Materials Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Materials Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are in steady demand, with the state's deep manufacturing base, defense contracting sector, and academic research institutions driving openings at every level from entry-level to senior principal. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Lehigh Valley are the primary hiring centers, where established employers like Carpenter Technology, Arconic, and Lockheed Martin maintain long-term materials engineering workforces. The most sought-after specialties in Pennsylvania include metallurgy, polymer and composites engineering, and failure analysis for defense and industrial applications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Materials Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 7+ Materials Engineer jobs
Shape Your World
At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.
Senior Materials Process Engineer – ELYSIS
A New Era for the Aluminum Industry – ELYSIS
Carbon Free Aluminum
There is a new, revolutionary way to make aluminum. It eliminates all greenhouse gases. And it produces oxygen! The ELYSIS™ technology is the greatest breakthrough in the aluminum industry since its beginnings in 1886. It has the potential to drastically reduce the environmental footprint of the global aluminum industry.
The ELYSIS™ technology effectively puts an end to the use of carbon anode in the aluminum smelting process. It features the newly developed breakthrough proprietary materials that are stable and do not react during the process. Thus, it eliminates all direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the aluminum smelting process and is the first technology ever that emits oxygen as its by-product.
An unprecedented world-class partnership of two major aluminum industry pioneers - Alcoa and Rio Tinto - led to the formation of ELYSIS, announced in 2018. The Canadian Government and the Quebec Government, through participation of Investment Quebec, have decided to support and be part of this industry revolution. The world’s technology giant Apple has helped facilitate the collaboration between Alcoa and Rio Tinto on the carbon-free smelting process and has agreed to provide ELYSIS with technical support.
ELYSIS is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with Technology Research & Development locations in Alma, Quebec, Canada, in Jonquière, Quebec, Canada, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, United States, and in France.
ELYSIS provides a unique solution for drastic reductions in the carbon footprint of many products used in our daily lives, including transportation, construction, electrical and consumer goods industries.
ELYSIS metal is now being used by Apple (MacBook Pro and iPhone 12 SE), Ab InBEV (cans), Audi (e-tron GT wheels), and Corona (cans).
About the Location
The ELYSIS US Research & Development facility is in the Alcoa Technical Center (ATC) located in New Kensington, PA which is the birthplace of the aluminum industry. Near Pittsburgh, PA, the ATC is where the process being scaled-up by ELYSIS was first developed with a dedicated team who continues to reinvent the aluminum industry for a sustainable future.
About the position
The Senior Materials Process Engineer will use their wide breadth of knowledge and expertise in ceramic materials and processes to lead research and development efforts associated with technical readiness level advancement of a ceramic process used to produce proprietary and novel electrodes for the Elysis smelting process. This role also serves to be the technical liaison, providing data-based decisions, guidance, and support to Elysis electrode production and industrialization teams. This role will report to Elysis R&D management.
Key Activities / Responsibilities:
- Develops and implements process improvement programs focused on reducing scale-up, operational, and manufacturing risks associated with critical equipment and production processes.
- Leads process engineering projects by defining objectives, developing execution plans, and applying engineering analysis to improve process capability, stability, efficiency, and throughput across pilot and commercial operations.
- Provides data-driven recommendations for process optimization, equipment performance, production readiness, and operational reliability to support successful deployment and sustained operation of Elysis technology.
- Supports the development and refinement of process specifications, operating procedures, equipment requirements, and control strategies through continuous improvement initiatives and analysis of process performance data.
- Apply sound engineering principles and a hands-on approach to troubleshoot process challenges, optimize production performance, and support manufacturing operations in laboratory, pilot, and commercial environments.
- Utilizes root cause analysis, statistical methods, and problem-solving tools to identify, investigate, and implement sustainable corrective actions for process, equipment, quality, and production-related issues.
- Identifies and leads initiatives that improve process efficiency, yield, reliability, product quality, capacity utilization, cost performance, and operational consistency.
- Collaborates with operations, maintenance, quality, R&D, suppliers, and external partners to ensure successful execution of process improvement projects while managing scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
- Establishes and monitors key process performance indicators (KPIs), analyzes production data and trends, and develops actionable recommendations to improve process control and operational performance.
- Documents, communicates, and standardizes process improvements through technical reports, operating procedures, work instructions, presentations, and knowledge-sharing activities to ensure long-term process sustainability and organizational learning.
Mobility
ELYSIS is a global company with operations in Canada, France, and the United States. Business related travel and extended duration assignments or missions may be essential for the success of this role.
About You
- Degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramics Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
- 1-5 years of relevant work experience related to the development of ceramic materials or processes preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge in ceramic processing, processing equipment and process scale-up experience.
- Proven project execution and management skills.
- Strong aptitude in physical, chemical, and thermal material property characterization methods and analysis.
