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Materials Science Engineering Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Sr. Materials Engineer (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX · On-site

Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or a STEM field. * 5+ years of experience in materials engineering, materials selection, process materials, supplier qualification, or ...

Sorion

Senior Research Engineer (Materials)

Houston, TX · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with relevant industry experience (or MS with significant industry experience) * Demonstrated ...

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How much do materials science engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials science engineering in Texas is $24.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $30.67 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 are the job opportunities for materials science engineering?

Materials Science Engineering offers job opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and manufacturing. Professionals in this field can work as research scientists, materials engineers, quality control specialists, or product development engineers, often requiring knowledge of materials testing, characterization tools, and relevant certifications. Employment can be found in both private companies and government laboratories, with roles involving research, development, and process improvement.

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.

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 microscopy and spectroscopy, and may require knowledge of engineering principles, materials characterization, and safety protocols.
Materials Science Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Science Engineering job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,770 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Sr. Materials Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. MATERIALS ENGINEER (STARLINK)
Starlink is building the world's largest satellite constellation to deliver fast, reliable internet to people who need it most-and powering that constellation starts on the factory floor. We are insourcing solar cell manufacturing end-to-end, from crystal growth and ingot production through wafering and cell fabrication to drive performance, cost, and scale at every step. High-efficiency, high-reliability cells made in-house are the backbone of the Starlink network: more photons in means more data out to customers around the world.
As a Sr. Materials Engineer, you will own critical consumables that enable our end-to-end solar cell manufacturing-from ingot growth through wafering and cell fabrication. You will set the technical bar for materials sourcing, qualification, and production hand-off, solving the hardest materials and supply-chain challenges that stand between us and reliable, high-volume cell production. We are looking for a general Materials Engineer who brings deep fundamentals across metals, polymers, crystals, and process consumables-solar experience is welcome but not required. If you are passionate about solving hard problems, anchor your engineering judgment with first principles thinking, and are relentless about acting with urgency, this role is for you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Own and drive strategy for consumable materials across ingot, wafer, and/or solar cell manufacturing lines-from supplier selection and technical evaluation through qualification, production hand-off, and long-term lifecycle management.
  • Lead cross-functional efforts with supply chain, process engineering, quality, and production to source, qualify, and dual-source critical materials that reduce risk and support aggressive scale and cost targets.
  • Define and own material requirements, specifications, and acceptance criteria; ensure they accurately reflect process needs, quality standards, and manufacturability at rate.
  • Architect and execute rigorous material qualification programs-including characterization, process trials, reliability assessment, and production-readiness reviews-then drive clean hand-off into manufacturing.
  • Lead root cause investigations to first principles and implement durable, data-driven corrective actions with urgency.
  • Apply deep materials fundamentals across metals, polymers, crystals, coatings, and other process consumables to anticipate failure modes, guide selection, and unlock performance or cost gains.
  • Identify and champion path-finding material opportunities that deliver measurable improvements in yield, reliability, uptime, and cost.
  • Mentor peers and partner teams on materials problem solving, engineering judgment, and qualification best practices.
  • Communicate technical status, risks, and strategic recommendations to leadership.
  • Champion a culture of safety, quality, and extreme ownership in all materials and manufacturing activities.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or a STEM field.
  • 5+ years of experience in materials engineering, materials selection, process materials, supplier qualification, or manufacturing materials support.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
  • Proven track record owning materials from concept or sourcing through qualification and high-volume production.
  • Broad hands-on experience with metals, polymers, crystals, ceramics, coatings, adhesives, or other process consumables in a manufacturing or R&D environment.
  • Experience partnering with supply chain on technical sourcing, supplier development, dual-sourcing, and reducing single-source risk for critical materials.
  • Strong expertise in materials characterization (e.g., SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, XPS, optical microscopy, mechanical/chemical property testing) and linking material/process variables to performance.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead ambiguous, high-scope technical problems; apply first principles, iterate rapidly, and deliver durable solutions under aggressive timelines.
  • Hands-on experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment; comfortable on the production floor and partnering closely with operators, process engineers, and quality teams.
  • Passion for building, mentoring, and owning outcomes end-to-end; thrives in a fast-paced, scrappy environment with tight timelines and aggressive schedules.
  • Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills; able to influence and convey technical concepts across all levels of the organization.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% time.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.
  • Ability to stand/walk for extended periods on the manufacturing floor.
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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