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Principal Materials Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Materials Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$86K - $137K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a materials engineer to join our Additive Manufacturing team. You ... principal contributor to Joby's materials qualification program supporting eVTOL development ...

Joby Aviation

Materials Engineer

Marina, CA

$86K - $137K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a materials engineer to join our Additive Manufacturing team. You ... principal contributor to Joby's materials qualification program supporting eVTOL development ...

Joby Aviation

Materials Engineer

Marina, CA

$86K - $137K/yr

Joby Aviation is seeking a materials engineer to join our Additive Manufacturing team. You will own ... principal contributor to Joby's materials qualification program supporting eVTOL development ...

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Principal Materials Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal materials engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal materials engineer?

A Principal Materials Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for developing, testing, and improving materials used in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. They lead research initiatives, analyze material properties, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Additionally, they collaborate with design and engineering teams to select the best materials for specific applications. Their work is crucial in enhancing product performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal materials engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Materials Engineer, you need deep expertise in materials science, engineering principles, and project management, typically backed by an advanced degree and substantial industry experience. Familiarity with materials characterization tools (like SEM, XRD), simulation software, and relevant certifications (such as Professional Engineer or Six Sigma) is often required. Leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this role. These qualifications are crucial for leading complex projects, ensuring material performance, and driving innovation in highly technical environments.

What are the main challenges that principal materials engineers face in their day-to-day work?

Principal Materials Engineers often tackle complex technical problems that require balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability of materials for new or existing products. They must stay current with emerging technologies and industry standards while managing tight deadlines and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Effective communication is key, as they frequently bridge the gap between research and practical application. While challenging, these aspects make the role dynamic and provide opportunities to solve impactful, real-world engineering problems.

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What states have the most Principal Materials Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Materials Engineer jobs include:
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Principal Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Materials Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% 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 $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Materials and Process (M&P) Engineer/Sr Principal Materials and Process (M&P) Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL

$111K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for an experienced Principal Materials & Processes (M&P) Engineer/ Sr Principal Materials & Processes (M&P) Engineer specializing in metallic structure to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals with our Vehicle Engineering organization. This role is located in Melbourne, Florida.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Key responsibilities:

  • Performs root cause analysis of material failures, provides effective solutions to production composite issues

  • Generates test plans & reports

  • Analyzes, researches, designs and develops materials and their related fabrication and application processes to develop and optimize materials for use in engineering design of and/or application in structures, systems and subsystems. Applies principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to develop metallic processing specifications, fabrication and assembly processes. Develops, analyzes and applies material properties and design allowables, processing processes and quality engineering specifications. Material analyses may include failure analysis of components, systems and subsystems, life predictions, and definition and requirement specifications.

  • May review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures

  • May travel to subcontractor locations

Basic Qualifications:

  • Principal M&P Engineer requires a Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with a minimum of 5 years of experience to include a background in metallic materials for airframe structures OR Master's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with a minimum of 3 years of experience to include a background in metallic materials for airframe structures

  • Sr Principal M&P Engineer requires a Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with a minimum of 9 years of experience to include a background in metallic materials for airframe structures OR Master's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with a minimum of 7 years of experience to include a background in metallic materials for airframe structures OR PhD degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with a minimum of 4 years of experience to include a background in metallic materials for airframe structures.

  • Experience with metals and their applications related to the fabrication and design on aircraft

  • Experience with repair processes for metallic materials used in aerospace structures

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • BS or MS in Materials Science or similar

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Ability to collaborate in a team environment

  • Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and/or accomplishing them simultaneously

  • Ability to comprehend and analyze complex problems and develop solutions

  • Experience with military specs and standards

  • Experience interfacing with a military customer

Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 - $167,500.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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