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Materials Science Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Johnsonelectric

Materials Engineer

Vandalia, IL · On-site

Your expertise in materials science and engineering will be crucial in improving product performance, enabling innovation, and supporting the development of wearable medical devices and advanced ...

NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

Materials Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field. * 0-5 years of engineering experience; internships ...

Rivian

Senior Materials Engineer - Metals

Normal, IL

$98K - $123K/yr

Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field * 5+ years of experience in automotive related product development environments.

Entegris

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL · On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

Working with scientists and engineers in product design and production to design and execute DOE ... PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science or related field required * 3+ years of post-graduate ...

MonoSol

Senior Scientist Data Science

Chicago, IL · On-site

We're looking for an experienced Data Scientist with a background in materials, chemistry, polymers, or chemical engineering to transform how data drives decisions across R&D and manufacturing. You ...

New

Entegris

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL

$114K - $144K/yr

Working with scientistsand engineers in product design and production to design and execute DOE ... PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Scienceor related field required * 3+ years ofpost-graduate ...

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All JobsMaterials Science Engineer JobsMaterials Science Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Materials Science Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$39.2K

$89.8K

$114.8K

How much do materials science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science engineer in Illinois is $89,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $99,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Is materials science engineering a good career?

Materials science engineering is a growing field that involves developing and testing new materials for various industries such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare. It typically requires strong knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles, and offers opportunities in research, development, and manufacturing with competitive salaries. The career can be rewarding for those interested in innovation and problem-solving in material properties and applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials science engineer?

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 kind of jobs do materials science engineers do?

Materials science engineers research, develop, and test 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Materials Science Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Materials Science Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Materials Science Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Science Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Science Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Materials Science Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Materials Science Engineer job openings:
Materials Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Science Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $89,770 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Materials Engineer

Johnsonelectric

Vandalia, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Join Our Team as a Materials Engineer at Johnson Electric!

Location: Vandalia, OH (onsite)
Vacancy Type: Existing position

As our next Materials Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of developing and advancing materials used in nextgeneration medical technologies. Your expertise in materials science and engineering will be crucial in improving product performance, enabling innovation, and supporting the development of wearable medical devices and advanced sensing technologies.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

  • Employee Empowerment: A culture that empowers employees to take initiative and make impactful decisions.

  • Diverse Projects: Work on a variety of projects across different industries, gaining broad experience.

  • Mentorship Opportunities: Access to mentorship programs that help you grow both personally and professionally.

  • Global Mobility: Opportunities for international assignments and transfers to broaden your career horizons.

  • Ethical Practices: A commitment to ethical business practices and integrity in all operations.

What You'll Be Doing:

Develop, test, and evaluate polymeric and composite materials for product applications.
Conduct product and process testing, including development of new test methods.
Perform failure analysis on components and materials to identify root causes.
Create and execute testing plans using laboratory analysis equipment.
Document and communicate technical findings through reports and presentations.
Oversee laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration.
Train technicians on lab equipment, testing protocols, and procedures.
Collaborate with crossfunctional teams and external suppliers to support product development.

What We're Looking For:

Bachelor's degree or higher in Materials Science, Engineering, or related field.
Experience in materials development, testing, or characterization
Knowledge of material analysis techniques (e.g., FTIR, DSC, TGA, viscometer).
Experience with product testing (mechanical, electrical, or reliability)
Strong analytical and problemsolving skills with ability to draw conclusions from data.

Bonus Points If You Have:

Experience with ink or adhesive formulations
Experience with 3D printing or advanced manufacturing techniques
Experience supporting wearable devices, sensors, or electronic materials
Experience working in a regulated or medical device environment

How to Apply:

Apply online at www.johnsonelectric.com - We can't wait to meet you!

Come join our global, inclusive & diverse team


Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on the diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity, and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company's most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.

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