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Materials Science Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OR * PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline. Experience and Skills Required * Expertise in materials science or ...

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or Material Science (with a focus on cement-based materials), or Master's with 3+ years of industry experience, or BS in Civil Engineering /Material Science Engineering ...

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Materials Science Engineering information

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How much do materials science engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Materials Science Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or leadership roles in industries like aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, or energy. High salaries often require specialized skills, certifications, and working in high-demand sectors or managerial positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Materials Science Engineer, and why are they important?

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.

What do you do as a material 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.

What are the job opportunities for materials science and engineering?

Materials Science Engineering graduates can find job opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and manufacturing. Common roles include materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, and product development engineer, often requiring knowledge of materials testing, characterization tools, and computer-aided design. Employment can be found in research labs, manufacturing plants, and corporate R&D departments.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.
More about Materials Science Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Materials Science Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Materials Science Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Materials Science Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Materials Science Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Science Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Materials Science Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,567 per year, or $26.7 per hour.
Materials Scientist/Engineer (Ph.D.)

Materials Scientist/Engineer (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.

Menlo Park, CA

$140K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! 

Key statistics: 

  • 950+ Consultants 
  • 640+ Ph.D.s 
  • 90+ Disciplines 
  • 30+ Offices globally 

We are currently seeking a Materials Scientist / Engineer for our Materials Science and Electrochemistry Practice in Menlo Park, CA. In this role you will work as part of a team to perform broad materials science investigations of complex problems for our clients, particularly in the areas of product development, quality control, and product reliability.


  • Conducting hands-on failure analysis
  • Planning and executing laboratory tests
  • Field inspections
  • Materials characterization
  • Experimental method development

  • Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or related discipline, combined with a background including significant Materials Science related coursework and research experience  
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work within project teams with a strong desire to contribute
  • Knowledge of materials characterization techniques such as SEM, FIB, TEM, EDS, XPS, SIMS, FTIR,  X-ray, mechanical testing methods, or nanoindentation is required.
  • Experience designing and conducting materials characterization and analyses
  • Experience with thin film and electronic materials is preferred
  • Presently legally authorized to work in the United States.  No immigration sponsorship or processing required. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].


To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.  

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference. 


At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite


Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.


USD $140,000.00 - USD $157,000.00 /Yr.

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: 

https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent 

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. 

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com. 


US-CA-Menlo Park