- Experience working in collaborative, results driven, fast-paced team environments.
- Strong communication, organizational and analytical skills for data management, analysis, and results presentation.
Diversity: Be Part of an Unprecedented Partnership
At ELYSIS we are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to success of the unprecedented partnership that ELYSIS is.
We treat each other respectfully, fairly, compassionately and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes us different. At ELYSIS, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, the LGBTQIA2 community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds. ELYSIS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
About the Location
Every day is a new and exciting challenge at the Alcoa Technical Center in New Kensington, PA, just north of Pittsburgh. We develop new technologies with our Breakthrough Technologies team that has the potential to impact the life of millions of people and foster the sustainable footprint from Alcoa to the world. It was here where we developed the technology recently announced in partnership with Rio Tinto, called ELYSIS™, where we will produce aluminum with ZERO emission of greenhouse gases. In fact, we will actually be generating oxygen to our atmosphere during the aluminum production process– a revolution to the aluminum industry!
We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress. Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.
As a proud equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, Alcoa is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of a person’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken or any other characteristic or status protected by the laws or regulations in the places where we operate.
If you have visited our website in search of information on U.S. employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email at gssrecruiting@alcoa.com.
This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!
Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.
Shape Your World
At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.
Senior Materials Process Engineer – ELYSIS
A New Era for the Aluminum Industry – ELYSIS
Carbon Free Aluminum
There is a new, revolutionary way to make aluminum. It eliminates all greenhouse gases. And it produces oxygen! The ELYSIS™ technology is the greatest breakthrough in the aluminum industry since its beginnings in 1886. It has the potential to drastically reduce the environmental footprint of the global aluminum industry.
The ELYSIS™ technology effectively puts an end to the use of carbon anode in the aluminum smelting process. It features the newly developed breakthrough proprietary materials that are stable and do not react during the process. Thus, it eliminates all direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the aluminum smelting process and is the first technology ever that emits oxygen as its by-product.
An unprecedented world-class partnership of two major aluminum industry pioneers - Alcoa and Rio Tinto - led to the formation of ELYSIS, announced in 2018. The Canadian Government and the Quebec Government, through participation of Investment Quebec, have decided to support and be part of this industry revolution. The world’s technology giant Apple has helped facilitate the collaboration between Alcoa and Rio Tinto on the carbon-free smelting process and has agreed to provide ELYSIS with technical support.
ELYSIS is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with Technology Research & Development locations in Alma, Quebec, Canada, in Jonquière, Quebec, Canada, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, United States, and in France.
ELYSIS provides a unique solution for drastic reductions in the carbon footprint of many products used in our daily lives, including transportation, construction, electrical and consumer goods industries.
ELYSIS metal is now being used by Apple (MacBook Pro and iPhone 12 SE), Ab InBEV (cans), Audi (e-tron GT wheels), and Corona (cans).
About the Location
The ELYSIS US Research & Development facility is in the Alcoa Technical Center (ATC) located in New Kensington, PA which is the birthplace of the aluminum industry. Near Pittsburgh, PA, the ATC is where the process being scaled-up by ELYSIS was first developed with a dedicated team who continues to reinvent the aluminum industry for a sustainable future.
About the position
The Senior Materials Process Engineer will use their wide breadth of knowledge and expertise in ceramic materials and processes to lead research and development efforts associated with technical readiness level advancement of a ceramic process used to produce proprietary and novel electrodes for the Elysis smelting process. This role also serves to be the technical liaison, providing data-based decisions, guidance, and support to Elysis electrode production and industrialization teams. This role will report to Elysis R&D management.
Key Activities / Responsibilities:
- Develops and implements process improvement programs focused on reducing scale-up, operational, and manufacturing risks associated with critical equipment and production processes.
- Leads process engineering projects by defining objectives, developing execution plans, and applying engineering analysis to improve process capability, stability, efficiency, and throughput across pilot and commercial operations.
- Provides data-driven recommendations for process optimization, equipment performance, production readiness, and operational reliability to support successful deployment and sustained operation of Elysis technology.
- Supports the development and refinement of process specifications, operating procedures, equipment requirements, and control strategies through continuous improvement initiatives and analysis of process performance data.
- Apply sound engineering principles and a hands-on approach to troubleshoot process challenges, optimize production performance, and support manufacturing operations in laboratory, pilot, and commercial environments.
- Utilizes root cause analysis, statistical methods, and problem-solving tools to identify, investigate, and implement sustainable corrective actions for process, equipment, quality, and production-related issues.
- Identifies and leads initiatives that improve process efficiency, yield, reliability, product quality, capacity utilization, cost performance, and operational consistency.
