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Materials Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist

Newburgh, IN · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

The Sr. Scientist - Coatings Regulatory & Technolog y performs coating development activities for ... Conduct raw material reviews and determine testing requirements * Issue certification letters to ...

Showing results 21-40

Materials Scientist information

See Indiana salary details

$50.4K

$118K

$164.6K

How much do materials scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials scientist in Indiana is $117,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $158,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a materials scientist do?

A Materials Scientist studies and analyzes the properties, structures, and performance of different materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. They work to develop new materials or improve existing ones for a wide range of applications, from electronics to aerospace and healthcare. Their work often involves researching how materials interact with various environments and developing processes to manufacture materials with desired characteristics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, physics, and engineering, typically supported by a degree in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, analytical instruments (like SEM, XRD), and modeling software such as MATLAB or COMSOL is often required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with teams and presenting research findings. These skills ensure accurate analysis, innovation, and successful development of new materials for various applications.

What are some common challenges materials scientists face when working on new product development projects?

Materials Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative material properties with cost-effectiveness, scalability, and manufacturability. Collaborating with cross-functional teams—including engineers, designers, and production staff—can add complexity, as each group may have different priorities and technical requirements. Additionally, staying updated on the latest scientific advancements and regulatory standards is essential for ensuring that newly developed materials are both cutting-edge and compliant. Effective communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and driving successful product development.

What is the difference between Materials Scientist vs Chemist?

AspectMaterials ScientistChemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsLaboratories, research institutions, industrial settings
Industry UsageMaterials development, product testing, quality controlChemical analysis, formulation, process development

Materials Scientists and Chemists often share educational backgrounds and work in laboratory settings. However, Materials Scientists focus on developing and testing materials like metals, polymers, and ceramics, while Chemists primarily analyze chemical substances and reactions. Both roles are vital in research and manufacturing industries, but their specific focus areas differ, influencing their daily tasks and career paths.

How much money does a materials scientist usually make?

Materials scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $97,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $150,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills, certifications, and work in specialized industries can lead to higher compensation.

Is materials science in high demand?

Materials scientists are in high demand across industries such as aerospace, electronics, and energy due to ongoing advancements in technology and the need for innovative materials. Employment opportunities are expected to grow steadily as companies seek expertise in developing new materials and improving existing ones, often requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques and materials characterization tools.

What do you do as a materials scientist?

A materials scientist studies the properties, structure, and performance of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. They develop new materials, improve existing ones, and analyze material failures, often using laboratory equipment and scientific principles to solve engineering problems.

What are popular job titles related to Materials Scientist jobs in Indiana?

For Materials Scientist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Materials Scientist jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Scientist jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Materials Scientist jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Materials Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Materials Scientist job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% 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 $117,968 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Materials Engineering Welding Specialist

Cummins

Columbus, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Cummins rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 271 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

We're seeking a talented Materials Engineering Welding Specialist to join our team for our Columbus, IN location 

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

  • Resolve Failures with Precision: Lead component failure analyses to identify root causes, recommend corrective actions, and prevent recurrence to protect customers and product integrity. 
  • Optimize Materials & Processes: Select and validate materials and manufacturing routes that best meet form, function, and performance requirements, ensuring robust component capability. 
  • Advance Material Characterization: Interpret mechanical, chemical, and microstructural data to confirm compliance, correlate field results, and strengthen product robustness. 
  • Elevate Technical Knowledge Sharing: Produce clear, highquality technical documentation that accelerates learning, improves productivity, and enables effective knowledge transfer across teams. 
  • Build HighValue Networks: Develop strong internal and external relationships that enhance collaboration, accelerate problemsolving, and expand access to expertise. 
  • Drive HighQuality Decisions: Communicate effectively, manage complexity, and make timely, informed decisions that keep programs moving forward under challenging conditions. 
  • Lead Systematic Problem Solving: Apply structured methodologies to trace issues, identify systemic root causes, implement durable solutions, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. 
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.
  • Establish andmaintainconsistent welding engineering standards, requirements, and expectations across programs, ensuring alignment with design intent and manufacturing needs.
  • Provideearlystagedesign guidance and subject matterexpertisethroughout development to prevent issues, strengthen weld quality, and support robust product launches.
  • Coordinate and unify weldingexpertiseacross business units to address complex technical challenges, drivecrossfunctionalproblemsolving, and elevate organizational capability.
  • Lead and support training, coaching, and development efforts to build weldingproficiency, share best practices, and enhance technical skills across Materials Science and Engineering and broader engineering teams.
  • Improve proactive identification and resolution ofweldingrelatedissues across programs through structured analysis, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Ensure candidates meet educational requirements, including a bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a welding focus or in Welding and Joining Technology, along with a minimum of five years ofpostgraduatewelding experience.
  • Applyhandsonexpertisein metal inert gas welding, tungsten inert gas welding, laser welding, and resistance joining processes, with strong practical experience in aluminum alloys and stainless steels.
  • Utilize knowledge of American Welding Society, International Organization for Standardization welding standards, and American Society for Testing and Materials material standards to guide decisions and ensure compliance.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

  • Master Common Welding Standards:Establish, govern, and consistently apply unified welding engineering standards to ensure alignment, quality, and predictability across programs and business units.
  • Provide Early Technical Leadership:Deliverstrong designguidance and SME support early in development to prevent downstream issues and strengthen product robustness.
  • Unify Expertise Across the Organization:Bring together welding specialists from multiple BUs to solve complex challenges, accelerateproblemsolving, and drivecrossfunctionaltechnical alignment.
  • Build Capability & Proactive ProblemSolving:Enable consistent training,bestpracticesharing, and early issue identification to elevate team capability and improve program outcomes across MSE and engineering teams.

Education, Licenses, Certifications:

  • College, university, or equivalentBachelor's degree in EngineeringorappropriateSTEM field isrequired.
  • Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may berequiredforselectroles.
  • This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.

Experience:

Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area isrequiredwith a demonstratedtrack recordof technical problem solving and quality decision making. Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.


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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919