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Tribology Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tribonet

$100 - $125/hr

An educational platform on tribology -- the science of friction, wear and lubrication Who is it for Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals Are you inspired by challenging the ...

LiquidPiston

Metallurgical Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

Metallurgical Engineer This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the ... Strong knowledge of tribology, fatigue analysis, and failure mechanisms relevant to mechanical ...

Tribonet

Senior Engine Design Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

An educational platform on tribology -- the science of friction, wear and lubrication Who is it for Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals Are you looking to work for a company ...

Tribonet

Product Development AI Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

An educational platform on tribology -- the science of friction, wear and lubrication Who is it for Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals Are you inspired by challenging the ...

LiquidPiston Inc.

Metallurgical Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Metallurgical Engineer This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the ... Strong knowledge of tribology, fatigue analysis, and failure mechanisms relevant to mechanical ...

LiquidPiston, Inc.

Metallurgical Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

Metallurgical Engineer This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the ... Strong knowledge of tribology, fatigue analysis, and failure mechanisms relevant to mechanical ...

Freudenberg

Application Engineer

Troy, OH

Apply engineering expertise to support sealing solutions across static and dynamic applications ... Collaborate cross-functionally with internal experts (materials, tribology, CAE, and program ...

Freudenberg

Application Engineer

Troy, OH · On-site

Apply engineering expertise to support sealing solutions across static and dynamic applications ... Collaborate cross-functionally with internal experts (materials, tribology, CAE, and program ...

Rivian

Sr. Lubrication Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Tribology: Experience in tribology, thin-film lubrication theory, and lubricant formulation is a bonus. * Ability to work independently, structure ambiguous problems, and drive decisions. * Strong ...

Freudenberg Group

Application Engineer

Troy, OH · On-site

Apply engineering expertise to support sealing solutions across static and dynamic applications ... Collaborate cross-functionally with internal experts (materials, tribology, CAE, and program ...

Rivian

Sr. Lubrication Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Tribology: Experience in tribology, thin-film lubrication theory, and lubricant formulation is a bonus. * Ability to work independently, structure ambiguous problems, and drive decisions. * Strong ...

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Tribology Engineer information

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$66.5K

$102.2K

$150K

How much do tribology engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for tribology engineer in the United States is $102,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tribology engineer?

A Tribology Engineer is a specialist who studies and applies the principles of friction, lubrication, and wear between interacting surfaces in relative motion. They work to improve the performance and durability of mechanical systems by selecting appropriate materials, lubricants, and surface treatments. Tribology Engineers are vital in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing, where reducing wear and energy loss is crucial. Their work helps extend the life of machinery, increase efficiency, and lower maintenance costs.

How does a tribology engineer typically collaborate with other departments to solve friction and wear challenges?

Tribology Engineers often work closely with cross-functional teams, including materials scientists, mechanical engineers, product designers, and manufacturing specialists. They collaborate during the research and development phase to select suitable materials and lubricants, analyze component failures, and optimize system performance. Regular interaction with testing laboratories and quality assurance teams is also common to validate findings and implement improvements. This collaborative approach ensures that tribological considerations are integrated throughout the product lifecycle, resulting in more reliable and efficient products.

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

To thrive as a Tribology Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and surface chemistry, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), surface profilometers, and simulation software like ANSYS or MATLAB is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and clear communication abilities help you collaborate effectively and drive innovation. These skills are crucial for developing solutions that reduce friction and wear, enhancing the performance and lifespan of mechanical systems.

What is the difference between Tribology Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectTribology EngineerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Materials, or Tribology-related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, automotive, aerospace industriesResearch labs, manufacturing, product development, quality control
Industry UsageFocuses on friction, wear, lubrication, and surface interactionsFocuses on material properties, selection, and failure analysis

Tribology Engineers specialize in friction, wear, and lubrication to improve machinery performance, while Materials Engineers focus on material properties and selection for durability and functionality. Both roles often collaborate in manufacturing and R&D settings, but their core expertise differs in surface interactions versus material composition.

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Cities with the most Tribology Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Tribology Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Tribology Engineer jobs include:

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Tribology Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tribology Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,249 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Process Engineer, PVD Coatings & Surface Treatments

HEF USA

Denver, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Calico Coatings is part of The HEF Group, a global leader in the science of tribology for more than 50 years, offering innovative nitriding surface treatments and PVD thin-film coating solutions for corrosion, wear and friction reduction of automotive and industrial machinery components. Today, HEF operates 70 facilities throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas, providing Liquid Nitriding services & chemicals, PVD-based coating services, tribology testing services, and supplying engineered sleeve bearings & bushings for demanding industrial applications. For more information about HEF USA, please visit www.hefusa.net. Employee will be working within Calico Coatings, Inc. Candidate must live within 50 miles of plant.
Process Engineer Job Duties:
  • Provide operations support by implementing effective process controls for PVD coating technologies and other surface treatments for Calico Coatings, Denver, NC facility.
  • Lead process development and certification for new PVD coating and other surface treatment applications for Calico Coatings, Denver NC facility and other facilities, as assigned.
  • Perform root cause investigations and implement operational corrective and preventative actions to solve technical, process and/or material/metallurgical issues related to quality, operations and processes.
  • Provide operations support through implementation of effective process controls and PVD treatments.
  • Responsible for surface treatment qualification and certification requirements to maintain operational, engineering and quality compliance. Includes coordinating with metallurgical lab on key assignments.
  • Develop and manage technical documents that provide engineering requirements for PVD Coating and other coating operations.
  • Provide process-related training to production, quality and metallurgical lab staff.
  • Collaborate with sales and assist operations staff to develop new applications for PVD Coatings and other surface treatments offered by Calico. Includes assistance with cost analysis and designing necessary tooling.
  • Liaise with HEF Group R&D and Application Engineering organizations across facilities to develop effective working relationships and enhance surface treatment expertise for Denver, NC facility.
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, participating in professional societies.

Skills/Qualifications:
  • 4-year science/engineering degree minimum - preferably in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science.
  • 2-5 years of experience in process engineering related to metallurgical surface treatments and coatings preferred.
  • Strong metallurgical understanding of ferrous-based materials (steel) and heat treatment essential.
  • Good understanding of surface engineering technologies as applied to wear-resistant hard coatings is essential.
  • Knowledge of metallurgical services such as heat treatment, electroplating, nitriding, thermal spray coatings, etc., as applied to automotive or industrial equipment/component manufacturers is a plus.
  • Basic knowledge of common industrial and automotive applications required.
  • Experience with customizing existing metallurgical processes to meet customer's specific technical requirements. Demonstrated Application Engineering skills is highly desirable.
  • Proven ability to drive process improvement and change, with results that have impacted the business.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders within the customer's and parent organization - product & process engineers, operations and sales staff, etc.
  • Must have strong leadership, training and facilitation skills.
  • May need to travel to different HEF locations for training, meetings, assistance, etc.

Calico Coatings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Calico Coatings does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
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About HEF USA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Industrial machinery manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Springfield, OH, US

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