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Surface Science Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Infotech Sourcing

Mechanical Engineer III

Redmond, WA · On-site

$101/hr

Hands-on experience with material, crystallography, and surface science or similar characterization techniques, especially using SEM for fractography. Good understanding of mechanical design ...

Amazon

Data Scientist, Prime Video Science

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Prime Video Science team leverages the latest in machine learning and AI techniques combined ... Run deep-dive analyses on model outputs, experiment results, and customer behavior to surface the ...

Jobtailor

Attack Surface Analyst 2

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a ... Attack Surface Management Hard Skills * Vulnerability Identification * Network Security Tools

New

Amazon

Data Scientist, Prime Video Science

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Prime Video Science team leverages the latest in machine learning and AI techniques combined ... surface the story behind the numbers and catch issues before they reach stakeholders. • Apply ...

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All JobsSurface Science JobsSurface Science Jobs in Seattle, WA

Surface Science information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$27.9K

$55.1K

$89.9K

How much do surface science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for surface science in Seattle, WA is $55,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $59,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is surface science?

Surface science is the study of physical and chemical phenomena that occur at the interface of two phases, such as solid–liquid, solid–gas, liquid–gas, or solid–vacuum interfaces. This field focuses on understanding how surfaces interact with their surroundings, including adsorption, catalysis, corrosion, and surface modification. Surface science is crucial in industries like semiconductors, materials science, nanotechnology, and catalysis, where controlling surface properties can dramatically affect performance and functionality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surface scientist?

To thrive as a Surface Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, physics, or materials science, often supported by a PhD or relevant research experience. Expertise with analytical instruments such as AFM, XPS, SEM, and proficiency in data analysis software are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration set outstanding professionals apart. These competencies are crucial for accurately analyzing surface properties and driving innovation in materials development and industrial applications.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in surface science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in surface science often encounter challenges such as the need for precise sample preparation and the interpretation of complex data from surface analysis techniques. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, staying updated with advancements in instrumentation, and participating in regular training can help address these hurdles. Additionally, clear communication with colleagues in chemistry, physics, and engineering enhances problem-solving and accelerates research progress.

What is the difference between Surface Science vs Surface Chemist?

AspectSurface ScienceSurface Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, industrial settingsLaboratories, research and development departments, industrial labs
Industry UsageResearch, materials development, nanotechnologyProduct development, coatings, surface treatments
Common Search/ComparisonSurface Science vs Surface Chemist

Surface Science focuses on understanding the physical and chemical properties of surfaces at a fundamental level, often involving physics and materials analysis. Surface Chemists primarily work on chemical processes and reactions occurring on surfaces, developing coatings or surface treatments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their focus areas differ—one emphasizes fundamental surface properties, the other applied chemical processes.

What are popular job titles related to Surface Science jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Surface Science jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surface Science jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Surface Science jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Surface Science jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Surface Science job openings:

Surface Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Science job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,070 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer III

Infotech Sourcing

Redmond, WA

$101/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical & Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineer IIIRequest ID: 69837-1
Duration:12 months with possible extension
Location: US - WA - Redmond
Job Description: Mechanical Testing Engineer
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field is required.
5+ Years of experience required
$101/hr MAX bill rate
Last Updated: 2026-03-13
Description
We are seeking a detail-oriented and self-motivated Mechanical Testing Engineer to join our dynamic team at Meta Reality Labs. The successful candidate will be responsible for the execution, development, and optimization of innovative mechanical testing and failure analysis methods for novel single-crystal optical materials. These materials are transformative for next-generation AR/VR applications, and your work will be critical to ensuring their reliability and performance. You will join an agile, cross-functional team focused on incubating winning prototypes and establishing new process capabilities with our supply-chain partners. This role is hands-on, involving laboratory work, deep data analysis, and collaboration with experts across various engineering disciplines.
Responsibilities
Design, implement, and document experiments for the mechanical characterization and failure analysis of novel single-crystal optical materials.
Handle, prepare, and process material samples, including slicing, dicing, lapping, and chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP), while adhering to all laboratory safety protocols.
Conduct a range of mechanical tests, including but not limited to fracture toughness testing, flexural strength testing, and biaxial flexure testing.
Perform comprehensive root cause failure analysis on tested components, utilizing fractography with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to identify failure origins and mechanisms.
Develop and validate novel testing methodologies and fixtures tailored to the unique geometries and properties of our advanced optical materials.
Collect, analyze, and interpret complex test data; prepare detailed reports and present findings and recommendations to cross-functional engineering and research teams.
Collaborate closely with materials scientists, optical engineers, and manufacturing partners to correlate mechanical properties with material processing and performance, driving continuous material and process improvements.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
4+ years of hands-on experience in the mechanical characterization of brittle materials (e.g., ceramics, glasses, single crystals).
Experience with advanced material processing techniques such as diamond wire sawing, lapping, bonding/de-bonding, and chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) or similar processing techniques.
Demonstrated expertise in fracture mechanics principles and testing, including the experimental determination of stress intensity factors.
Hands-on experience with material, crystallography, and surface science or similar characterization techniques, especially using SEM for fractography.
Good understanding of mechanical design principles for custom test fixture design.
Proven ability to design and execute experiments (DOE), analyze results, and draw actionable conclusions.
Excellent data handling, documentation, and organization skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to a diverse audience.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in a relevant discipline with a background in process development or material reliability.
Familiarity with optical metrology and refractive index measurements (e.g., prism coupler).
Proficiency in statistical data analysis and its application to brittle materials, including a strong understanding of Weibull statistics.
Experience with laboratory automation and data acquisition using software such as LabVIEW, Python, or MATLAB.
A fundamental understanding of crystallography and the anisotropic mechanical behavior of single-crystal materials.

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