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Tribology Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LiquidPiston

Metallurgical Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Socket.dev

MI · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

The Principal Engineer provides deep subject-matter expertise, leads complex development efforts ... Demonstrated expertise in contact mechanics, tribology, fatigue analysis, and precision mechanical ...

Schreiber Foods

Reliability Engineer

Carthage, MO · On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Master's degree preferred. • Licenses/Certifications in Maintenance, Reliability, Tribology ... Engineering, Maintenance Leadership, Manufacturing or Project (Cap-EX included) Engineering ...

LiquidPiston Inc.

Senior Engine Sealing Engineer

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Simulation Engineer (Bearings & Seals) This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five ... This role involves applying advanced principles of tribology, materials science, and dynamic ...

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 ...

LiquidPiston, Inc.

Metallurgical Engineer

Suffield, CT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Rivian

Sr. Lubrication Engineer

Plymouth, MI

$98K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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 ...

Rivian

Sr. Lubrication Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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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All JobsTribology Engineer Jobs

Tribology Engineer information

See salary details

$66.5K

$102.2K

$150K

How much do tribology engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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.

More about Tribology Engineer jobs

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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:

What job categories do people searching Tribology Engineer jobs look for?

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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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,249 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Metallurgical Engineer

LiquidPiston

Suffield, CT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Metallurgical Engineer
This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week, and the company will be relocating to Suffield, CT later in 2026.​​​​​​​
About LiquidPiston:
LiquidPiston, Inc. is developing a fundamentally new rotary internal combustion engine based on our patented thermodynamic cycle. With applications across aerospace, defense, commercial, and industrial markets, we are redefining what’s possible in compact, efficient power generation. Join our mission to develop game-changing engine technology using advanced materials and manufacturing processes.
Position Overview:
LiquidPiston is seeking a Metallurgical Engineer to lead materials-focused efforts in support of engine design, development, and testing. This hands-on role is critical to enhancing performance, durability, and manufacturability of engine components operating under extreme mechanical and thermal stresses. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in metallic materials and coatings, a strong understanding of tribology and fatigue behavior, and the ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical design and manufacturing decisions.
Responsibilities:
  • Guide materials selection and processing for high-performance engine components, including rotating and reciprocating parts
  • Evaluate and implement surface treatments, coatings (PVD/CVD, HVOF, plating), and thermal barrier solutions
  • Lead tribological analysis and make recommendations for improving wear resistance in lubricated engine environments
  • Oversee and maintain the metallurgy lab, including heat-treat ovens, hardness testers, microscopes, and wear testing equipment
  • Support engine test programs through inspection, failure analysis, and post-test component evaluation
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external specialists (e.g., gear, seal, and coating vendors) to solve material challenges
  • Act as the primary technical contact for raw material and coating suppliers
  • Create and enforce standardized procedures for material selection, treatment, and documentation
  • Present findings, material analyses, and recommendations to technical and executive teams
  • Proactively contribute to R&D efforts by inventing and evaluating new material solutions that enhance performance, manufacturability, or cost-effectiveness
  • Maintain an adaptive, solution-focused mindset to tackle the unique challenges of novel engine development
Required Qualifications:
  • MS or higher in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of professional experience in materials selection, processing, and testing
  • Expertise with metallic materials such as aluminum, steel, magnesium, titanium, and MMCs
  • Strong knowledge of tribology, fatigue analysis, and failure mechanisms relevant to mechanical systems and engines
  • Familiarity with thermal barriers, welding, and joining technologies for dissimilar metals
  • Experience with both traditional and modern manufacturing methods for precision metal components
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead technical efforts across disciplines
  • Hands-on experience with post-service failure analysis and report writing
Preferred Skills:
  • Experience with engine development or rotating machinery
  • Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) and mechanical simulation tools (ANSYS, MATLAB)
  • Experience in R&D or prototype development environments
  • Strong communication skills, including technical writing and presenting findings to diverse teams
Benefits:
  • Flexible PTO to encourage work-life balance and personal well-being
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage: medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Equity participation: RSUs for all permanent employees
  • 401(k) with match: 100% up to 3%, plus 50% match for 3–5% range
  • Growth opportunities: Mentorship, training, and leadership development
Our Culture
At LiquidPiston, we challenge convention and solve hard problems. We move fast, think boldly, and iterate quickly. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and resilience. We take calculated risks and believe that every setback is a steppingstone toward breakthrough innovation.
Equal Opportunity Employer
LiquidPiston, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
All offers of employment at LiquidPiston are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

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