Materials Engineer Jobs in California
Materials Engineer jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, with demand concentrated in aerospace, semiconductors, defense systems, and advanced manufacturing at every level from entry-level lab positions through principal and senior engineering roles. The largest hiring centers are the Los Angeles basin, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where employers such as Northrop Grumman, Applied Materials, and Raytheon Technologies have major operations. The most sought-after specialties in California listings include polymer and composite materials, thin-film and semiconductor process materials, and failure analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Materials Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 75+ Materials Engineer jobs
The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.
The GEOINT Development Office (GDO) serves as the technical adviser for national intelligence electro-optical programs. Within GDO, the Systems Engineering department provides mission assurance support through parts, materials, and processes (PM&P) engineering, leveraging Aerospace core competencies and in-depth knowledge of hardware and mission requirements to deliver technical recommendations and solutions across multiple programs. We are looking for a Casual with deep expertise in advanced semiconductor packaging and PM&P program management to support GDO's mission assurance objectives.
This is a part-time casual position based in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Support PM&P program management, including selection per risk tolerance, control boards, design reviews, and manufacturing readiness reviews
- Provide technical consultation to management, customers, and contractors on evaluation, selection, and use of advanced semiconductor packaging for space and missile applications
- Collaborate with industry and supplier personnel to develop and maintain guidance on selection, screening, qualification, and root cause failure analysis
- Lead cross-organizational teams and represent the organization at technical meetings, presentations, and workshops
- Mentor less experienced staff and serve as a role model
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, or another appropriate discipline
- At least ten years of increasingly responsible and related engineering/scientific experience (time spent obtaining advanced degree counts towards this)
- Proficiency in industry PMP requirements standards development for advanced semiconductor packaging – including related component selection, assembly materials, and processes (PMP), and selection of elements
- Experience supporting parts, materials, and processes (PM&P) program management functions which include control boards, design reviews, and manufacturing readiness reviews
- Excellent record of customer communication and interaction
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Master of Science degree in STEM field
- 20 or more years of space system acquisition experience in parts, materials, and processes / mission assurance disciplines
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$56.40 - $109.00 Pay Basis: HourlyLeadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
- Operate Strategically
- Lead Change
- Engage with Impact
- Foster Innovation
- Deliver Results
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .
The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.
The GEOINT Development Office (GDO) serves as the technical adviser for national intelligence electro-optical programs. Within GDO, the Systems Engineering department provides mission assurance support through parts, materials, and processes (PM&P) engineering, leveraging Aerospace core competencies and in-depth knowledge of hardware and mission requirements to deliver technical recommendations and solutions across multiple programs. We are looking for a Casual with deep expertise in advanced semiconductor packaging and PM&P program management to support GDO's mission assurance objectives.
This is a part-time casual position based in El Segundo, CA.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Support PM&P program management, including selection per risk tolerance, control boards, design reviews, and manufacturing readiness reviews
- Provide technical consultation to management, customers, and contractors on evaluation, selection, and use of advanced semiconductor packaging for space and missile applications
- Collaborate with industry and supplier personnel to develop and maintain guidance on selection, screening, qualification, and root cause failure analysis
- Lead cross-organizational teams and represent the organization at technical meetings, presentations, and workshops
- Mentor less experienced staff and serve as a role model
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, or another appropriate discipline
- At least ten years of increasingly responsible and related engineering/scientific experience (time spent obtaining advanced degree counts towards this)
- Proficiency in industry PMP requirements standards development for advanced semiconductor packaging – including related component selection, assembly materials, and processes (PMP), and selection of elements
- Experience supporting parts, materials, and processes (PM&P) program management functions which include control boards, design reviews, and manufacturing readiness reviews
- Excellent record of customer communication and interaction
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Master of Science degree in STEM field
- 20 or more years of space system acquisition experience in parts, materials, and processes / mission assurance disciplines
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$56.40 - $109.00 Pay Basis: HourlyLeadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
- Operate Strategically
- Lead Change
- Engage with Impact
- Foster Innovation
- Deliver Results
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .
See All 75 Materials Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Materials Engineer JobsMaterials Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Materials Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Manufacturing
- Aerospace & Defense
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in materials engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in materials science, metallurgy, or a closely related engineering discipline
- Experience with materials characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, or EDS
- Proficiency in failure analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action documentation
- Familiarity with aerospace or semiconductor process specifications and industry standards such as ASTM
- Ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. security clearance for defense-sector roles in California
- Experience with CAD or simulation tools for materials modeling and process development
Materials Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a materials engineer in California?
The standard path is a bachelor's degree in materials science, metallurgical engineering, or a closely related field, followed by entry-level work in one of California's core industries such as aerospace or semiconductors. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for materials engineers, but engineers offering services directly to the public may pursue registration as a Professional Engineer through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Relevant certifications in failure analysis, welding, or nondestructive testing strengthen most California applications.
How much do materials engineers make in California?
Materials engineers in California earn a median of about $128,470 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $82,460 for the lowest 10% to over $183,880 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire materials engineers in California?
Employers hiring materials engineers in California right now include Tesla, Northrop Grumman, and PeopleConnect Staffing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor equipment makers, and defense contractors means demand for materials engineers is distributed across both large campuses and specialized mid-size firms throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most materials engineer jobs?
Sunnyvale, Fremont, and El Segundo consistently hold the most materials engineer openings in California. The Los Angeles area drives volume through its dense aerospace and defense manufacturing base, the Bay Area through its semiconductor and advanced materials industries, and San Diego through defense research and biomedical device firms that require specialized materials expertise.
Are there remote materials engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Materials engineering is largely hands-on work involving lab equipment, physical testing, and manufacturing floor support, which limits remote options by the nature of the role. About 13% of materials engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to be in data analysis, materials modeling, specification writing, or supplier quality management rather than direct lab or production work.
How can I get hired as a materials engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to intern-to-hire and new-graduate programs at large California aerospace and semiconductor employers, which regularly recruit from California State University campuses and UC system engineering programs. Northrop Grumman, Applied Materials, and similar companies run structured new-grad rotational or associate engineer programs. Adjacent roles such as materials technician, lab analyst, or quality inspector at California manufacturers are common stepping stones, and a senior capstone project, published failure analysis, or relevant coursework portfolio gives candidates a meaningful edge.
Where can I find and apply to materials engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to materials engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across aerospace, semiconductor, defense, and advanced manufacturing employers. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 75 Materials Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Materials Engineer Jobs