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Senior Materials Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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

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 ...

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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 10, 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 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 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 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.

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.
More about Senior Materials Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Materials Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Materials Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Materials Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Materials Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Materials Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Materials Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Materials Scientist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Materials Scientist jobs? For Senior Materials Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 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 $102,865 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Senior Materials Scientist

3M

Maplewood, MN • On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

3M rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 244 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:
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 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 scale 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:
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 country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Resources for You
For more details on what happens before, during and after the interview process, check out the Insights for Candidates page at 3M.com/careers.
Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $124,127 - $151,710, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.
Good Faith Posting Date Range 05/21/2026 To 06/20/2026 Or until filled
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/
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.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
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Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.
Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here). Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.

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