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How much do materials science engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials science engineering in the United States is $26.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is materials science engineering?

Materials science engineering is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on understanding, designing, and developing materials with specific properties and functions. Engineers in this field study the structure, properties, processing, and performance of materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Their work is crucial in industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biomedical devices, where material selection and innovation can impact product performance and sustainability.

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 solid background in chemistry, physics, and engineering principles, often supported by at least a bachelor's degree in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with materials characterization tools (such as SEM, XRD), CAD software, and laboratory information management systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative materials, ensuring product quality, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to meet industry needs.

What are some common challenges materials science engineers face when working on product development teams?

Materials Science Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing material performance with cost, manufacturability, and sustainability requirements. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams means effectively communicating complex material properties to non-specialists and integrating feedback from design, manufacturing, and quality assurance departments. Staying current with rapidly evolving material technologies and regulations can also be demanding, but it offers opportunities for innovation and career growth.

What is the difference between Materials Science Engineering vs Materials Engineering?

AspectMaterials Science EngineeringMaterials Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Materials Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, quality control, product development
Industry UsageResearch institutions, aerospace, automotive, electronicsManufacturing, production, quality assurance
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Materials Science Engineering and Materials Engineering are closely related fields. Both require similar educational backgrounds and are used across industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics. However, Materials Science Engineering tends to focus more on the fundamental properties and research of materials, while Materials Engineering emphasizes practical application, manufacturing processes, and product development.

Is materials science engineering a good career?

Materials science engineering is a viable career that involves developing and testing materials used in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. It requires strong knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles, often involving laboratory work and technical problem-solving. Job prospects are generally good, especially with advanced degrees and experience in specialized materials or manufacturing processes.

Is materials science engineering high paying?

Materials Science Engineering is generally considered a well-paying field, with median salaries often above the national average for engineering roles. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry, with specialized skills and advanced degrees potentially increasing earning potential.

What do you do as a materials science engineer?

A materials science engineer researches, develops, and tests materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to improve their properties and performance. They often work in laboratories or manufacturing environments, using tools like microscopes and software for material modeling, and may require knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles.

What jobs can you do with materials science engineering?

Materials Science Engineering graduates can work as materials engineers, research scientists, quality control managers, or product development engineers. They often work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and manufacturing, utilizing skills in testing, characterization, and materials selection to improve product performance and durability.
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Cities with the most Materials Science Engineering job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science Engineering jobs?

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What states have the most Materials Science Engineering jobs?

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Materials Science Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Science Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% 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 $55,567 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Materials Science Engineering Manager

Swagelok Company

Solon, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Swagelok rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 543 rated manufacturers

