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Entry Level Material Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes to meet quality, performance, and ... Entrylevel to earlycareer experience in mechanical design, product development, or manufacturing ...

We are looking for an entry-level or early career Mechanical Engineer with strong technical skills ... Mechanics of Materials * Finite Element Analysis * Mechanisms/Machine Design * Kinematics * Fluid ...

Position Summary The Field Engineer is an entry-level field leadership role designed for ... Help track daily production and field progress * Assist with material staging, logistics, and ...

Position Summary The Field Engineer is an entry-level field leadership role designed for ... Help track daily production and field progress * Assist with material staging, logistics, and ...

Position Summary The Field Engineer is an entry-level field leadership role designed for ... Help track daily production and field progress * Assist with material staging, logistics, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Material Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$25.6K

$57K

$89.3K

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level material engineer in Tennessee is $56,988.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $64,100.00 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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Entry Level Material Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,988 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Entry Level Structural Engineer/Auditor

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Nashville, TN

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Graduate Structural Engineer/Auditor

At Ross Bryan Associates, A Salas O’Brien Company, we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career – and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, we are licensed in 49 states and specialize in designing commercial and institutional structures—including office buildings, education facilities, hospitals, convention centers, and specialty structures.

If you’re an aspiring structural engineer looking to gain hands-on experience and work on exciting projects while receiving expert mentorship, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Core Competencies:

  • Collaborate with experienced structural engineers on design projects in a team-oriented environment.
  • Gain exposure to diverse structural materials and systems.
  • Gain valuable industry experience evaluating precast concrete plants for certification programs.
  • Balance fieldwork and design work, with opportunities to shift more toward structural design based on your interests and expertise.

    Qualifications:

    • Degree: Bachelor’s (Master’s preferred), with an emphasis on structural engineering.
    • Interest in Structures: Coursework or experience in demonstrating exposure to a broad range of structural engineering materials and concepts.
    • Adaptability & Growth Mindset: Eagerness to gain experience in diverse structural engineering applications.
    • Interest in Travel: Opportunity includes short-duration travel (typically five days or less at a time) to evaluate precast concrete plants (after extensive in-house training).
    • Communication Skills: Ability to develop and display effective communication skills.

    Employee Benefits:

    • Exposure to a variety of structural design projects across different use-types and materials.
    • Equity Participation / Ownership Opportunity
    • Competitive compensation with performance-based bonus eligibility
    • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance packages
    • 401(k) with company match
    • Flexible PTO
    • Professional development support

      Location: Nashville, TN

      Travel: Could be up to 50%

      Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

      Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.


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