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Entry Level Material Science Engineering Jobs in California

... science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world. What We Offer Salary: $147,000.00 - $202,500.00 Location: Santa Clara,CA ...

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Entry Level Material Science Engineering information

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$13

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$43

How much do entry level material science engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level material science engineering in California is $26.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Material Science Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, or engineering, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, materials characterization tools (such as SEM, XRD, or spectroscopy), and CAD software is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring precise material analysis, innovative problem-solving, and successful collaboration on engineering projects.

What does an entry level material science engineer do?

An entry level material science engineer assists in the research, development, and testing of materials used to create products and structures. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers to analyze material properties, conduct experiments, and help improve manufacturing processes. Their responsibilities may include preparing samples, running laboratory tests, recording data, and supporting the design of new materials for specific applications such as aerospace, electronics, or energy. These engineers play a crucial role in helping organizations develop innovative and efficient materials. The position usually requires a bachelor's degree in material science, engineering, or a related field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Material Science Engineering vs Entry Level Metallurgical Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Material Science EngineeringEntry Level Metallurgical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, R&D departmentsMining sites, metal production facilities, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, electronics, consumer productsMining, metal extraction, alloy development, manufacturing

Entry Level Material Science Engineering and Entry Level Metallurgical Engineering share foundational knowledge and often overlap in industries like manufacturing and R&D. However, Material Science focuses more on the properties and applications of materials, while Metallurgical Engineering emphasizes metal extraction and processing. Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree and involve work in labs or industrial settings, but their specific industry applications differ slightly.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry-level material science engineer?

As an entry-level material science engineer, you will typically assist in the development, testing, and analysis of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites. Your daily tasks may include preparing samples, conducting laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting senior engineers in research or product development projects. You’ll also collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, such as mechanical and chemical engineers, to solve materials-related challenges and improve product performance. This hands-on experience is invaluable and often serves as a springboard for more advanced roles in research, quality assurance, or product design.
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Material Science Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Material Science Engineering job openings:
Postdoctoral Scholar in Computer Science & Engineering

Postdoctoral Scholar in Computer Science & Engineering

University of California, Riverside

Riverside, CA • On-site

$69K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


University Of California Riverside rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

241st of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position overview
Position title: Postdoc Employee
Salary range: $69,073-$82,836
Anticipated start: Jan 1, 2026
Review timeline: Applications will continue to be accepted until Sept 8, 2025, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Application Window
Open date: August 22, 2025
Most recent review date: Monday, Sep 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of California, Riverside invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position in the area of system security, including vulnerability discovery and analysis, system building, and program analysis. Candidates should have a strong publication record in relevant conferences, such as those in software engineering, security, programming languages, or architecture.
This is an open research area position, and the department welcomes applicants from all areas of computer science & engineering who demonstrate strong potential for impactful research and interdisciplinary collaboration. The initial appointment will be for two years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding. Salary will range from $69,073 to $82,836 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with University of California guidelines
(see: https://graduate.ucr.edu/postdoctoral-studies )
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering or a closely related field by the time of appointment. Successful candidates will have a strong research record and experience relevant to their area of specialization. Preferred qualifications include experience in designing and implementing research prototypes, conducting evaluations and data analysis, mentoring students, and contributing effectively in collaborative research environments.
To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter (which must include their area(s) of research specialization), a curriculum vitae (CV), and optionally, three letters of reference. Applications must be submitted through AP Recruit at https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF012148 . Full consideration will be given to applications received by September 8, 2025, though the position will remain open until filled. The anticipated start date will be January 1, 2026. Selected applicants will be invited to interview via Zoom.
For more information about the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, please visit https://engr.ucr.edu . Additional details regarding postdoctoral studies at UC Riverside can be found at https://graduate.ucr.edu/postdoctoral-studies .
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering or a closely related field by the time of appointment
Preferred qualifications
Preferred qualifications include experience in designing and implementing research prototypes, conducting evaluations and data analysis, mentoring students, and contributing effectively in collaborative research environments.
The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission ( https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement ) is a preferred qualification.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Sample of Publications (Optional)
  • Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

Reference requirements
References are optional. If you are providing reference letters, please combine and upload all reference letters
and include them in the Letters of Reference.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02148
Help contact: mhardcas@ucr.edu
About UC Riverside
The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) and the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission ( https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement ) is a preferred qualification.
We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC's criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal ( https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf ).
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, State, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the vendor that administers this process for the campus.
For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:
https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH .
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination .
For the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy, please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf .
Job location
Riverside, CA

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