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Entry Level Material Science Engineering Jobs in Virginia

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level material science engineering in Virginia is $26.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $32.64 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 are popular job titles related to Entry Level Material Science Engineering jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Material Science Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Material Science Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Material Science Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Material Science Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Material Science Engineering job openings:
Entry Level Material Science Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Material Science Engineering job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,091 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Associate, Materials & Processes Engineering (Orange, VA)

L3HHCM20

Culpeper, VA • On-site

$5.9K - $110K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

New

Job description

Job Title: Associate, Materials & Processes Engineering

Job Code: 39383

Job Location: Orange, VA

Job Description:

This role will be supporting rocket propulsion materials and process development. After orientation and training, new hire will perform entry-level engineering assignments under direct supervision of other engineers following established procedures and policies. This position will support senior engineering staff and provide interns experience and familiarization with our programs, processes and products. Projects may include materials engineering support for propulsion hardware design and fabrication and test.

Tasks may also include assisting in the selection of materials for product definition and application, the calculation of design allowables from literature and experimental data, the performance of material properties testing, performing chemical analysis testing, and the generation of technical reports and presentations to document technical conclusions/findings. May also coordinate test activities in the laboratories.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • To be eligible, applicants must be pursuing aBachelor'sdegreein Material Science, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Welding Engineering, Chemistryor related fieldor have completed their Bachelor'sdegree within the last 12months,regardlessof age.  

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the  salary range for this role in Virginia is $59,00 - $110,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary 
based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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