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Materials Science Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Undergraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Plastics Engineering. * Candidates holding or pursuing an advanced degree or with 2+ years of ...

Material Coordinator

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in ...

Material Coordinator

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in ...

Undergraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Plastics Engineering. * Candidates holding or pursuing an advanced degree or with 2+ years of ...

Undergraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Plastics Engineering. * Candidates holding or pursuing an advanced degree or with 2+ years of ...

The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in ...

Inorganic Chemistry Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain ligand field splitting, metal-ligand bonding, and catalytic mechanisms while preparing students for advanced chemistry and materials science coursework. * Conceptual Teaching ...

Ability to explain ligand field splitting, metal-ligand bonding, and catalytic mechanisms while preparing students for advanced chemistry and materials science coursework. * Conceptual Teaching ...

Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

ACT Science Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

ACT Science Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple ... science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students ...

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Showing results 1-20

Materials Science information

See Iowa salary details

$49.8K

$116.4K

$162.5K

How much do materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science in Iowa is $116,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $156,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a materials science?

A Materials Science job involves studying and developing materials to improve existing products or create new ones. Professionals in this field work with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites to enhance properties like strength, durability, and conductivity. They collaborate with engineers and manufacturers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare. Common roles include materials engineer, metallurgist, and research scientist.

Are materials scientists in demand?

Materials scientists are in demand in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and energy, where advanced materials are essential. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as research and development continue to expand, and skills in characterization techniques and computer modeling are increasingly valuable.

What typical career paths are available for professionals in materials science?

Materials Science professionals can pursue a variety of career paths including roles in research and development, quality assurance, product design, manufacturing, and technical consulting. Many start as lab technicians or junior engineers and can advance to senior scientist, project manager, or even into leadership roles such as director of materials engineering. Career progression often depends on accumulating hands-on experience, pursuing advanced degrees, and developing expertise with specialized materials or industry applications. Employers value individuals who continually update their skills and contribute to cross-functional projects. The field offers diverse opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical devices, electronics, and energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in materials science?

To thrive in Materials Science, you need strong analytical skills in chemistry and physics, a degree in materials science or a related engineering field, and hands-on laboratory experience. Familiarity with technical tools such as electron microscopes, spectrometers, and materials characterization software, as well as certifications like Six Sigma or ASQ, are commonly required. Problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and clear communication skills are highly valued in this profession. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative materials, ensuring quality, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams in research and industrial settings.

Is a materials science degree worth it?

A materials science degree prepares individuals for careers in research, development, and manufacturing of materials, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles. It can lead to roles in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy, with job prospects improving as technology advances. The degree provides a solid foundation for technical problem-solving and innovation, which are valued in many engineering and research positions.

What jobs can I get with a materials science degree?

A materials science degree qualifies individuals for roles such as materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, and product development engineer. These jobs often involve working with metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites, and may require knowledge of testing methods, CAD software, and industry standards.

What jobs can you do with materials science?

Materials science graduates can pursue careers as materials engineers, research scientists, quality control specialists, or product development engineers. These roles involve designing, testing, and improving materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, often requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques and computer-aided design tools.
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Materials Science jobs in Iowa are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Science jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Science jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Materials Science jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Materials Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Materials Science job openings in Iowa 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 $116,444 per year, or $56 per hour.

Materials Engineer

Emerson

Marshalltown, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Emerson Electric rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

hackajob is collaborating with Emerson to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

Description

At Emerson in Marshalltown, the Materials Engineer role offers the opportunity to drive innovation through advanced materials engineering across global product lines. This position works with both metallic and non-metallic materials—including polymers, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and lubricants—to support product design, manufacturing, and performance. The role focuses on material selection, failure analysis, supplier qualification, and continuous product improvement while collaborating with teams and customers worldwide.

In this Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

  • Provide technical leadership in the identification, development, application, and qualification of materials for the design, manufacture, and application of the product line. 

  • Lead projects and provide support in the areas of failure analysis, supplier qualification, material selection, and materials research.

  • Collaborate with internal teams and customers on a global basis to understand their materials needs.

  • Create and document best practices for the application of appropriate technologies to current and future development projects.

  • Development / maintenance of internal specifications and practices.

  • Contribute to and interpret industry standards.

For this Role, You Will Need:

  • Undergraduate degree in Material Science and Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Plastics Engineering.

  • Candidates holding or pursuing an advanced degree or with 2+ years of relevant experience will be strongly considered. 

  • Experience in applying materials technology to solving a broad range of problems 

  • Ability to quickly learn and apply new technology

  • Self-motivated, self-sufficient, and capable of working with teams with competing interests and priorities

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills as well an ability to present to large audiences

  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures and safely perform experiments; growth opportunity to implement systems of experiments and test practices

Supervisory Requirements:

  • This is an individual contributor position with no initial responsibility for direct supervision of other full-time personnel.  

  • Combination professional office and lab environment.

  • Occasional off-hours work to coordinate projects with other world areas.

  • Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Our Culture & Commitment to You

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives—because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family’s physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.


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