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Surface Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Centrillion Biosciences, Inc.

Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Working knowledge and practical experience with polymer and surface chemistry is also desirable. * Demonstrated ability to plan and execute independent and collaborative research projects. * Hands-on ...

Centrillion Biosciences, Inc.

Chemist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Working knowledge and practical experience with polymer and surface chemistry is also desirable. * Demonstrated ability to plan and execute independent and collaborative research projects. * Hands-on ...

Hp

Ink Technology Chemist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$93K - $143K/yr

Apply expertise in formulation science, pigment and dye chemistry, polymers, colloidal systems, and surface chemistry to solve complex technical challenges. * Design and execute experiments, analyze ...

Freudenberg Group

Chemist II

Howell, MI · On-site

Knowledge in polymers, lubricants, coatings, emulsions, and surface chemistry. * Knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes. * Wood & Paper industry knowledge a plus. The Freudenberg Group is an ...

Freudenberg

Chemist II

Howell, MI · On-site

Knowledge in polymers, lubricants, coatings, emulsions, and surface chemistry. * Knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes. * Wood & Paper industry knowledge a plus. The Freudenberg Group is an ...

Sepax Technologies, Inc.

Be Seen First

R&D Scientist - Polymer & Surface Chemistry

Newark, DE · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

We are seeking an R&D Scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, and/or surface modification to contribute to the development of advanced separation materials and HPLC ...

Sepax Technologies, Inc.

Be Seen First

R&D Scientist - Polymer & Surface Chemistry

Newark, DE · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

We are seeking an R&D Scientist with expertise in polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, and/or surface modification to contribute to the development of advanced separation materials and HPLC ...

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How much do surface chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surface chemist?

A Surface Chemist is a scientist who studies the chemical properties and reactions that occur at the surfaces of materials. They analyze how molecules interact at interfaces, such as between solids and liquids or gases, to understand phenomena like adhesion, corrosion, catalysis, and wetting. Surface chemists often work in research and development, helping industries improve products like coatings, catalysts, sensors, and pharmaceuticals by manipulating surface properties at the molecular level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surface chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surface Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry, materials science, and surface analysis, often supported by a relevant degree (such as a Ph.D. or M.Sc.) in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools like X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface characterization software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and presenting findings. These skills and qualities are vital for developing innovative materials and solutions, advancing research, and ensuring accurate experimental results.

How does a surface chemist typically collaborate with interdisciplinary teams during research and development projects?

Surface Chemists often work closely with physicists, materials scientists, and engineers to develop and optimize products or materials with specific surface properties. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to discuss experimental results, share analytical data, and align on project goals. Effective communication is crucial, as Surface Chemists must translate complex chemical phenomena into actionable insights for team members from different disciplines. This collaborative environment not only enhances project outcomes but also provides valuable opportunities for professional growth and cross-training.

What is the difference between Surface Chemist vs Material Scientist?

AspectSurface ChemistMaterial Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plantsResearch labs, manufacturing, academia, industry
Industry UsageCosmetics, coatings, petrochemicals, electronicsAutomotive, aerospace, electronics, energy

Surface Chemists focus on analyzing and modifying surface properties of materials, often working in labs or manufacturing settings. Material Scientists study the properties and applications of entire materials, including bulk and surface characteristics. While both roles require chemistry or materials science backgrounds and share work environments, Surface Chemists specialize in surface interactions, whereas Material Scientists have a broader scope involving the entire material's properties.

Where do surface chemists make the most money?

Surface chemists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a strong presence of advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or technology industries, such as major metropolitan areas or regions with a high concentration of research and development facilities. Salaries are also influenced by experience, education, and specialized skills like surface analysis techniques or materials characterization.

Where do surface chemists work?

Surface chemists typically work in laboratories within industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, materials science, and manufacturing. They may also work in research and development facilities, testing labs, or academic institutions, often using specialized equipment and analytical tools to study surface properties and interactions.

