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Materials Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Research Materials Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

We have multiple openings for Research Materials Engineers to work on a variety of projects. You will collaborate with a team of engineers and scientists who process, design, and characterize ...

LLNL

Research Materials Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

We have multiple openings for Research Materials Engineers to work on a variety of projects. You will collaborate with a team of engineers and scientists who process, design, and characterize ...

LLNL

Research Materials Engineer

Livermore, CA

We have multiple openings for Research Materials Engineers to work on a variety of projects. You will collaborate with a team of engineers and scientists who process, design, and characterize ...

Prysmian Group

R&D Materials Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

The R&D Materials Senior Engineer will apply a systematic and designed experimental approach to develop new polymeric compounds and evaluate changes in material performance prior to commercial scale ...

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Materials Research Engineer information

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$29.5K

$95.3K

$155K

How much do materials research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials research engineer in the United States is $95,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Materials Research Engineer do?

A Materials Research Engineer studies, develops, and tests materials to create new products or improve existing ones. They analyze the structure and properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and other materials to determine how they can be used in engineering applications. Their work often involves collaborating with scientists and other engineers to develop materials that meet specific mechanical, electrical, or chemical requirements for industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and manufacturing. Materials Research Engineers also play a key role in quality control and in ensuring materials are safe, durable, and cost-effective.

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

To excel as a Materials Research Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, often supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, materials characterization techniques (such as SEM, XRD, TEM), and modeling software like MATLAB or ANSYS is typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting research findings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative materials solutions and advancing technology across various industries.

What are some common challenges Materials Research Engineers face when working on new product development?

Materials Research Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative material properties with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure that new materials meet performance requirements while remaining practical for large-scale production. Additionally, keeping up with rapid advancements in material science and integrating emerging technologies into existing processes can require continuous learning and adaptability. Effective communication and project management skills are key to overcoming these challenges and driving successful product development.

What is the difference between Materials Research Engineer vs Materials Scientist?

AspectMaterials Research EngineerMaterials Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Materials Science or related discipline
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsLaboratories, academic institutions, industry research centers
Industry UsageApplied research, product development, process improvementFundamental research, material characterization, scientific analysis

Materials Research Engineers focus on applying scientific principles to develop new materials and improve manufacturing processes, often working in industry settings. Materials Scientists typically conduct fundamental research to understand material properties, often within academic or research institutions. Both roles require strong technical skills and knowledge of materials, but their primary focus and work environments differ.

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Materials Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,315 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Research Scientist, Advanced Materials

Research Scientist, Advanced Materials

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform research and development, failure investigations, material characterization, and analytical analysis in advanced materials.

  • Work in multidisciplinary teams to execute against R&D milestones and support current and future programs.

  • Lead planning, capture, and execution of internal and external R&D projects in the field of advanced materials.

Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 387 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

The Advanced Technology Center (ATC) is the research lab for Lockheed Martin Space. Through our own skills and those of our partners-including universities and research labs around the world-we're able to put vision in motion. While we are a part of LM's space division, our technologies are far-reaching across domains. Napkin sketches of lasers that can shoot down UAVs-we made it real. Changing molecules so metals behave differently? We invented that. ATC's story is written in the success of missions here on Earth and far, far into space. Our innovation extends beyond incremental change. We strive for first-of-a-kind capability with enduring impact. Whatever the application, our charter is to create game-changing technologies. At the ATC, we're inspiring change in our endless pursuit of what's next.
We are searching for a research engineer to join our exceptional team. In this role you will support the ATC Program Research and Development Team by performing R&D, failure investigations, material characterization, elemental and analytical analysis.
As an Advanced Materials Research Scientist, you will be part of a team dedicated to supporting current and future programs. You should be familiar with material science, chemistry and physics. Some of your day to day responsibilities will include:
Work in our state of the art Space Plasma and Radiation Center (SPARC)
Laboratory materials research for aerospace insertion
Pursuing materials R&D
Work in multi-disciplinary teams to execute against R&D milestones
Synthesis and other fundamental chemistry
We are looking for someone with an enterprising spirit and the ability to understand the larger system-level impact of these technologies. These skills will be used to forge enduring relationships with internal and external customers and to identify new business opportunities and insert R&D into Lockheed Martin Space platforms. You will lead the successful planning, capture and execution of internal and external R&D in the field of advanced materials. You will work with cross-functional teams that span geographies and reporting structures to execute successfully.
Your role will require effective communication, developing concise and professional technical presentation materials for peers, management, and customers. This role will also include travel to domestic locations.
Ideal candidate has a MS.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912

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