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Materials Science Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Materials Science Engineer information

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$40.5K

$92.6K

$118.5K

How much do materials science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science engineer in the United States is $92,639.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of jobs do material science engineers do?

Materials science engineers research, develop, and test new materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites for various applications. They work in industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare, often using tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, and may require knowledge of manufacturing processes and material properties.

What does a Materials Science Engineer do?

A Materials Science Engineer studies and develops materials to improve their performance, durability, and efficiency in various applications. They work with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites to create new materials or enhance existing ones for industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and electronics. Their work involves research, testing, and developing manufacturing processes to ensure materials meet required standards. They collaborate with scientists, engineers, and manufacturers to solve material-related challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Materials Science Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Science Engineer, you need a strong grasp of materials characterization, thermodynamics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in materials science, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with lab testing equipment, materials modeling software, and certifications such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing can be highly valuable. Effective teamwork, problem-solving, and clear communication skills enable you to collaborate across disciplines and convey complex findings. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, ensuring product quality, and meeting project goals in materials development and engineering environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Materials Science Engineers in their daily work?

Materials Science Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing material properties for specific applications, troubleshooting manufacturing defects, and staying current with rapidly evolving material technologies. They may need to balance theoretical research with practical implementation, all while ensuring compliance with industry standards and project deadlines. Working in this role often involves close collaboration with product designers, engineers, and production teams to integrate new materials into existing or novel products. Overcoming these challenges requires both technical expertise and the ability to communicate complex information effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

More about Materials Science Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Materials Science Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Materials Science Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Materials Science Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Materials Science Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Science Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Materials Science Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,639 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Staff Materials Science Engineer

Staff Materials Science Engineer

BorgWarner, Inc.

Arden, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


BorgWarner rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Staff Materials Science Engineer
About us
BorgWarner is a global product leader in delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. We are a company of innovators and independent thinkers that brings together talented employees, meaningful work and amazing technology in a unique environment. At BorgWarner, we constantly work towards our vision of a clean and energy-efficient world.
Our Culture
BorgWarner promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive environment, honors integrity, strives for excellence, commits to responsibility for our communities and the environment, and builds on the power of collaboration. We believe the health and safety of our employees are a top priority.
Career Opportunities
We manage talent as seriously as we manage our businesses and encourage you to learn about our proud history, strong culture, technologies, and vision for the future. We offer positions locally and globally with over 80 locations in 19 countries.
If this position energizes you and you feel you can help us achieve our mission and vision, you are invited to submit an application for consideration.
You may see the list of requirements and feel you do not meet all of them. However, remember that BorgWarner thinks differently. If your qualifications align with the majority of those outlined in this job description, we encourage you to apply and share your experience and skills with us.
For a listing of Asheville/Arden openings: BorgWarner Openings
Pay & Benefits
All positions start at an above market pay rate for that position. Benefits are also above market and include the below for all fulltime employees:
  • Day 1 Medical Coverage with potential of no monthly premium
  • Onsite Health Clinic for employees and dependents (age 14 and over) at no cost
  • Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Coverage
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program after 18 months
  • Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with a matching program
  • Company paid holidays and vacation starting Day 1

Position Summary
The Staff Materials Science Engineer serves as a senior technical individual contributor responsible for providing expert leadership in materials selection, development, qualification, and lifecycle management. This role supports the design, manufacturing, and sustainment of products by applying advanced materials science principles, driving data-based decisions, and influencing material strategy across the organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Technical Expertise and Leadership
  • Serve as a recognized technical authority in materials science, providing guidance to engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain functions.
  • Lead material-related decision-making for new product development, design changes, and long-term technology initiatives.
  • Provide expert review and approval of material specifications, standards, and design guidelines.

Materials Development and Qualification
  • Lead the evaluation, development, selection, and qualification of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and coatings, to meet performance, cost, reliability, and regulatory requirements.
  • Define and oversee comprehensive material characterization and validation test plans.
  • Analyze and interpret mechanical, thermal, chemical, and microstructural data to support technical recommendations.

