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Materials Science Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Work alongside experts in materials science, metallurgy, engineering and performance modeling to uncover structure property relationships in a wide range material systems * Support the Division as a ...

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Apply ceramic and materials engineering fundamentals to solve technical challenges related to glass ...

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Apply ceramic and materials engineering fundamentals to solve technical challenges related to glass ...

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Apply ceramic and materials engineering fundamentals to solve technical challenges related to glass ...

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research in materials science and engineering, supporting both commercial and government customers in critical and innovative work.

ICON is looking for a Materials Engineer to join the Materials Science team. The Materials Engineer will be responsible for developing and optimizing cement-based 3D-printable materials. Additionally ...

D. in Polymer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, with at least 2-5 years of industry experience * Deep understanding of polymer structure ...

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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 Jul 24, 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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced materials science engineers working in senior roles, research leadership, or specialized industries such as aerospace, semiconductor, or energy can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced degrees, extensive expertise, and leadership responsibilities.

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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior materials science engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and expertise in specialized areas such as nanotechnology or aerospace can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership roles, working in high-demand industries, or in companies with competitive compensation packages.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior materials science engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in areas like nanotechnology or aerospace can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require leadership responsibilities, industry certifications, and work in high-paying sectors such as aerospace, defense, or semiconductor manufacturing.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,639 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Materials Science Research Faculty

Materials Science Research Faculty

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

204th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are seeking a research scientist with a strong background in corrosion for a Research Faculty position within the Materials Science and Applications Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office at the Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). Penn State ARL's purpose is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems in support of the Navy, DoD, and Intel communities engineering and technology needs.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Lead the development of proposals and statements of work on projects related to cold spray, additive manufacturing, and other materials science related research
  • Work alongside experts in materials science, metallurgy, engineering and performance modeling to uncover structure property relationships in a wide range material systems
  • Support the Division as a Principal Investigator (PI) and co-PI
  • Execute and manage projects including developing test plans, schedules, reports, and presentations and coordinating the completion of analysis and design work related to each project

Non-tenurefaculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience.
Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Have 4 years technical experience in hands on experimental corrosion research and electrochemical characterization of alloys
  • Experience with materials characterization techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Powder Particle Size Distribution, and Optical Microscopy
  • Past success in the development of proposals, statements of work, test plans, reports, briefs, academic papers, and conference presentations
  • Demonstrated ability to work through a difficult problem, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Working knowledge of cold spray and additive manufacturing technologies and metal powders
  • Working knowledge of computational and analytical corrosion research methods
  • Comfortable working in a laboratory environment, performing data collection and troubleshooting
  • Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented, culture
  • Active DoD security clearance

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College. This position will require periodic travel to meetings, conferences, or to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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