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.
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Showing 5 of 306+ Materials Engineer jobs
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking for a Thermal Material Engineer develops, tests, and selects advanced materials (ceramics, metals, composites) to manage heat, ensure durability, and improve performance in products like electronics, aerospace systems, or energy components. They analyze material properties, conduct simulations (FEA), and lead, design, and validate thermal solutions.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Material Development & Testing: Research, develop, and test materials for high-temperature resistance, thermal conductivity, and durability.
- Thermal Analysis & Modeling: Use simulations (FEA/CFD) to analyze heat transfer and predict material behavior under thermal stress.
- Product Integration: Select and qualify materials for specific applications, such as thermal interface materials (TIMs), heat sinks, or insulation.
- Failure Analysis: Investigate material failures and implement improvements.
- Vendor Collaboration: Work with suppliers to develop, qualify, and procure new materials.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and material science (polymers, metals, ceramics).
- Tools: Experience with simulation software (e.g., Flotherm, ANSYS, FEA tools).
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze material properties and data.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication for technical reports and cross-functional collaboration.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Common Industries:
- Aerospace and Defense
- Electronics and Computing
- Automotive and Electric Vehicles
- Energy and Manufacturing
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking for a Thermal Material Engineer develops, tests, and selects advanced materials (ceramics, metals, composites) to manage heat, ensure durability, and improve performance in products like electronics, aerospace systems, or energy components. They analyze material properties, conduct simulations (FEA), and lead, design, and validate thermal solutions.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Material Development & Testing: Research, develop, and test materials for high-temperature resistance, thermal conductivity, and durability.
- Thermal Analysis & Modeling: Use simulations (FEA/CFD) to analyze heat transfer and predict material behavior under thermal stress.
- Product Integration: Select and qualify materials for specific applications, such as thermal interface materials (TIMs), heat sinks, or insulation.
- Failure Analysis: Investigate material failures and implement improvements.
- Vendor Collaboration: Work with suppliers to develop, qualify, and procure new materials.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and material science (polymers, metals, ceramics).
- Tools: Experience with simulation software (e.g., Flotherm, ANSYS, FEA tools).
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze material properties and data.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication for technical reports and cross-functional collaboration.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Common Industries:
- Aerospace and Defense
- Electronics and Computing
- Automotive and Electric Vehicles
- Energy and Manufacturing
See All 306+ 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
- Applied Materials222
- Redwood Materials44
- MP Materials7
- Apple3
- Element Materials Technology3
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware231
- Manufacturing46
- Energy15
- Mining & Natural Resources7
- Aerospace & Defense6
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 Applied Materials, Redwood Materials, and MP Materials, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Benicia 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 1% of materials engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 306+ Materials Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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