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Surface Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oberg Industries

Surface Grinder

Freeport, PA · On-site

Strong ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints * Working knowledge of algebra ... Oberg Surface Grinders are among the best trained in the industry, supported by a culture of ...

Qnity

Senior Engineer - Cu Hybrid Bonding

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

Develop and optimize copper surface preparation, grain structure control, and bonding interface engineering to meet industry goals for CHB. * Implement advanced characterization techniques (e.g ...

CCL Label, Inc.

Press Operator Trainee

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Innovia is a leading global producer of specialty, high-performance, multi-layer, surface-engineered films for label, packaging and security applications. The Company is partly backward integrated ...

ARMORLUBE LLC

Junior Coatings Scientist PECVD / DLC

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

... surface engineering. You will play a vital role in taking new deposition systems from initial power-on through comprehensive process validation, directly contributing to the growth of our production ...

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How much do surface engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 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 does a surface engineer do?

A surface engineer specializes in modifying and improving the surface properties of materials, such as metals, plastics, or ceramics, to enhance their performance, durability, or corrosion resistance. They use techniques like coating, polishing, and treatments such as plasma or chemical processes, often working with specialized tools and adhering to safety standards. Their work is common in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing to ensure material longevity and functionality.

Can you make 300k a year as an engineer?

Surface engineering engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or management roles can potentially earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and working in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing at senior levels. Entry-level or mid-career surface engineers typically earn less than this amount.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing jobs due to high competition, limited work experience, and evolving skill requirements such as proficiency with digital tools and certifications. For roles like surface engineering, practical skills, relevant certifications, and adaptability to new technologies are increasingly important for employment opportunities.

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 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.
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Surface Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,624 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Senior Manager, Process Engineering - New Inflection Products

Amat

Tempe, AZ • On-site

$156K - $214K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary:

$156,000.00 - $214,500.00

Location:

Tempe,AZ

You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.

Applied Materials is seeking a Senior Manager of Process Engineering to lead advanced R&D in next-generation dielectric and metal materials, with a strong foundation in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and adjacent process technologies enabling key inflections in leading-edge memory and logic. This role is based at the Arizona Research Center (ARC), an expanding R&D hub focused on accelerating materials innovation and strengthening Applied's technology leadership in future semiconductor scaling.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and develop a team of process engineers advancing thin film and surface engineering solutions for advanced semiconductor applications
  • Drive process and hardware characterization, developing new methodologies for complex system understanding
  • Partner closely with hardware engineering to co-optimize process and tool capability, enabling differentiated performance
  • Engage directly with customers to resolve high-value process challenges (HVPs) and influence technology direction
  • Deliver effective technology demonstrations and drive programs from early R&D through customer adoption
  • Define process specifications and integration strategies, identifying tool strengths, gaps, and development opportunities
  • Manage experiments, interpret results, and escalate critical technical issues with clear actions
What We're Looking For
  • Deep expertise in one or more of the following: ALD/CVD thin films (dielectrics and/or metals), Plasma-based processes (etch, surface modification, PEALD), Thermal treatments, anneals, or surface preparation techniques
  • Proven leadership of process engineering teams in semiconductor R&D or development environments, 10+ years experience preferred
  • Strong ability to solve complex technical and integration challenges and translate innovation into manufacturable solutions
  • Experience working cross-functionally, especially with hardware and integration teams
  • Demonstrated success engaging with leading semiconductor customers
  • PhD or MS in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field
Why This Role
  • Lead cutting-edge materials innovation at a critical inflection point for memory and logic
  • Shape process and materials direction for future technology nodes
  • Play a key role in building ARC as a high-impact R&D center
  • Work with world-class teams and tools to deliver tangible customer and business impact

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Not Specified

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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