1

Materials Science Engineering Jobs in Geneva, IL

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$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 ...

Senior Chemist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Job Requirements: -Must hold a BS or greater in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science / Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited university, and 7+ years ...

Senior Chemist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Job Requirements: -Must hold a BS or greater in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science / Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited university, and 7+ years ...

Showing results 21-40

Materials Science Engineering information

See Geneva, IL salary details

$13

$26

$43

How much do materials science engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials science engineering in Geneva, IL is $26.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $32.16 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.

What cities near Geneva, IL are hiring for Materials Science Engineering jobs?

Cities near Geneva, IL with the most Materials Science Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Materials Science Engineering job openings in Geneva, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% 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 $54,232 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Assistant Scientist - Time-Resolved Photoemission Electron Microscopy (TR-PEEM) - (NST)

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

TheCenter for Nanoscale Materials (CNM)atArgonne National Laboratoryinvites applications for anAssistant Scientistposition from candidates with expertise intime-resolved photoemission electron microscopy (TR-PEEM)and related experimental techniques for the study ofnanomaterialsandquantum materials.

We seek a creative and collaborative scientist with experience in developing and applyingultrafast, spatially resolved approachesto investigate nanoscale dynamical phenomena, includingcharge and energy transfer, carrier dynamics, exciton behavior, interfacial processes, and photoinduced effects. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a world-class user facility and to help shape a leading-edge research program in ultrafast nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy.

About the Center for Nanoscale Materials

TheCenter for Nanoscale Materialsis aU.S. Department of Energy Office of Science User Facilitythat provides researchers from around the world with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, technical expertise, and collaborative opportunities in multidisciplinary nanoscience and nanotechnology. CNM is dedicated to enabling transformative discoveries through bothstaff-led researchanduser-driven science.

The Role

The successful candidate will divide their efforts approximately equally between:

  • Independent and collaborative research, and

  • Scientific and technical support of CNM users

In this role, you will contribute to and help expand CNM's internationally recognized experimental program inTR-PEEMand related ultrafast nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy tools. We especially welcome candidates whose research interests align with CNM's strategic scientific directions and who are eager to leverage complementary capabilities available across CNM and Argonne.

A key part of this position is engaging with the broader scientific community by supporting internal and external users, advancing new experimental capabilities, and enabling impactful collaborative research.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and lead an experimental research program usingtime-resolved photoemission electron microscopyto investigate structural, electronic, and dynamical phenomena in nanomaterials

  • Advance and applyTR-PEEM methodologiesfor nanoscale studies of charge, spin, excitonic, and/or energy-transfer processes

  • Support the operation, development, optimization, and scientific application ofTR-PEEM instrumentationand related experimental systems

  • Provide scientific and technical support for user experiments, helping ensure successful execution and ongoing development of user-driven research projects

  • Collaborate with internal and external researchers to advance discovery innanoscience, ultrafast science, and nanoscale imaging

  • Contribute to CNM's strategic scientific directions through innovative research, instrumentation development, and active user engagement

  • Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and communicate findings through presentations, reports, and collaborative interactions

Position Requirements

Candidates should have a strong research background innanoscience, condensed matter physics, materials science, chemistry, or a related discipline, with a clear emphasis onphotoemission electron microscopy, ultrafast pump-probe measurements, and/or instrumentation development. Experience with complementary approaches relevant to TR-PEEM is highly valued, includingultrafast optical spectroscopy, electron microscopy, ultrahigh vacuum systems, and surface science methods.

  • Ph.D. inPhysics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or a closely related field

  • Demonstrated expertise intime-resolved photoemission electron microscopy, photoemission electron microscopy, or closely related ultrafast and spatially resolved experimental methods

  • Experience with relevant instrumentation, such asultrafast laser systems, pump-probe techniques, electron optics, vacuum systems, surface-sensitive spectroscopy, photoemission methods, and nanoscale imaging platforms

  • Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in areas such asTR-PEEM, PEEM, ultrafast microscopy, nanomaterials characterization, or related instrumentation and applications

  • Experience studyingnanomaterials, low-dimensional materials, interfaces, quantum materials, or photoactive systemsis highly desirable

  • Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment and to provide scientific guidance to a diverse user community

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials through theArgonne National Laboratory Careers Portal:

  • Acover letterdescribing your interest in the position and how your experience and expertise would contribute to success in the role

  • Adetailed curriculum vitae, including a list of publications

  • Thenames and contact information for three professional references

  • A1-2 page research statementoutlining your scientific research directions and your approach to engaging with and contributing to the scientific user program

We encourage applications from candidates who are excited to contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative scientific environment.

RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Materials/Ceramics/Metallurgical 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.