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Senior Materials Scientist Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Senior Structural Engineer

Decatur, AL · On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

Material Handling & Processing * Pharmaceutical * Power & Utilities * Process & Manufacturing Job ... A Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Structural is preferred * 10+ Years' experience in ...

Karman Space & Defense

Senior Design Engineer

Decatur, AL · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Generates bills of materials and complete drafting packages for assemblies and designs. * Supports ... Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent ...

Astrion

Senior System Safety Engineer SME

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$180K - $215K/yr

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering, Science, Math, Management, Business or related weapon ... materials for government safety review boards, including the U.S. Army Fuze Safety Review Board ...

Leidos

Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... scientific, and information technology solutions to government and commercial customers. The Sr. ... Develop and maintain supplier performance metrics, including nonconforming material trends, defect ...

Leidos

Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... scientific, and information technology solutions to government and commercial customers. The Sr. ... Develop and maintain supplier performance metrics, including nonconforming material trends, defect ...

Leidos

Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

... scientific, and information technology solutions to government and commercial customers. The Sr. ... Develop and maintain supplier performance metrics, including nonconforming material trends, defect ...

Trideum

Senior Enterprise Architect

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Position Summary We are seeking a highly skilled Enterprise Architect to support the Army Materiel ... Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, etc.). * 10+ years of relevant professional experience.

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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 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior materials scientist in Decatur, AL is $46.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.84 and $47.79 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.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Materials Scientist jobs in Decatur, AL?

For Senior Materials Scientist jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Materials Scientist jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Materials Scientist jobs in Decatur, AL are:

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Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Senior Materials Scientist job openings:

Senior Materials Scientist jobs near you

Senior Structural Engineer

Salas O'Brien Engineers Incorporated

Decatur, AL • On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Senior Structural Engineer
Salas O'Brien's Process and Manufacturing (P&M) Business Unit is seeking a motivated Senior Structural Engineer to join our multi-disciplined design firm in Decatur, AL. The qualified applicant will have the opportunity to engage in all phases of a project from inception to completion of construction. This involvement is intended to grow individuals and nurture design talents.
As a Senior Structural Engineer for projects, you will be required to demonstrate a high standard of professionalism and client foccustomer service; be resourceful and flexible: effective at handling multiple tasks; have good computer skills; have strong presentation, written, and verbal skills; and be able to effectively delegate or be delegated to while working in a collaborative format with multiple team members.
Salas O'Brien works across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Salas O'Brien's Process and Manufacturing (P&M) business unit engineers provide transformative solutions for industrial processes from concept to implementation. As part of 'one' Salas O'Brien, a multi-disciplinary engineering and architecture firm, the P&M business unit ensures a seamless, comprehensive service experience through a "local everywhere" approach. We integrate specialized expertise across a spectrum of markets, including:
  • Agribusiness
  • Chemical/Petrochemical
  • Consumer Products
  • Food and Beverage
  • Material Handling & Processing
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Power & Utilities
  • Process & Manufacturing

Job Summary: The Senior Structural Engineer will serve to lead engineering design projects. This leader will collaborate with a broader team of engineering professionals to provide design solutions to build success for our clients and employees, nationally and internationally.
Types of Projects Include (but are not limited to):
  • Process Equipment structures and foundation design which include pumps, exchangers, rotating equipment, pressure vessels, reactors, and tanks
  • Structural designs for ladders, platforms, stairs, and walkways
  • Piping support design ranging from using single tee posts to installing multi-level pipe racks
  • Provide calculations for existing structural evaluations which may include both dead/live loads, wind loads and earthquake loads
  • Structural Steel
  • Reinforced Concrete
  • Existing Structure Analysis

Job Responsibilities:
  • Provide designs for new and modification Structural projects for clients in process and manufacturing industrial facilities.
  • Serve as lead discipline engineer on large and multiple small engineering projects with progression to serving as overall project manager.
  • Anticipate and coordinate design details with other disciplines to produce successful overall projects.
  • Help develop project proposals for multi-discipline projects.
  • Produce detailed design calculations and sketches for materials of construction associated with the project. Calculations produced shall be neatly prepared and organized for efficient checking by others and efficient use by drafters/designers for preparing drawings and as a deliverable when required.
  • Develop conceptual layouts and cost studies to determine optimum engineering solutions.
  • Produce effective and accurate written scopes of work, technical documents, and reports.
  • Direct designers in the development of Structural installation drawings and specifications, to meet customer requirements and applicable codes.
  • Prepare contractor bid packages as required.
  • Perform periodic design reviews; ensure designs follow specifications, codes, regulations, and contract requirements. Ensure technical and quality standards are maintained.
  • Travel to various sites to participate in risk and design reviews, gather field data, and provide construction support.
  • Perform field engineering and structural inspections by documenting deficiencies and developing formal reports including recommendations to correct issues.
  • Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and compliance with operational and safety standards.
  • Build and maintain client relationships while promoting and integrating company-wide initiatives and values.
  • Maintain schedule for multiple projects, multiple clients, and multiple resources.

Education And Experience
  • BS in Civil Engineering from ABET accredited institution. A Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Structural is preferred
  • 10+ Years' experience in consulting engineering field (Industrial setting preferred).
  • Professional Engineering License in the State of Alabama, or the ability to obtain reciprocity within 90 days of hire.
  • Engineering, designing and project management of Structural Engineering projects.
  • Structural analysis and design software (specifically Revit and RISA 3D preferred).
  • Experience with AutoCAD, RISA Foundation or other modeling software.
  • Working knowledge of various engineering codes such as ASCE, IBC, ACI and AISC, AASHTO etc.

The Physical and Ergonomic Requirements of this position are as follows:
  • Lifting/carrying: Carrying light loads related to field measurement equipment, and equipment cases weighing 15 lbs. or less.
  • Dexterity: Ability to type using a keyboard with relative efficiency, ability to make handwritten notes and sketches indoors and outdoors at industrial plant and construction sites at any time of the year.
  • Walking/Climbing: Ability to use multi-level stair towers and rung ladders unassisted.
  • Visual Acuity: Ability to discern single line and 3-dimensional computer images representing objects being designed or drafted.
  • Hearing: Ability to hear safety alarms and signals while wearing hearing protection.
  • Physical exertion: Ability to walk up to one mile on industrial plants and construction sites outdoors at any time of the year. Ability to work in protective clothing which may elevate body temperatures by several degrees Fahrenheit for periods of up to 15 minutes without a break.
  • Breathing: Ability to work while wearing a respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus.

Location: Decatur, AL
Travel: Up to 5%
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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