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials phd in the United States is $20.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical career advancement paths for someone with a PhD in Materials Science within industry and academia?

With a PhD in Materials Science, professionals often begin their careers as research scientists or postdoctoral fellows. In industry, advancement can lead to roles such as senior scientist, project manager, or R&D director, often involving increased leadership and project oversight. In academia, career progression typically moves from postdoctoral researcher to assistant professor, then associate professor, and potentially to full professor or department chair, contingent on research achievements and teaching. Both paths offer opportunities to specialize further or move into interdisciplinary collaborations, and building a strong publication or patent record is key for advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Materials PhD, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials PhD, you need advanced expertise in materials science, research methodology, and data analysis, usually supported by a doctoral degree in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, characterization techniques (such as SEM, XRD), and scientific software (like MATLAB or Python) is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in research and collaboration. These skills and qualities enable innovative research, accurate results, and effective dissemination of findings in academic or industrial settings.

What is a Materials PhD?

A Materials PhD is a doctoral degree focused on advanced research in materials science and engineering. This field involves studying the properties, structure, and performance of various materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Earning a Materials PhD typically requires several years of coursework and original research, culminating in a dissertation. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research, or industry, working on developing new materials or improving existing ones for various applications.
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What cities are hiring for Materials Phd jobs? Cities with the most Materials Phd job openings:
What states have the most Materials Phd jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Phd jobs include:
Infographic showing various Materials Phd job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% 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 $43,581 per year, or $21 per hour.

Materials Science Engineering Fellow - Masters or PhD preferred (6-12 month duration)

Volkswagen AG

Knoxville, TN

$28/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, SKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN.

Brief Role Description

 At the Innovation & Engineering Center California (IECC), we represent the Volkswagen Group in applied research and development. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, we create bold new ideas for the Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche brands. We're a team of engineers, designers, scientists, and psychologists looking to develop innovations for future generations of cars, and to transfer technologies from many industries and research institutions into the automotive domain. Our mission is to drive change which means we are not only impacting one of the world's largest car makers, but also the lives of millions of people. Are you ready to join us? 

The Innovation Hub Knoxville, an organization within Innovation Center California, is responsible for Material Research and Innovation in the North American Region. The intern will be part of the project team working on topics that include but not limited to material characterization, Life Cycle Assessment, and cost calculations of production processes.

Role Responsibilities
  • Support material science related laboratory work.
  • Material characterization equipment training.
  • Support material characterization.
  • Support with Life Cycle Assessment and cost calculations of production processes.
Qualification requirements

Qualifications

  • Must be enrolled at a University/College or Graduation date must be within the last six months.
  • Preference given to Masters or PhD stdents.Automotive, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Aerospace Engineering or comparable field of study.
  • Material characterization knowledge is a benefit.Knowledge in creation Life Cycle Assessment is beneficial.

#LI-DNI

Compensation Data

In Knoxville, Tennessee, the hourly rates for this role are based on level of education:

  • Undergraduate (Junior or Senior): $28/hour
  • Graduate (Master's): $30/hour
  • PhD: $33/hour

Volkswagen's roots in Silicon Valley sprout the tech-driven future of transportation

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security.

This Organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.