A career as a Materials and Process Engineer is a gateway to innovation, placing you at the forefront of developing the very substances that build our future. For those targeting the high-tech hub of El Segundo, California, this path is not only intellectually stimulating but also exceptionally lucrative. With average salaries comfortably soaring into the six-figure range, this role offers significant financial rewards for professionals who develop, select, and test the advanced materials used in aerospace, defense, and beyond.
This guide provides a data-driven analysis of what a Materials and Process Engineer can expect to earn in El Segundo, the key factors that influence that salary, and the promising outlook for this specialized career.
What Does a Materials and Process Engineer Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand the role. A Materials and Process (M&P) Engineer is a specialist who acts as the bridge between material science and product manufacturing. They are experts on the properties, processing, and application of various materials like metals, composites, polymers, and ceramics.
In a technology-rich environment like El Segundo—home to aerospace and defense giants—their daily responsibilities often include:
- Material Selection: Identifying and qualifying the perfect materials for demanding applications, such as satellite components, rocket fuselages, or advanced defense systems.
- Process Development: Creating and refining the manufacturing processes (e.g., heat treating, composite curing, additive manufacturing) to ensure materials meet strict performance specifications.
- Testing and Analysis: Conducting rigorous tests to verify material strength, durability, and resistance to extreme environments (like the vacuum of space or high-G forces).
- Failure Analysis: Investigating why a material or component failed to prevent future occurrences.
- Collaboration: Working closely with design engineers, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance to bring a product from concept to reality.
Average Materials and Process Engineer Salary in El Segundo
El Segundo's unique concentration of high-paying industries makes it one of the most competitive markets for engineering talent in the United States. Consequently, salaries for M&P Engineers here are significantly higher than the national average.
Based on recent data from several authoritative sources, the average base salary for a Materials and Process Engineer in El Segundo, CA, typically falls between $125,000 and $140,000 per year.
- According to Salary.com, the median salary for a Materials Engineer III in El Segundo is approximately $135,500, with a typical range between $124,000 and $148,000.
- Glassdoor reports an average salary in a similar range, often factoring in additional compensation like cash bonuses and stock options, which can push the total compensation even higher.
The full salary spectrum is quite broad, reflecting the influence of experience and other factors:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Approximately $95,000 to $115,000
- Mid-Career (3-8 years): Approximately $115,000 to $145,000
- Senior/Lead (8+ years): Approximately $145,000 to $170,000+
It is crucial to note that these figures represent base salaries. In the competitive aerospace and tech sectors, total compensation packages that include substantial annual bonuses, stock options, and comprehensive benefits can increase these figures by 15-25% or more.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your exact salary will be determined by a combination of factors. Understanding these variables can help you maximize your earning potential throughout your career.
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Level of Education
A Bachelor of Science in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering is the standard entry point for this career. However, advanced degrees can unlock higher starting salaries and more specialized, high-paying roles.
- Bachelor's Degree: Qualifies you for most M&P engineering positions.
- Master's Degree (M.S.): Can provide a salary bump of 10-15% and is often preferred for roles that require deeper specialization or project leadership.
- Doctorate (Ph.D.): Essential for fundamental research and development (R&D) positions. A Ph.D. can command a starting salary that rivals a mid-career engineer with a bachelor's degree.
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Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth. As you gain expertise and a track record of success, your value to employers increases dramatically.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Focus is on learning company processes, conducting tests, and supporting senior engineers.
- Mid-Career (3-8 years): Engineers take on more responsibility, lead smaller projects, and develop specialized expertise. This is where significant salary growth occurs.
- Senior Level (8+ years): Senior and Principal Engineers are technical leaders. They mentor junior staff, manage large-scale projects, and are responsible for critical material and process decisions. Their salaries reflect this high level of responsibility and expertise.
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Geographic Location
Location is a powerful salary determinant. The primary reason salaries in El Segundo are so high is the combination of a high cost of living and an intense concentration of leading-edge companies competing for a limited pool of talent.
To put it in perspective, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the national median pay for Materials Engineers was $102,990 per year as of May 2023. The salaries offered in El Segundo are easily 25-40% higher than this national figure, reflecting its status as a premier engineering hub.
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Company Type
The type of company you work for plays a major role. El Segundo and the surrounding South Bay area are dominated by a few key players:
- Major Defense and Aerospace Contractors (e.g., Northrop Grumman, Raytheon): These established giants typically offer highly competitive base salaries, structured career progression, excellent benefits, and strong job security.
- "New Space" Innovators (e.g., SpaceX, Relativity Space in nearby Hawthorne/Long Beach): These companies often attract talent with a compelling mission and potentially lucrative stock options, alongside competitive base salaries. The work environment is often fast-paced and dynamic.
- Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) (e.g., The Aerospace Corporation): These organizations serve as technical advisors to the government. They hire highly skilled engineers, often with advanced degrees, and offer excellent salaries and work-life balance.
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Area of Specialization
Within materials engineering, certain specializations are in particularly high demand in the El Segundo market, directly impacting salary.
- Composites: Expertise in carbon fiber and other composite materials is critical for building lightweight and strong satellites and aircraft. This is a highly sought-after skill.
- Metallurgy: Deep knowledge of high-performance alloys (like titanium and superalloys) used in rocket engines and airframes is always in demand.
- Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): Engineers who specialize in developing processes for 3D printing metal and polymer components are at the cutting edge and can command premium salaries.
- Electronics Materials: Knowledge of materials used in semiconductors, sensors, and other electronics is crucial for the sophisticated avionics in modern aerospace and defense systems.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for Materials Engineers is stable and particularly strong in specialized hubs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a national growth rate of 2% for materials engineers from 2022 to 2032.
While this national figure may seem modest, it's crucial to look at the local context. The demand in a high-tech ecosystem like El Segundo is significantly more robust. The ongoing investment in national defense, the rapid growth of the commercial space industry ("New Space"), and the relentless pursuit of lighter, stronger, and more capable materials ensure that skilled M&P Engineers will remain in high demand here for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
For engineering professionals with a passion for innovation, a career as a Materials and Process Engineer in El Segundo offers a rare combination of impactful work and outstanding financial reward. With average salaries well into the six figures and a clear path for growth, it stands out as an exceptional career choice.
To maximize your success on this path, focus on continuous learning, consider pursuing an advanced degree for specialized roles, and build expertise in high-demand areas like composites or additive manufacturing. By doing so, you can position yourself to not only earn a top-tier salary but also to help shape the next generation of world-changing technology.