Senior Level Materials Engineer Jobs
Senior level materials engineer jobs put experienced engineers in charge of material selection strategy, failure analysis leadership, and the cross-functional programs that deliver production-ready solutions. Roles are concentrated across Consulting & Professional Services, Manufacturing, and Electronics & Hardware, with a mix of on-site, hybrid, and remote positions, and employers like ECS Limited, Applied Materials, and AECOM hiring at this level now.
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Description
The Opportunity
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant State Materials Engineer will:
- Direct the development, operation, strategic planning and continued improvement of procedures and policies for the Materials Quality Assurance Section, Fabrication Inspection Section, Materials Quality Oversight position and the Quality Systems Section.
- Provide professional engineering expertise, guidance and direction on fabricated materials, such as structural welding and bolting, paint coating systems, steel bridges, prestressed concrete girders, precast concrete items, metal castings, luminaire and signal standards and treated timber.
- Monitor and evaluate changes to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Quality Assurance Procedures for Construction in 23 CFR 637, Western Alliance for Quality Construction Testers (WAQTC), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
- Direct the Materials Quality Assurance Audits performed on construction contracts administered by Region project engineer offices.
- Direct the qualified products program that lists over 2,500 preapproved materials, the aggregate source approval program that has over 350 preapproved aggregate sources that are used on all WSDOT construction projects for materials acceptance.
- Be responsible for developing, modifying, updating and implementing changes to the Construction Manual for guidance used to approve, accept and tests materials.
- Manage the development, revisions and updates to materials management computer programs that include the Materials Testing System (MATS), Qualified Products List (QPL), Aggregate Source Approval program (ASA), Record of Materials program (ROM), and the Qualified Tester Database.
- Provide professional engineering expertise to assist Region Project Engineer Offices with materials approval and acceptance issues on WSDOT contracts.
- Represent WSDOT at meetings with Washington State professional organizations and national organizations.
Qualifications
- Transportation Construction & Contract Administration Expertise: Demonstrated professional engineering experience in transportation construction, contract administration, change order management, contract dispute resolution, and application of materials quality assurance requirements across design-bid-build, design-build, and other alternative delivery methods.
- Leadership, Management & Strategic Planning: Demonstrated ability to apply principles of leadership and management, including long-range strategic planning, budgeting practices, personnel rules, supervision principles, negotiation strategies, and safety and health policies in a complex organizational environment.
- Communication & Engagement: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate across internal agency divisions, external agencies, technical committees, industry organizations, and contractors to achieve program and project objectives.
- Program Planning & Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to schedule and coordinate office operations, develop and deliver presentations, and make and implement decisions that support organizational goals and operational effectiveness.
- Policy Development & Implementation: Demonstrated ability to conduct research, develop, interpret, and implement statewide policies and procedures related to quality assurance programs for transportation construction projects.
- Engineering Document Interpretation: Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and apply contract plans, specifications, standard plans, special provisions, and other technical engineering documents in construction and materials quality contexts.
- Staff Supervision & Development: Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, mentor, train, and evaluate staff performance while fostering professional development and accountability within technical teams.
- Strategic Thinking & Policy Impact Awareness: Demonstrated ability to evaluate and understand the short- and long-term implications of policy development and implementation within transportation construction and materials quality programs.
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Intergovernmental & Industry Systems Understanding
Demonstrated understanding of the roles and interests of public and private organizations involved in Washington’s transportation system, including materials testing and quality assurance stakeholders. - Professional Industry Expertise: Experience in highway construction project administration, supervision of highway materials testing laboratories, or other closely related transportation construction or materials quality assurance functions.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required:
- A Washington State Professional Civil Engineering License or licensed as a PE in another state with the ability to obtain licensure in Washington State within six (6) months of hire.
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Ability to travel in and out-of-state.
- Ability to conduct field work at project sites, fabrication facilities, and uneven terrain or industrial environments.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
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Find JobsSenior Level Materials Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- ECS Limited18
- Applied Materials4
- AECOM3
- Teknor Apex Company3
- Corning2
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services31
- Manufacturing11
- Electronics & Hardware11
- Technology & Software10
- Education6
Senior Level Materials Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level materials engineer job?
Employers at this level look for engineers who have independently led material qualification programs, authored specifications, and resolved systemic failures rather than just executing tasks. Demonstrating that you have mentored junior engineers, presented technical findings to stakeholders, and driven decisions on material selection or process changes will differentiate your candidacy from mid-level applicants.
Which companies hire senior level materials engineers?
Companies hiring senior level materials engineers right now include ECS Limited, Applied Materials, and AECOM, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Hiring at this level tends to concentrate among aerospace and defense primes, advanced manufacturing firms, semiconductor fabricators, and energy companies that require deep materials expertise on complex, long-cycle programs.
Are there remote senior level materials engineer jobs?
Yes, though many roles still require on-site or hybrid presence due to lab and production floor responsibilities. About 11% of senior level materials engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with remote availability most common in roles focused on standards development, materials data analysis, or technical program management rather than hands-on testing.
What makes a materials engineer role senior level?
Senior level materials engineer roles are distinguished by scope, ownership, and influence. Expectations include leading material qualification or failure investigation programs end-to-end, defining specifications that others follow, mentoring junior and mid-level engineers, and engaging directly with suppliers, customers, or regulatory bodies. The role shifts from executing assigned tasks to setting technical direction and being accountable for outcomes.
Which industries hire the most senior level materials engineers?
Senior Level materials engineer roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Manufacturing, and Electronics & Hardware, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they depend on advanced material performance, strict qualification standards, and the kind of deep domain expertise that takes years of program experience to develop.