What cities are hiring for Surface Chemist jobs?

Cities with the most Surface Chemist job openings:

What states have the most Surface Chemist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surface Chemist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Surface Chemist jobs?

For Surface Chemist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Surface Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.

Staff Surface Process Engineer / Surface Chemist

San Diego, CA • On-site

San Diego Stealth Startup
See more jobs at San Diego Stealth Startupexternal

$150K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop surface processing methods including cleaning, deposition, coating, curing, and quality control.

  • Specify, develop, optimize, and troubleshoot process equipment such as vapor deposition systems, plasma tools, ovens, and wet processing tools.

  • Design and execute experiments to understand process interactions and optimize surface performance.

Job description

Location: San Diego, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $150,000 - $160,000

Position Overview

We are seeking a Staff Surface Process Engineer / Surface Chemist to develop and scale surface chemistry processes. This role combines deep expertise in precision substrate processing, process equipment engineering and surface chemistry with hands-on laboratory work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

The successful candidate will drive development of surface chemistry processes including cleaning, coating and surface functionalization and other processes. This role requires experience with equipment used to manufacture and characterize these surfaces.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop surface processing methods including cleaning, deposition, coating, curing, and QC.
  • Develop robust vapor-phase deposition processes including silanization and other surface modification techniques, with emphasis on process uniformity, reproducibility, and manufacturability.
  • Lead development, optimization, qualification, and troubleshooting of plasma cleaning processes.
  • Specify, develop, optimize, and troubleshoot process equipment including vapor deposition systems, plasma tools, ovens, wet processing tools, and related automation.
  • Establish process windows, critical process parameters, and statistical process controls for surface treatments.
  • Design and execute statistically rigorous experiments (DOE) to understand process interactions and optimize surface performance.
  • Characterize processed surfaces using techniques such as ellipsometry, contact angle, AFM, optical microscopy, fluorescence imaging, profilometry, XPS, SEM, and related analytical methods.
  • Translate laboratory processes into scalable manufacturing methods with high yield and reproducibility.
  • Drive equipment selection, installation, qualification, and process transfer to manufacturing.
  • Mentor junior scientists and engineers while fostering rigorous experimental design, scientific curiosity, and rapid technical iteration.

Qualifications

Required:

  • M.S. (+8 years of relevant industrial experience) or Ph.D. (+ 4 years) in Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Demonstrated expertise in surface processing and process development.
  • Extensive experience in one or more of the following:
    • Coating methods including spin coating and dunk coating
    • Plasma cleaning equipment
    • Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), surface planarization
    • Vapor-phase surface deposition processes and equipment
    • Wet chemical cleaning and substrate preparation
  • Strong understanding of process development for glass, silicon, metal oxide, and other semiconductor-related materials.
  • Experience developing manufacturing-ready surface processes with an emphasis on spatial uniformity, repeatability, process capability, and yield.
  • Experience selecting, operating, qualifying, and troubleshooting process equipment.
  • Experience with statistical experimental design (DOE), process optimization, and statistical analysis tools (JMP, Python, R, etc.).
  • Experience using surface characterization techniques including ellipsometry, contact angle, AFM, profilometry, fluorescence microscopy, SEM, XPS, or related methods.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment.
  • Hands-on willingness to develop and troubleshoot processes in the laboratory.

Preferred:

  • Experience with biotechnological device manufacturing.
  • Experience integrating surface chemistry with photolithography, nanoimprint lithography, or other advanced fabrication techniques.
  • Experience transferring laboratory processes into pilot or high-volume manufacturing.
  • Experience supporting manufacturing equipment qualification and process validation.

Why Join Us

  • Work with a multidisciplinary team spanning chemistry, engineering, optics, biology and manufacturing.
  • Play a central role in developing scalable processes from research through commercialization.
  • Competitive compensation, equity, comprehensive benefits, and flexibility to support work-life integration.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration