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Entry Level Material Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Material Engineer information

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$30K

$69.4K

$118K

How much do entry level material engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level material engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level material engineer do?

An entry level material engineer assists in developing, testing, and evaluating materials used in manufacturing and product design. Their responsibilities often include analyzing material properties, conducting experiments in labs, preparing technical reports, and supporting senior engineers on various projects. They may also help troubleshoot material failures and recommend improvements. This role provides foundational experience in materials science and engineering principles, often working under supervision while gaining practical skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, often through senior roles, bonuses, or stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Entry level material engineers can start at age 40 or later, as the field values skills, education, and experience over age. Many engineers successfully transition careers or pursue additional training, certifications, or degrees to enter the profession at any age. Age is generally not a barrier if the candidate has relevant knowledge and a strong interest in materials science and engineering principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Material Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Material Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science or engineering, typically with a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with materials characterization tools (such as SEM, XRD), CAD software, and common lab testing protocols is often required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with colleagues and solve complex problems. These competencies ensure you can contribute to developing and improving materials that meet technical and project requirements.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Most entry-level material engineers do not earn $500,000 annually. High salaries in engineering typically occur at senior levels, in executive roles, or within specialized fields such as petroleum or aerospace engineering, often requiring extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities.

What are some typical projects and responsibilities for an entry-level material engineer in their first year?

As an entry-level material engineer, you will often work on tasks like conducting materials testing, analyzing data, assisting with the development of prototypes, and preparing technical documentation. You'll likely collaborate closely with senior engineers, quality control teams, and manufacturing staff to support ongoing projects. It's common to be involved in troubleshooting material-related issues and participating in team meetings to discuss project progress and challenges. This role provides a solid foundation for learning industry standards and gaining hands-on experience with different materials and processes.

What is the difference between Entry Level Material Engineer vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Material EngineerEntry Level Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, R&D facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing plants, testing labs
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, electronics, manufacturingAutomotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing
Common Search IntentEntry Level Material Engineer roles, job requirements, career pathEntry Level Mechanical Engineer roles, job duties, career options

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in their respective fields and involve working in manufacturing or R&D environments. While Material Engineers focus on developing and testing materials, Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and interests.

Is there a demand for material engineers?

Material engineers are in demand across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing due to ongoing innovations in materials and technology. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as companies seek to develop stronger, lighter, and more sustainable materials, often requiring knowledge of CAD software and materials testing. Entry-level positions are available for those with relevant education and certifications in materials science or engineering.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Material Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Material Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Entry Level Material Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Material Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Material Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Entry-level Material Review Engineer

Entry-level Material Review Engineer

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS

$63K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Overview

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting Spirit’s Commercial Business Units (“Spirit Commercial”). Spirit Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, one of Boeing’s three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for decades. Spirit Commercial’s core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions.


Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

  • Material Review Engineers represent the entirety of Engineering, as members of the Material Review Board (MRB), in an Aerospace production or preproduction environment
  • Requires the capabilities to formulate,analyze, substantiate and document dispositions for production nonconformances within the boundaries of Federal Aviation Regulations and OEM delegated requirements
  • Utilize independent, single signature authority for dispositioning nonconformances on aircraft structural components, systems, functional tests, and wiring/electrical installations under rapid paced production schedules
  • This decision/disposition process is based upon knowledge of the design and manufacture of machined/sheet metal parts, weldments, non-metals, advanced composites, and/or large-scale assemblies and systems integration
  • MRB engineers are self-motivated and possess the ability to act decisively, communicate effectively, and demonstrate innovation and resourcefulness when exercising his or her roll in MRB delegated or non-delegated environments
  • Utilize skills in applying systems-thinking to improve producibility of hardware and in resolution of production problems
  • Possesses the ability to investigate for root cause and recommend resolution to design discrepancies
  • Ability to manage projects and lead or participate in cross-functional teams to accomplish engineering and manufacturing initiatives

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited University, with 0-1 year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Experience with Material Review Board in aerospace production environment
  • Aerospace or mechanical engineering degree preferred
  • Experience with composite materials in design
  • Knowledge of CATIA V5 programs
  • Experience in reading and interpreting aircraft maintenance documents, engineering repair design, and repair substantiation working for an airline, FAA Part 145 Repair station, and/or aircraft OEM Liaison
  • Skill in applying systems thinking to improve maintainability of components and to resolve component performance problems
  • Knowledge of both production and design processes including aircraft industry standard repair methods
  • Ability to develop innovative revisions to the design and manufacture of machined parts, sheet metal parts, welded assemblies, non-metals, advanced composite components, and new material integration
  • Skill in the initiation of design and process changes
  • Ability to communicate effectively, act decisively, and to demonstrate innovation and resourcefulness
  • Ability to develop, implement and integrate technical curriculum

Union:

This is a union-represented position.

Shift:

This position is for 2nd shift.

New employees will complete initial training on 1st shift. Upon successful completion of training and/or receipt of delegation authority, employees will transition to 2nd shift. 

 

Drug Free Workplace:

We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. 

We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. 

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. 

Summary Pay Range: $63,750 - $97,750  

Compensation & Premium Eligibility:

This position includes a minimum shift differential of 10%, depending on assigned schedule. Employees in this role may also become eligible for an additional premium upon receipt of applicable delegation authority, reflecting the increased responsibility associated with delegated authority.

Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit. #

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's of Science degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited University, with 0-1 year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Experience with Material Review Board in aerospace production environment
  • Aerospace or mechanical engineering degree preferred
  • Experience with composite materials in design
  • Knowledge of CATIA V5 programs
  • Experience in reading and interpreting aircraft maintenance documents, engineering repair design, and repair substantiation working for an airline, FAA Part 145 Repair station, and/or aircraft OEM Liaison
  • Skill in applying systems thinking to improve maintainability of components and to resolve component performance problems
  • Knowledge of both production and design processes including aircraft industry standard repair methods
  • Ability to develop innovative revisions to the design and manufacture of machined parts, sheet metal parts, welded assemblies, non-metals, advanced composite components, and new material integration
  • Skill in the initiation of design and process changes
  • Ability to communicate effectively, act decisively, and to demonstrate innovation and resourcefulness
  • Ability to develop, implement and integrate technical curriculum

Union:

This is a union-represented position.

Shift:

This position is for 2nd shift.

New employees will complete initial training on 1st shift. Upon successful completion of training and/or receipt of delegation authority, employees will transition to 2nd shift. 

 

Drug Free Workplace:

We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent.  Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. 

We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. 

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. 

Summary Pay Range: $63,750 - $97,750  

Compensation & Premium Eligibility:

This position includes a minimum shift differential of 10%, depending on assigned schedule. Employees in this role may also become eligible for an additional premium upon receipt of applicable delegation authority, reflecting the increased responsibility associated with delegated authority.

Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit. #

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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