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Senior Materials Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3M

Senior Materials Scientist

Maplewood, MN

$124K - $151K/yr

Senior Materials Scientist Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose ...

3M

Senior Materials Scientist

Maplewood, MN

$124K - $151K/yr

Senior Materials Scientist Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose ...

3M

Senior Materials Scientist

Saint Paul, MN

$124K - $151K/yr

Senior Materials Scientist Collaborate with innovative 3Mers around the world. Responsibilities Developing new materials and the processes that create them to drive differentiated performance in 3M ...

3M

Senior Materials Scientist

Saint Paul, MN

$124K - $151K/yr

Senior Materials Scientist Collaborate with innovative 3Mers around the world. Responsibilities Developing new materials and the processes that create them to drive differentiated performance in 3M ...

3M

Senior Materials Scientist

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Senior Materials Scientist Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally ...

3M

Senior Materials Scientist

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Senior Materials Scientist Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally ...

Formlabs

Senior Materials Scientist

Somerville, MA · On-site

$115 - $142/hr

## Senior Materials Scientist**Department:** Materials Engineering **Location:** Somerville, MA---Do you want to change how the world creates?At Formlabs, we're building the tools that make it possible ...

Formlabs

Senior Materials Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

$115K - $142K/yr

If you are a scientist or engineer with experience in polymer development who's excited to break new ground in an industry that's moving at lightning speed, we want you as a Materials Scientist . The ...

Formlabs

Senior Materials Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

If you are a scientist or engineer with experience in polymer development who's excited to break new ground in an industry that's moving at lightning speed, we want you as a Materials Scientist . The ...

Formlabs

Senior Materials Scientist

Somerville, MA · On-site

If you are a scientist or engineer with experience in polymer development who's excited to break new ground in an industry that's moving at lightning speed, we want you as a Materials Scientist . The ...

Formlabs

Senior Materials Scientist

Somerville, MA · On-site

$115K - $142K/yr

If you are a scientist or engineer with experience in polymer development who's excited to break new ground in an industry that's moving at lightning speed, we want you as a Materials Scientist . The ...

Eurofins

Senior Materials Scientist

Groton, CT · On-site

We are seeking a highly innovative Materials Scientist with deep expertise in non-traditional solid-form strategies for beyond Rule-of-5 (bRo5) molecules, including PROTACs, RIPTACs, and molecular ...

3M

Materials Scientist

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Senior Materials Scientist Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally ...

3M

Materials Scientist

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Senior Materials Scientist Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally ...

3M

Materials Scientist

Saint Paul, MN

Senior Materials ScientistCollaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the WorldChoosing where to start ... The Impact You'll Make in this RoleAs a Senior Materials Scientist, you will have the opportunity ...

New

3M

Materials Scientist

Saint Paul, MN

Senior Materials ScientistCollaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the WorldChoosing where to start ... The Impact You'll Make in this RoleAs a Senior Materials Scientist, you will have the opportunity ...

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Senior Materials Scientist information

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How much do senior materials scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior materials scientist in the United States is $49.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.67 and $50.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior materials scientist?

A Senior Materials Scientist is an experienced professional who researches, develops, and tests materials to create new products or improve existing ones. They analyze the structure and properties of various materials, such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, to determine how they can be utilized in different applications. Senior-level scientists often lead research projects, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with engineers and manufacturers to solve complex materials challenges. Their work is vital in industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to electronics and healthcare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior materials scientist?

To thrive as a Senior Materials Scientist, you need deep expertise in materials science, chemistry, and engineering, typically backed by an advanced degree (MS or PhD) and substantial research experience. Proficiency with materials characterization tools (such as SEM, TEM, XRD), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and data analysis software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, project management, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this field. These competencies enable the development of innovative materials solutions, foster effective collaboration, and drive successful project outcomes.

What are some common challenges senior materials scientists face when working on interdisciplinary projects?

Senior Materials Scientists often collaborate with engineers, chemists, and product designers, which can present challenges such as aligning differing technical priorities and communication styles. Navigating these interdisciplinary teams requires clear communication, adaptability, and a strong grasp of both the scientific and practical aspects of materials development. Additionally, balancing long-term research goals with immediate project deadlines can be demanding, but it also provides opportunities to drive innovation and demonstrate leadership. Successfully managing these challenges can lead to greater responsibility and career advancement.

What is the difference between Senior Materials Scientist vs Materials Engineer?

AspectSenior Materials ScientistMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Materials Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academiaManufacturing plants, product development, industrial settings
Industry UsageResearch, development, innovationDesign, testing, production processes
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Senior Materials Scientist and a Materials Engineer lies in their focus. Senior Materials Scientists primarily engage in research, developing new materials and understanding material properties, often working in labs or academic settings. Materials Engineers, on the other hand, focus on applying materials knowledge to design and improve manufacturing processes and products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but their day-to-day tasks and work environments differ significantly.

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Senior Materials Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Materials Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% 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 $102,865 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Senior Materials Scientist

3M

Maplewood, MN

$124K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

3M rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 543 rated manufacturers

Job description

Senior Materials Scientist Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers. This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career. The Impact You'll Make in this Role As a Senior Materials Scientist, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by: Developing new materials and the processes that create them to drive differentiated performance in 3M products. Applying newly developed materials and processes to 3M product roadmaps and scaling qualified materials with 3M's chemical manufacturing teams. Authoring technical reports, patent applications, and research proposals; maintaining electronic laboratory notebook records of test conditions, results and observations; summarizing experimental data using Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel or other software applications; presenting results to technical and non-technical audiences. Collaborating with global, multi-disciplinary teams to identify and implement new solutions for customer applications. Carrying out other duties as assigned. Your Skills and Expertise To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications: Ph.D. (completed and verified prior to start) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Ceramics, or a related discipline from an accredited institution. Four (4) years of laboratory environment experience in an academic, private, public, government or military environment, including experience in a Ph.D. program. Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include: Ph.D. or Post-Doc in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Ceramics, or a related discipline (completed and verified prior to start) from an accredited institution with a focus on developing new materials and processes. Established research performance in ceramics or related non-metallic materials. Experience working with diverse teams including external partners. Authoring scientific publications and/or patents. Demonstrated ability to identify and execute on new technology development. Experience developing intellectual property portfolios in collaboration with legal and other technical experts. Work Location and Travel This role follows an on-site working model, requiring the employee to work at least four days a week at the 3M Center in Maplewood, MN. Travel: May include up to 10% domestic/international. Relocation Assistance: May be authorized. Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without sponsorship for an employment visa status (e.g., H1B). Compensation range for this position is $124,127 - $151,710 and includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. Benefits may include Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits. Please note: 3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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