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Surface Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Support coating development, surface engineering, and material characterization efforts, including working with external laboratories to ensure effective testing and actionable insights. * Drive ...

Senior Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$119K - $234K/yr

Overview At Surface, we create the devices and experiences that empower people to achieve more. Our engineering teams build the platforms, services and tools that enable secure, reliable and ...

WI · On-site

$87 - $165/hr

Perform laboratory and process-control testing to support chemical processing, surface engineering, and special processes. Conduct tests such as corrosion resistance, water break, paint adhesion ...

NY · On-site

$87 - $165/hr

Perform laboratory and process-control testing to support chemical processing, surface engineering, and special processes. Conduct tests such as corrosion resistance, water break, paint adhesion ...

Engineering Intern

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high-performance materials, coating equipment and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency and sustainability.

Electrical Engineer

Cedar Park, TX · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Within our M/D Totco Surface Engineering team, Electrical Engineers play a vital role in developing advanced measurement devices, data acquisition, and control systems that enable our customers to ...

Surface engineering constraints to product early - don't absorb scope silently, negotiate it explicitly. People Leadership * Build and sustain a strong engineering team by hiring well, developing ...

Showing results 21-40

Surface Engineering information

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$12

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How much do surface engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface engineering in the United States is $31.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is surface engineering?

Surface engineering is a multidisciplinary field focused on modifying and improving the properties of surfaces of materials, such as metals, ceramics, or polymers, to enhance their performance and durability. Techniques like coating, plating, and thermal treatments are used to provide resistance against wear, corrosion, oxidation, and other surface-related failures. Surface engineering is widely applied in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and biomedical devices. The goal is to extend the lifespan and functionality of components while reducing maintenance costs and resource consumption.

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

To thrive as a Surface Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, surface treatments, and engineering principles, often supported by a degree in materials, mechanical, or chemical engineering. Proficiency with analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), surface profilometers, and familiarity with relevant industry standards or certifications (e.g., ISO, ASTM) is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and clients. These competencies ensure high-quality surface solutions, product durability, and innovation in various industrial applications.

What are some common challenges faced by surface engineers when developing coatings for industrial applications?

Surface engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring the durability and adhesion of coatings under harsh operating conditions, selecting materials that meet both performance and cost requirements, and troubleshooting unexpected failures like corrosion or wear. Balancing the need for innovative solutions with strict industry standards and environmental regulations can also be demanding. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including materials scientists and process engineers, is key to addressing these technical and practical challenges efficiently.

What does a surface engineer do?

A surface engineer specializes in modifying and improving the surface properties of materials to enhance their performance, durability, and resistance to wear, corrosion, or fatigue. They often work with techniques such as coating, polishing, and surface treatments, using tools like microscopy and testing equipment, and may require knowledge of materials science and certifications in relevant processes.
More about Surface Engineering jobs

What cities are hiring for Surface Engineering jobs?

Cities with the most Surface Engineering job openings:

What states have the most Surface Engineering jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Surface Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,624 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Extrusion Die Materials Engineer

Corning

Painted Post, NY • On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 75225

The company built on breakthroughs. 
Join us.   
                                                                          

Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible. 

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations- not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company,and the world, forward. 

At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more. 

Come break through with us. 


Corning's Environmental Technologies segment manufactures ceramic substrates and filter products for emissions control in mobile and stationary applications around the world.

Role Purpose

Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise in materials science and metallurgy to support extrusion die manufacturing. This role focuses on optimizing material behavior, improving process capability, and driving innovation through collaboration with internal teams and external partners, while advancing organizational knowledge through training and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Apply materials science and metallurgical principles to support and improve extrusion die manufacturing processes, including optimization of heat treatment, bonding, and material performance.
  • Evaluate material behavior (e.g., deformation, stress, corrosion, and coating interactions) and use testing, data analysis, and modeling inputs to guide design and process improvements.
  • Lead or support experimental design, validation, and process qualification activities to ensure reliable and repeatable manufacturing outcomes.
  • Collaborate with external suppliers to ensure consistent material quality and process performance, including defining requirements and supporting qualification of new materials, equipment, and sources.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in metallurgy, coatings, bonding, and surface engineering; lead root cause analysis, failure investigations, and resolution of technical issues.
  • Analyze material and product failures (e.g., mechanical damage, corrosion, coating performance) and implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Support coating development, surface engineering, and material characterization efforts, including working with external laboratories to ensure effective testing and actionable insights.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce variability, and improve process efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Contribute to development and implementation of new materials, technologies, standards, and best practices across the organization.
  • Develop and deliver technical training, and promote knowledge sharing to build organizational capability in materials and manufacturing processes.

Education and Experience

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field.
  • Strong knowledge of material properties, heat treatment, bonding, and manufacturing processes.
  • Experience in problem-solving, data analysis, and process evaluation.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and collaborate across teams.
  • Minimum 3 years' experience

Desired

  • Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field.
  • Advanced expertise in materials characterization, process development, and failure analysis.
  • Experience managing supplier technical relationships.
  • Familiarity with coatings, surface engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Experience with experimental design, process qualification, and continuous improvement methods.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

The range for this position is  $84,932.00 - $116,782.00  assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

A job that shapes a life. 

Corning offers you the total package. 

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.


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