Job description

Shift: 1st shift
City: Solon
Swagelok, Northeast Ohio, USA
Swagelok is a global organization and one of the largest employers of manufacturing talent in Northeast Ohio. We are driven by our core values of Quality, Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Customer Focus, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement, which are demonstrated through our daily actions. For over 75 years, our dedication to our core values has been the foundation for our success. Our products have been up into space, down to the bottom of the ocean, and everywhere in between. That same dedication spans to our customers.
Throughout our organization we demonstrate a commitment to these values and those we bring onboard. Whether you want to grow in your role or explore broad opportunities and develop new skills-you'll thrive in a culture that promotes learning and development.
We strive to be a company where we all can do our best work with a true sense of purpose and belonging.
Be Connected. Be Valued. Be You.
We hope you'll consider joining our team.
Position Summary:
Leads the Materials Science & Technology (MSAT) team within Swagelok's Engineering organization, managing a team of materials scientists and engineers who support both day-to-day operational needs and research & development. Provides deep technical leadership in materials characterization, failure analysis, materials selection, corrosion, chemistry, chemical proceses, and surface engineering across Swagelok's product portfolio and manufacturing operations. Drives a balanced project agenda of business sustaining initiatives and knowledge and longer-horizon R&D. Partners with cross-functional teams - including Sourcing, Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Investigations and Quality - to translate materials science expertise into measurable business outcomes.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Lead, develop, and retain a team of materials scientists, engineers, and technicians; set clear performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching, and build succession depth within the team.
  • Direct the MSAT team's project portfolio, balancing near-term operational support with longer-range R&D investments and ensuring alignment with business priorities.
  • Apply cost-vs-impact thinking to prioritize materials research projects; evaluate and communicate the business value of R&D investments to senior leadership.
  • Oversee materials characterization, failure analysis, material selection, corrosion, chemistry, chemical processes, surface engineering, and related laboratory activities.
  • Define and communicate a clear team strategy aligned with Swagelok's broader engineering and product development objectives.
  • Manage department operating budget including planning, tracking variances, identifying cost-reduction opportunities, and overseeing capital equipment investments.
  • Build and sustain relationships with external research institutions, suppliers, and industry networks to maintain awareness of advances in materials science and emerging technologies.
  • Drive talent development through structured individual development plans, mentoring, and targeted training programs; actively engage in succession planning.
  • Communicate departmental project status, resource needs, and strategic priorities to senior leadership through regular reporting and presentations.
  • As a leader, you are expected to know, enforce, and appropriately escalate all Swagelok associate policies.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Approximate # of direct reports (if applicable) - 7-12 materials scientists, engineers, and technicians (direct reports); may also provide indirect technical guidance to laboratory technicians or contractors.
Budget responsibility (if applicable) - Department operating budget including wages, laboratory supplies, capital equipment, and R&D project expenses.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field required; Master's degree strongly preferred, PHD desired.
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in materials science, metallurgy, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a formal leadership role managing engineers or technical professionals.
  • Demonstrated track record of managing both business sustaining/operational and R&D/innovation work simultaneously in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
  • Proven ability to translate materials science expertise into practical engineering and business solutions, including cost-benefit analysis of technical decisions.
  • Experience working in precision manufacturing, fluid handling, or related industries preferred.
  • Knowledge of Swagelok products, fluid system components, Semiconductor or Oil/Gas/Chemical applications preferred

Critical Competencies:
Essential for Day One:
  • Managing Complexity: Analyzes multifaceted technical and organizational problems and distills them into clear, actionable plans; comfortable operating with ambiguity and competing priorities.
  • Interpersonal Savvy: Builds strong, trust-based relationships across functions and levels of the organization; communicates with clarity, empathy, and credibility.
  • Influence: Drives alignment and commitment without direct authority; effectively advocates for team direction, resources, and technical priorities.
  • Organizational Agility: Understands how to navigate organizational dynamics to accomplish goals; adapts leadership approach based on context and stakeholder needs.
  • Business & Financial Acumen: Applies cost-vs-impact thinking to materials R&D decisions; understands the financial implications of technical choices and communicates them clearly.
  • Developing Direct Reports & Others: Actively builds bench strength; creates meaningful development plans and career pathways for team members; invests in talent retention.

Can Be Developed in Role:
  • Strategic Mindset: Connects MSAT capabilities to Swagelok's longer-term product, materials, and market strategy.
  • Decision Quality: Makes sound decisions under uncertainty, drawing on data, stakeholder input, and materials science expertise.
  • Cross-functional Knowledge: Builds familiarity with Sourcing, Product Management, Marketing, and Manufacturing/Operations to increase organizational impact.
  • External Market Awareness: Develops ongoing knowledge of emerging materials technologies, supplier landscape, and competitive dynamics relevant to Swagelok's business.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
  • Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
  • Office and laboratory environment; may require occasional work in manufacturing or test areas, which may require use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Swagelok provides a comprehensive package of valuable benefits called Total Rewards focused on health and wellness, compensation, retirement planning, and supplemental rewards.
To apply:
1. Click 'Apply Now' to the role of interest, upload your resume and complete the application.
2. Those that match our qualifications will be contacted to schedule a phone interview.
Congratulations on taking the first step to Be Connected. Be Valued. Be You.
Swagelok is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are selected without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, pregnancy-related medical conditions, age, national origin or ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran/military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristic under federal, state or local law.
Swagelok will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and Ohio state law.
This job summary is intended to be brief and does not list all the duties for this position. Nothing in this job description should be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. Swagelok is an at-will employer, which means that either party is free to terminate the employment relationship at any time, without any advanced notice, for any reason or no reason.
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