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Principal Materials Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Materials Sciences LLC

Principal Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

... Principal Engineer. This individual will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the ... In-depth understanding of composite materials, design, manufacturing, and testing.Software ...

Materials Sciences LLC

Principal Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

... of materials, engineering design and structural analysis, inclusive of Finite Element methods ... As a Principal Engineer , you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization ...

Actalent

Engineer Material Process 3

Los Angeles, CA

... Principal Materials and Process Engineer) This role offers the opportunity to shape advanced materials and manufacturing solutions that support high-reliability aerospace and defense products. As a ...

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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 7, 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.

More about Principal Materials Engineer jobs
What states have the most Principal Materials Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Materials Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Materials Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Materials Engineer jobs are:
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 Scientist

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Andover, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

A Day in the Life at MKS:
As aPrincipalMaterialsScientistat MKSAndover, you will partner withR&D, Engineering, Product management, Applications, and customers to develop and support vacuum valves.

Key areas of responsibility will be:

  • low particle vacuum seal technology

  • metallurgical and metal fatigue analysis

  • surface treatment and coatings for low particle performance

  • On Wafer Particle metrology and analysis

For this role, candidates must be U.S. Citizens, as the position requires citizenship eligibility.


You Will Make an Impact By:

  • In this role, you will make a meaningful impact by contributing to the design and developmentvacuum valves

  • Analyze, specify, and design bonded seal technology

  • Analyze wear mechanisms offluoroelastomerandperfluoroelastomerseals

  • Develop and work with external partners

  • Analyze mechanisms for particle generation

  • Develop and apply metrology to evaluate particle performance


Skills You Bring:

  • Knowledge andexpertise with low particle, high vacuum seals

  • MSor PhD degree inMaterials Science, ora related physics or engineering field

  • 8+years experience, preferably with Semiconductor Equipment

  • Knowledge of Analytical techniques (SEM, FTIR, EDX)

  • Knowledge of Materials Science and metallurgy


Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with Semiconductor Fabrication Equipment

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 90% of the time
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
Occasionally moves/positions up to 20lbs pounds
This job operates in a professional office and laboratory environment

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Pay Range: $ 126,200.00 - 210,350.00 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at:accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com.

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

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