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Materials Science Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Undergraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Plastics Engineering. * Candidates holding or pursuing an advanced degree or with 2+ years of ...

Undergraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Plastics Engineering. * Candidates holding or pursuing an advanced degree or with 2+ years of ...

Bachelor's degree The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is seeking a Research Scientist I to conduct research on polymeric thin films for applications in thermal management, lubricants ...

Controls Engineer

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$22.50 - $33/hr

The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power ... If you enjoy hands-on engineering, collaborative problem solving, and seeing complex systems come ...

Controls Engineer

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$22.50 - $33/hr

The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power ... If you enjoy hands-on engineering, collaborative problem solving, and seeing complex systems come ...

Controls Engineer

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$22.50 - $33/hr

The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power ... If you enjoy hands-on engineering, collaborative problem solving, and seeing complex systems come ...

The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power ... Bettendorf Req ID: 29656 Pay Range: ($23 - $33) Position Summary A Robotic Programmer works with ...

Robotic Programmer

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$23 - $33/hr

The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power ... Bettendorf Req ID: 29656 Pay Range: ($23 - $33) Position Summary A Robotic Programmer works with ...

Deep knowledge of Java programming including primitive types, objects, boolean expressions ... Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple ...

Robotic Programmer

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$23 - $33/hr

The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power ... Bettendorf Req ID: 29656 Pay Range: ($23 - $33) ​ Position Summary A Robotic Programmer works ...

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Materials Science Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$38K

$87K

$111.3K

How much do materials science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science engineer in Iowa is $87,013.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,900.00 and $96,300.00 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.

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 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.

Is materials science engineering a good career?

Materials Science Engineering is a promising career that involves developing and testing new materials for various industries such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare. It requires strong knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles, often utilizing tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, with opportunities for research, development, and innovation. Job prospects are generally good, especially for those with advanced degrees or specialized skills.

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 the most commonly searched types of Materials Science Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Materials Science Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Materials Science Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Materials Science Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Materials Science Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Science Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Materials Science Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Materials Science Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Materials Science Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,013 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Materials Engineer

Emerson Group

Marshalltown, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description


At Emerson in Marshalltown, the Materials Engineer role offers the opportunity to drive innovation through advanced materials engineering across global product lines. This position works with both metallic and non-metallic materials-including polymers, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and lubricants-to support product design, manufacturing, and performance. The role focuses on material selection, failure analysis, supplier qualification, and continuous product improvement while collaborating with teams and customers worldwide.
In this Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:
  • Provide technical leadership in the identification, development, application, and qualification of materials for the design, manufacture, and application of the product line.
  • Lead projects and provide support in the areas of failure analysis, supplier qualification, material selection, and materials research.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and customers on a global basis to understand their materials needs.
  • Create and document best practices for the application of appropriate technologies to current and future development projects.
  • Development / maintenance of internal specifications and practices.
  • Contribute to and interpret industry standards.

For this Role, You Will Need:
  • Undergraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Plastics Engineering.
  • Candidates holding or pursuing an advanced degree or with 2+ years of relevant experience will be strongly considered.
  • Experience in applying materials technology to solving a broad range of problems
  • Ability to quickly learn and apply new technology
  • Self-motivated, self-sufficient, and capable of working with teams with competing interests and priorities
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills as well an ability to present to large audiences
  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures and safely perform experiments; growth opportunity to implement systems of experiments and test practices

Supervisory Requirements:
  • This is an individual contributor position with no initial responsibility for direct supervision of other full-time personnel.
  • Combination professional office and lab environment.
  • Occasional off-hours work to coordinate projects with other world areas.
  • Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Our Culture & Commitment to You
At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives-because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.
We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family's physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.
About Us
WHY EMERSON
Our Commitment to Our People
At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.
We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world's most complex problems - for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You'll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.
At Emerson, you'll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let's go. Let's think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let's go, together.
Work Authorization
Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.
Accessibility Assistance or Accommodation
If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: idisability.administrator@emerson.com.
ABOUT EMERSON
Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.
With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.
We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you're an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you'll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team - let's go!
No calls or agencies please.