Failure Analysis and Risk Mitigation
  • Lead material-related failure investigations for manufacturing issues, non-conformances, and field returns.
  • Apply root-cause analysis methodologies and materials science fundamentals to identify corrective and preventive actions.
  • Support risk assessments related to material performance, reliability, and supply continuity.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with design engineering teams to ensure material selections align with functional requirements, product life expectancy, and manufacturability.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to improve material processing methods and production yields.
  • Support supplier selection, qualification, and audit activities related to material capability and quality.

Mentorship and Organizational Impact
  • Provide technical mentorship and coaching to early- and mid-career engineers.
  • Lead technical design and materials reviews and contribute to knowledge sharing across the organization.
  • Influence long-term materials technology roadmaps and enterprise-wide best practices.

Compliance and Sustainability
  • Ensure materials meet applicable regulatory, safety, and environmental requirements, including regional and international standards.
  • Support initiatives related to sustainability, cost optimization, material reuse, and environmental impact reduction.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related discipline
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in materials science or materials engineering roles
  • Demonstrated expertise in materials characterization, selection, and lifecycle management
  • Proven ability to lead complex technical efforts and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's or PhD in Materials Science or a related field
  • Experience within regulated or high-reliability industries (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, automotive, energy)
  • Experience with Nickel/Chromium based alloys
  • Experience supporting product commercialization or advanced manufacturing environments
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis, design of experiments (DOE), or material modeling techniques
  • Record of significant technical contributions, patents, or publications

Core Competencies
  • Advanced technical judgment and analytical capability
  • Strategic thinking and problem solving
  • Cross-functional collaboration and influence
  • Technical mentorship and knowledge leadership
  • Ownership, accountability, and attention to detail

Role Level Characteristics
  • Operates with a high degree of autonomy on complex and high-impact technical challenges
  • Recognized internally as a subject matter expert in materials science
  • Influences product, process, and technology decisions beyond individual programs or projects
  • Provides leadership through expertise and influence rather than formal people management

Safety
This position will adhere to the BorgWarner Environmental Health and Safety Program by following all safety rules, procedures, practices, training, and safe use of equipment; this includes use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. This individual will work in a way that stresses the importance of preventing injury, accidents, or illnesses to themselves or co-workers by correcting or reporting unsafe situations, incidents, or occurrences to their Team Lead immediately.
Equal Employment Opportunity
BorgWarner is an equal employment opportunity employer such that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Career Scam Disclaimer: BorgWarner makes no representations or guarantees regarding employment opportunities listed on any third-party website. To protect against career scams, job applicants should take the necessary precautions when interviewing for and accepting employment positions allegedly offered by BorgWarner. Applicants should never provide the national ID numbers, birth dates, credit card numbers, bank account information or other private information when communicating with prospective employers or responding to employment opportunities online. Job applicants are invited to contact BorgWarner through BorgWarner's website to verify the authenticity of any employment opportunities.
Join the company that is creating solutions that support a cleaner, more energy-efficient world.
For more information about BorgWarner, please visit www.borgwarner.com
For a listing of Asheville/Arden openings: BorgWarner Openings
Salary Range:
$115,200 - $162,000
Internal Use Only: Salary
Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement
Carefully read the BorgWarner Privacy Policy before using this website. Your ability to access and use this website and apply for a job at BorgWarner are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.
Please access the linked document by clicking here, select the geographical area where you are applying for employment, and review. Before submitting your application you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.
Career Scam Disclaimer: BorgWarner makes no representations or guarantees regarding employment opportunities listed on any third-party website. To protect against career scams, job applicants should take the necessary precautions when interviewing for and accepting employment positions allegedly offered by BorgWarner. Applicants should never provide their national ID numbers, birth dates, credit card numbers, bank account information or other private information when communicating with prospective employers or responding to employment opportunities online. Job applicants are invited to contact BorgWarner through BorgWarner's website to verify the authenticity of any employment opportunities.

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About BorgWarner

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

BorgWarner is a global product leader in delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions for the vehicle market. We are a company of innovators and independent thinkers that brings together talented employees, meaningful work, and amazing technology in a unique environment. At BorgWarner we constantly work towards our vision of a clean and energy-efficient world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Auburn Hills, MI, US

Year founded

1880