Materials Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Materials Engineer jobs in Michigan sit in one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in automotive manufacturing, advanced composites, and defense systems, with openings from entry-level to senior principal. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Warren are the primary hiring centers, anchored by employers like General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and DTE Energy. Polymer science, metal alloys, and failure analysis are the specialties drawing the most consistent demand. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Eaton’s IS VEH Technology division is currently seeking a Materials Engineer. This is a full time, on-site position based at our Marshall, MI facility. Relocation assistance is available to those within the US/PR.
The Materials Engineer is a technical role combining engineering analysis, project support, and hands‑on laboratory execution. The position supports product development, manufacturing, and failure analysis activities by performing metallurgical testing, interpreting results, and providing engineering recommendations.
This role bridges the gap between engineering design and laboratory execution, requiring both practical lab expertise and the ability to apply engineering principles to solve materials‑related problems. The incumbent works independently and as part of cross‑functional teams to support new product development, manufacturing support, quality improvement, and innovation initiatives.
The expected annual salary range for this role is $71000 - $105000 a year.
Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Eaton announced, on June 11, 2026, the intent to combine its Mobility Group (including both the Vehicle and eMobility segments) with a new company. We expect to complete this process by the end of the first half of 2027. The compensation and benefits that will initially be offered for this position are based on Eaton's plans, programs and practices. If you are offered and accept this position and are actively employed by the Mobility Group when the transaction closes, the new company will provide further details to employees concerning compensation and benefits at that time.
What you’ll do:
- Support materials engineering projects related to new product development, design validation, manufacturing support, and failure analysis.
- Review test requests and develop test plans in collaboration with engineers.
- Coordinate laboratory work within project schedules to meet engineering and program deliverables.
- Conduct metallurgical characterization and testing, including:
- Macro and micro photographic documentation, metallographic sample preparation, microstructure evaluation
- Superficial, bulk, and microhardness testing, case depth determination
- x ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analysis
- Carbon/Sulfur elemental analysis
- Perform fractography and advanced analysis using optical and electron microscopes (SEM/EDX).
- Interpret metallurgical test results and provide technical recommendations to engineers, manufacturing, and quality teams.
- Prepare engineering reports, test summaries, and presentations to communicate results and recommendations.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as cut off saws, mounting presses, polishers, microscopes, and hardness testers.
- Ensure safe laboratory practices, including chemical handling, disposal, and use of safety equipment.
- Maintain compliance with Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety management systems
Qualifications:
Required Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science, Engineering or related field from an accredited institution and/or candidates with an anticipated graduation by 12/2026
- Minimum one (1) year basic knowledge of METLAB techniques to support ferrous metallurgy, heat treating, and/or failure analysis (accepted experience is inclusive of college courses on related topic, co-ops, internships and/or direct work experience) Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any "CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc."
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in materials engineering and/or metallurgical lab environment.
- Exposure to SEM/EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy), fractography, or advanced materials characterization.
- Familiarity with nondestructive testing, manufacturing environments and quality systems.
Skills:
- Proven analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities
- Effective oral and written communication skills as well as planning and organizational skills
- Ability to effectively work with cross functional teams
- Limited travel may be required for plant/supplier support
All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.
We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.
You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.
We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
See All 8 Materials Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Materials Engineer JobsMaterials Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Materials Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in materials engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in materials science, metallurgical engineering, or a closely related field required
- Hands-on experience with materials testing, failure analysis, or process development preferred
- Proficiency with CAD software and materials characterization tools such as SEM or XRD
- Familiarity with automotive or defense manufacturing standards including IATF 16949 or MIL-SPEC
- Strong knowledge of metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites relevant to Michigan industrial applications
- Professional Engineer licensure or active pursuit of PE certification valued for senior-level roles
Materials Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a materials engineer in Michigan?
Most materials engineer positions in Michigan require at least a bachelor's degree in materials science, metallurgical engineering, or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited program. Michigan does not mandate a separate state license to practice materials engineering in industry, but obtaining a Professional Engineer license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs strengthens candidates for senior and consulting roles. Employers in automotive and defense typically prioritize ABET credentials and relevant lab or manufacturing experience.
How much do materials engineers make in Michigan?
Materials engineers in Michigan earn a median of about $94,050 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $62,640 for the lowest 10% to over $139,690 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire materials engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring materials engineers in Michigan right now include Eaton, ECS Limited, and Dart Container, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Michigan's deep roots in automotive and advanced manufacturing mean large OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and defense contractors account for a significant share of open roles.
Which Michigan cities have the most materials engineer jobs?
Troy, Mason, and Warren lead Michigan for materials engineer openings. Detroit and Warren concentrate the most demand because of the headquarters and technical centers of major automotive OEMs and their supplier networks, while Grand Rapids draws openings from its growing advanced manufacturing and medical device sectors.
Are there remote materials engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're rare. Materials engineering is inherently hands-on, requiring lab access, equipment operation, and on-site failure analysis, which limits full remote work. About 33% of materials engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to focus on data analysis, specifications writing, or supplier quality review rather than direct lab work.
How can I get hired as a materials engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a co-op or internship through an ABET-accredited Michigan engineering program, since General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis all run structured new-graduate and co-op pipelines at their Michigan technical centers. Candidates can also step in through quality technician, materials testing, or lab analyst roles at Tier 1 automotive suppliers across southeast Michigan. Completing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early signals readiness and gives candidates a measurable edge over other new applicants.
Where can I find and apply to materials engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to materials engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across automotive, defense, and advanced manufacturing employers. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the employer.
See All 8 Materials Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Materials Engineer Jobs