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Associate Materials Engineer Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Computing the volume of bulk materials (concrete, bituminous mixtures and earthwork) from drawings ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

Specifically, builders may be called upon to: * Assist engineers with construction plans ... Make estimates for project materials, equipment and labor * Operate repair shops for Builder tools ...

Direct supervision over Fire Apparatus Engineers, Firefighters, and extra-help or volunteer ... Hazardous Materials Incident Commander or equivalent certification. Additional certifications may ...

Fire Lieutenant

Livingston, CA · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

Direct supervision over Fire Apparatus Engineers, Firefighters, and extra-help or volunteer ... Associate degree or higher in Fire Technology, Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related ...

Partner with Engineering to introduce new products, programs, and capital equipment. * Develop and ... associates. * Perform other duties as assigned. Position Requirements * Bachelor's degree is ...

Associate Materials Engineer information

See Merced, CA salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do associate materials engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate materials engineer in Merced, CA is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $25.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are associate materials engineers in high demand?

Associate materials engineers are in steady demand due to their role in developing and testing materials for industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and construction. Employment opportunities often depend on industry growth, technical skills, and certifications in materials analysis and testing tools.

What is the difference between Associate Materials Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectAssociate Materials EngineerMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in materials science or engineering; some roles may require internshipsBachelor's or master's degree; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects in manufacturing or R&D labsMore independent roles, overseeing projects and testing in labs or production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries for entry-level rolesCommon in similar industries, often with more responsibilities and project oversight

The main difference is experience and responsibility level. Associate Materials Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting roles, while Materials Engineers have more experience, overseeing projects and making technical decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Materials Engineers often hold professional certifications and have greater independence in their work.

What is an associate materials engineer?

Associate Materials Engineers are early-career professionals who assist in the development, testing, and evaluation of materials used in a variety of products and industries. They work under the supervision of more experienced engineers and help analyze the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to ensure they meet specific engineering requirements. Their responsibilities typically include conducting experiments, collecting data, preparing reports, and supporting the design and improvement of new materials. This role is often a stepping stone to more senior engineering positions and provides foundational experience in materials science and engineering applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate materials engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Materials Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, CAD software, and materials characterization techniques—such as SEM or XRD—is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in problem-solving and cross-functional projects. These competencies are crucial for developing, testing, and improving materials that meet industry standards and project requirements.

What types of projects does an associate materials engineer typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other departments?

Associate Materials Engineers often work on projects involving material selection, testing, and analysis for new or existing products. They regularly collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards. Day-to-day tasks may include conducting laboratory experiments, preparing technical reports, and troubleshooting material-related issues in production. This collaborative environment allows for ongoing learning and provides exposure to various stages of product development, supporting career growth within multidisciplinary teams.
What job categories do people searching Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Merced, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Merced, CA are:
What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Associate Materials Engineer jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Associate Materials Engineer job openings:

ENGINEERING AIDE

U.S. Navy

Merced, CA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the Seabees, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Learn from the best as you report directly to Construction Engineers who will help you develop a sharp understanding of what it takes to plan and carry out on-site projects. Do your job right, and you’ll build structures that will last for years to come and a career that will take you wherever you want to go.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering Aides directly assist Construction Engineers in developing final construction plans. They are responsible for performing the pre-construction prep work from blueprint planning to land surveying that helps ensure the success of the project. As an Engineering Aide, your work responsibilities may include:

  • Conducting location surveys for roads, airfields, pipelines, ditches, buildings, drainage structures and waterfront construction
  • Preparing hydrographic, topographic and triangulation drawings and maps
  • Computing the volume of bulk materials (concrete, bituminous mixtures and earthwork) from drawings and specifications
  • Laying out all types of construction work
  • Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and equipment
  • Preparing architectural, mechanical, electrical and civil drawings
  • Designing grading and drainage systems
  • Conducting concrete, soil and asphalt tests and quality control inspections
  • Reading and interpreting blueprints and preparing sketches for projects
  • Making estimates of material, labor and equipment requirements
  • Performing tasks required in combat and disaster preparedness or recovery operations

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • As an Engineering Aide, you’ll construct and repair a variety of structures in just about every environment imaginable. You may work at Navy bases or ports of call around the globe, and you may be deployed to help develop or rebuild areas affected by natural disasters. Seabees primarily serve at shore-based commands—you will likely not spend time at sea.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older

PAY AND BENEFITS

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential to earn a bonus upon enlistment
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • Paid training

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

  • Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill, up to 100% tuition
  • Professional credentials and certifications
  • College credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education

PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES

  • Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Engineering Aides in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
  • For annual training, you may serve anywhere in the world, including locations in the U.S., at bases overseas, or in areas where humanitarian needs are great

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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