- Collaborates with operations, maintenance, quality, R&D, suppliers, and external partners to ensure successful execution of process improvement projects while managing scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
- Establishes and monitors key process performance indicators (KPIs), analyzes production data and trends, and develops actionable recommendations to improve process control and operational performance.
- Documents, communicates, and standardizes process improvements through technical reports, operating procedures, work instructions, presentations, and knowledge-sharing activities to ensure long-term process sustainability and organizational learning.
Mobility
ELYSIS is a global company with operations in Canada, France, and the United States. Business related travel and extended duration assignments or missions may be essential for the success of this role.
About You
- Degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramics Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
- 1-5 years of relevant work experience related to the development of ceramic materials or processes preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge in ceramic processing, processing equipment and process scale-up experience.
- Proven project execution and management skills.
- Strong aptitude in physical, chemical, and thermal material property characterization methods and analysis.
- Experience working in collaborative, results driven, fast-paced team environments.
- Strong communication, organizational and analytical skills for data management, analysis, and results presentation.
Diversity: Be Part of an Unprecedented Partnership
At ELYSIS we are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to success of the unprecedented partnership that ELYSIS is.
We treat each other respectfully, fairly, compassionately and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes us different. At ELYSIS, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, the LGBTQIA2 community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds. ELYSIS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
About the Location
Every day is a new and exciting challenge at the Alcoa Technical Center in New Kensington, PA, just north of Pittsburgh. We develop new technologies with our Breakthrough Technologies team that has the potential to impact the life of millions of people and foster the sustainable footprint from Alcoa to the world. It was here where we developed the technology recently announced in partnership with Rio Tinto, called ELYSIS™, where we will produce aluminum with ZERO emission of greenhouse gases. In fact, we will actually be generating oxygen to our atmosphere during the aluminum production process– a revolution to the aluminum industry!
We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress. Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.
As a proud equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, Alcoa is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of a person’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nation of origin, disability, veteran status, language spoken or any other characteristic or status protected by the laws or regulations in the places where we operate.
If you have visited our website in search of information on U.S. employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Alcoa Recruiting via email at gssrecruiting@alcoa.com.
This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!
Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.
See All 7 Materials Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Materials Engineer JobsMaterials Engineer Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Materials Engineer Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in materials engineer jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, or a closely related engineering field
- Experience with metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites relevant to Pennsylvania's manufacturing and defense sectors
- Proficiency in materials testing, characterization, and failure analysis techniques
- Familiarity with industry standards such as ASTM, ASME, or MIL-SPEC commonly referenced by Pennsylvania defense contractors
- Experience with CAD software and materials modeling or simulation tools
- Professional Engineer licensure in Pennsylvania or eligibility to obtain it preferred for senior roles
Materials Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a materials engineer in Pennsylvania?
Becoming a materials engineer in Pennsylvania starts with earning a bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering or a related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program. Pennsylvania does not require a state license to work as a materials engineer in most industry roles, but senior positions and those involving public safety often prefer or require a Professional Engineer license issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early in your career strengthens your candidacy.
How much do materials engineers make in Pennsylvania?
Materials engineers in Pennsylvania earn a median of about $98,030 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $62,790 for the lowest 10% to over $173,530 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire materials engineers in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring materials engineers in Pennsylvania right now include Alcoa, Victaulic, and AA Metals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's concentration of defense contractors, specialty metals producers, and advanced manufacturing firms means materials engineering openings tend to cluster around industrial corridors in the Philadelphia suburbs, Pittsburgh, and the Lehigh Valley.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most materials engineer jobs?
Easton, Saint Marys, and West Mifflin account for the largest share of materials engineer openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia's surrounding suburbs anchor demand through defense contractors and pharmaceutical manufacturers, Pittsburgh draws on its legacy steel and advanced manufacturing industries alongside Carnegie Mellon University research spin-offs, and the Lehigh Valley hosts specialty metals producers like Carpenter Technology that consistently hire materials engineers across multiple experience levels.
Are there remote materials engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're rare. Materials engineering is heavily hands-on, involving lab work, materials testing, and plant-floor failure analysis that cannot be performed remotely. About 0% of materials engineer openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be senior technical writing, specification development, or materials selection consulting roles that rely less on physical access to equipment.
How can I get hired as a materials engineer in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to co-op or new-graduate programs at Pennsylvania's large industrial employers, where Carpenter Technology, Arconic, and regional defense contractors regularly recruit from ABET-accredited programs at Penn State, Lehigh University, and Drexel. Entry roles such as materials testing technician, quality engineer, or process engineer associate serve as practical stepping stones. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and building a portfolio of undergraduate lab or research projects gives candidates a concrete edge over those without it.
Where can I find and apply to materials engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to materials engineer jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings sourced from employers across the state. Search by city or specialty to narrow results to roles that match your background and career level, then apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 7 Materials Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Materials Engineer Jobs