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How much do materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science in the United States is $123,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Materials Science job?

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.

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 the Materials Science position, and why are they important?

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.

More about Materials Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Materials Science jobs? Cities with the most Materials Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science jobs? The most popular types of Materials Science jobs are:
What states have the most Materials Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Materials Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Materials Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Science jobs are:
Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Science job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,973 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Staff Materials Scientist Thin Film Coatings

Vital Chemicals USA LLC

Cupertino, CA • Remote

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Staff Materials Scientist Thin Film Coatings


Company Overview

Vital Materials is a global technology organization with operations in over 20 countries, providing advanced materials, products, and solutions across markets including semiconductors, optics, consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive, and energy-related applications. The company is committed to enabling next-generation technologies through materials science, thinfilm innovation, and scalable manufacturing solutions.


Job Summary

The Staff Materials Scientist Thin Film Coatings is a staff technical role responsible for the development, optimization, and characterization of advanced thinfilm coatings for functional applications, including optical, scratchresistant, magnetic, and semiconductor coatings. This position requires deep handson experience with thinfilm deposition processes and materials characterization, as well as the ability to develop coating solutions from concept through pilot and manufacturing scale.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of advanced thinfilm coating solutions for optical, mechanical, magnetic, and electronic applications.
  • Develop and optimize thinfilm materials and multilayer stacks.
  • Perform handson thinfilm deposition using PVD, PECVD, and related vacuumbased methods.
  • Design and execute thinfilm characterization and correlate structure with performance.
  • Collaborate with equipment, process, and product teams. Provide inputs on equipment designs and process development. Coaching junior engineers.
  • Troubleshoot coating issues such as adhesion, stress, and defectivity.
  • Document coating architectures and process windows.


Qualifications

  • Master degree or above in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • Extensive handson experience with thinfilm deposition and coating development.
  • Deep understanding of optical, scratchresistant, magnetic, or semiconductor coatings.
  • Strong experience with thinfilm characterization techniques.
  • Ability to develop coating solutions meeting functional and reliability requirements.
  • Excellent analytical and crossfunctional collaboration skills.