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Surface Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Polyglass

PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST

Deerfield Beach, FL · On-site

Good working knowledge of colloid systems and adhesion surface science. * Proven capability to initiate, plan and lead cross-functional teams for research / product development initiatives.

Nulixir Inc.

Associate Scientist

Austin, TX · On-site

Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Colloid & Surface Science, Nanoparticle Synthesis. * Knowledge and/or experience in liquid-state nanoparticle synthesis and the related ...

Waters Corporation

Senior Scientist

Milford, MA · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

The successful candidate will lead research on advanced surface chemistries, separation strategies ... Strong track record of scientific communication (presentations, publications, or patents)

Waters Corporation

Senior Scientist

Milford, MA · Hybrid

$100K - $137K/yr

The successful candidate will lead research on advanced surface chemistries, separation strategies ... Strong track record of scientific communication (presentations, publications, or patents)

Waters Corporation

Senior Scientist

Milford, MA · Hybrid

$100K - $137K/yr

The successful candidate will lead research on advanced surface chemistries, separation strategies ... Strong track record of scientific communication (presentations, publications, or patents)

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Surface Scientist information

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$10

$34

$71

How much do surface scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface scientist in the United States is $34.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $45.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surface scientist?

Surface scientists are specialists who study the physical and chemical properties of surfaces and interfaces. Their work involves understanding how materials interact at the atomic or molecular level, which is crucial for developing new materials, coatings, and technologies in industries such as electronics, energy, and healthcare. Surface scientists use advanced techniques like spectroscopy and microscopy to analyze surface phenomena and contribute to innovations in fields like nanotechnology and catalysis.

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, materials science, or physics, typically with an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in a related field. Familiarity with surface characterization techniques such as XPS, AFM, SEM, and relevant data analysis software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in research and collaborative environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for conducting precise analyses, interpreting complex data, and contributing to advancements in surface science applications.

What are some common challenges a surface scientist might face when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams?

Surface Scientists often work closely with chemists, physicists, engineers, and material scientists. One common challenge is bridging the communication gap between different disciplines, as each may use specialized terminology and have distinct priorities. Additionally, balancing the need for detailed, surface-level analysis with broader project goals can require flexibility and strong project management skills. Building effective collaborations often involves proactively sharing insights and aligning on experimental designs to ensure successful outcomes.
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Surface Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,053 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Senior Materials and Surface Science Engineer

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

nEye.ai
See more jobs at nEye.aiexternal

$230K - $270K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

About us
nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye's MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical bottlenecks in AI processing by enabling direct optical connections among thousands of GPUs and memory units. The company's OCS is an ultra-low power consumption, high radix, compact chip-scale design, offering hyperscale data centers enhanced performance, efficiency, and scalability.
Job Overview
We are looking for a senior individual contributor with deep expertise in materials science and surface chemistry as it applies to semiconductor fabrication and optical systems.
This role is critical to understanding and improving how fabrication processes at the material and interface level impact optical performance in our silicon photonics devices.
You will work across design, process, and test to analyze, diagnose, and improve material interfaces, thin films, and surface interactions that directly affect device behavior, reliability, and yield.
Key Responsibilities
  • Investigate how surface chemistry and material interfaces in silicon-based photonic and MEMS material systems impact performance
  • Analyze effects of etching, deposition, oxidation, and plasma processes on surface states, morphology, and optical mechanisms
  • Partner with design and process teams to translate material-level insights into improved device performance and manufacturability
  • Lead investigations connecting fabrication outcomes to device-level optical and mechanical performance
  • Design and interpret experiments involving thin films, interfaces, and surface treatments (e.g., passivation, cleaning, annealing)
  • Collaborate with fabrication partners on process evaluation and optimization
  • Utilize and guide characterization efforts using techniques such as SEM, TEM, AFM, XPS, ellipsometry, SIMS, etc.
  • Develop models or frameworks that connect process to material properties and optical outcomes

Required Qualifications
  • PhD in Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 7 - 15+ years of experience in semiconductor, photonics, or adjacent advanced materials environments
  • Deep understanding of surface chemistry and interface physics in semiconductor systems
  • Expertise in dielectric and semiconductor thin films and metallization.
  • Strong knowledge of plasma processes, etching, deposition, oxidation, and their impact on materials
  • Strong intuition for how material properties affect optical phenomena
  • Experience working in or closely with semiconductor fabs / foundries
  • Hands-on experience with failure analysis and materials characterization techniques

Nice to Have Skills
  • Direct experience with silicon photonics or optical devices
  • Familiarity with waveguides, optical interfaces, or photonic integration
  • Experience in MEMS fabrication or integration
  • Background in process development or integration engineering
  • Exposure to modeling optical-material interactions

$230,000 - $270,000 a year
Starting salary and title will depend on, and be commensurate with, relevant industry experience, skills, training, education, market demands, and the ultimate job duties and requirements.
nEye.ai is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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