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Materials Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

Penn State ranks under the NSF Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) reports with annual expenditures consistently ranked 1 and 2 in materials science and materials engineering ...

New York University

Research Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$26.37/hr

... materials. To establish these activities into accessible documents and support the underlying ... research engineer to assist with these ongoing activities. New York University (NYU) is one of the ...

Solcoa Industries

Research Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

Nuclear engineering research: molten-salt chemistries, materials compatibility, graphite/refractory behavior, high-T gas-cooled systems. * Metal processing engineering: molten metal handling/casting ...

ALLIED MINERAL PRODUCTS

Research Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

Research Engineer Allied Mineral Products is a leading manufacturer of monolithic refractories ... Evaluate and qualify new raw materials, establishing test methods, specifications, and quality ...

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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 Associate in Materials Science and Engineering

Research Associate in Materials Science and Engineering

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design and execute novel in situ and ex situ electron microscopy studies of magnetic materials.

  • Publish results in high-impact journals.

  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

University Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 541 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research associate position that focuses on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and magnetic materials.
The research conducted in Prof. Zhou's laboratory focuses on advanced in-situ/ex-situ electron microscopy and spectroscopy, materials for quantum information science, and phases and phase transitions in ferroic materials.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and execute novel in situ and ex situ electron microscopy studies of magnetic materials
  • Publish results in high-impact journals
  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field, with a dissertation emphasizing electron microscopy and magnetism by the start date
  • Extensive experience with TEM and complementary techniques, including aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), Lorentz TEM, high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS).
  • Experience in charge, electric-field, or magnetic field mapping (using electron microscopy and related techniques) and in advanced image analysis is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English for effective communication with collaborators and sponsors
  • Excellent analytical and record-keeping skills, with strong attention to detail

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0082701. Attach the following documents: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box .
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin on May 8, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The target hire date is August 1, 2026. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
This is a one-year appointment, and the appointment may be renewed contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.
For questions about the position, please contact Lin Zhou, Associate Professor, at linzhou@virginia.edu .
For questions regarding the application, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu .
A competitive salary and benefits package is offered at University of Virginia. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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