ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Materials Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Structures Company

Materials Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$19 - $94/hr

Provides mentoring and training to entry-level engineers and manufacturing technicians. * Applies ... Applies materials science and process engineering principles to thin film deposition. * Optimizes ...

Chipton Ross

Materials Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$94.15/hr

Job #219494 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Materials Engineer for a contract opportunity in Santa Rosa ... Can be involved in mentoring and training entry level engineers and manufacturing technicians.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaterials Engineer JobsEntry Level Materials Engineer Jobs

Entry Level Materials Engineer information

See salary details

$38K

$100.7K

$158K

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level materials engineer in the United States is $100,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level materials engineer do?

An entry level materials engineer assists in designing, testing, and analyzing materials used to create a wide variety of products, such as metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers to conduct experiments, evaluate material properties, and support the development of new materials or processes. Their responsibilities may include preparing samples, collecting and interpreting data, and helping to solve technical problems related to materials. This role is crucial for ensuring products meet safety, quality, and performance standards.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level materials engineer expect in their first year?

As an entry level materials engineer, you will typically assist in testing and analyzing materials, preparing reports on findings, and supporting senior engineers in ongoing projects. Common responsibilities include conducting laboratory experiments, helping select appropriate materials for specific applications, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to improve product quality. You may also participate in troubleshooting production issues and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building foundational skills and understanding the workflow of multidisciplinary teams.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Materials Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, engineering principles, and analytical problem-solving, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with lab testing equipment, materials characterization software, and CAD tools is commonly required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and keen attention to detail help you excel when collaborating on projects and presenting technical findings. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the development of safe, reliable, and innovative materials solutions within engineering teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Materials Engineer vs Materials Technician?

AspectEntry Level Materials EngineerMaterials Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Materials Science or EngineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification in materials or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and development in labs or officesTesting and inspection in labs or manufacturing settings
Industry UsageResearch, development, and product designQuality control and material testing

Entry Level Materials Engineers focus on designing and analyzing materials, often working in labs or offices, while Materials Technicians perform testing and quality checks on materials in manufacturing environments. Both roles require related educational backgrounds, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Materials Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs are:

Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Materials Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,738 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Materials Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

The Structures Company
See more jobs at The Structures Companyexternal

$19 - $94/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Materials Engineer
LOCATION: Santa Rosa, CA
PAY RATE: $79.00-94.15/hour

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details:

  • Job Type: Contract (12 months with potential for extension)

  • Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance

  • Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

  • Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

  • Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

  • Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.

  • Shift: 4/10-A

Qualifying Questions:

  • Are you a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance?

  • Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

  • Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary: 

  • Designs and develops sputtering and evaporation processes to produce optical thin-film based products.

  • Uses one or more thin film design tools including TFCalc, OptiLayer, FilmStar, and FilmWizard for design and analysis.

  • Acts as primary technical contact to internal Program Managers for multiple projects.

  • Provides mentoring and training to entry-level engineers and manufacturing technicians.

  • Applies various advanced analytical and metrology tools for thin film characterization and process control.

  • Performs thin film coating design, process development, and optimization for optical applications.

  • Supports engagements with customers, vendors, and colleagues for technical discussions.

  • Uses data analysis and metrology for process validation and product qualification.

  • Applies materials science and process engineering principles to thin film deposition.

  • Optimizes thin film deposition processes for production and development.

Requirements:

  • Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.

  • Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).

  • Extensive experience with sputtering and evaporation designs and processes for optical thin-film products.

  • Proficiency with one or more thin film design tools such as TFCalc, OptiLayer, FilmStar, or FilmWizard.

  • Competence with various advanced analytical and metrology tools for thin film characterization.

  • Experience with thin film materials and process engineering.

  • Ability to act as primary technical contact for multiple projects and Program Managers.

  • Experience mentoring and training entry-level engineers and manufacturing technicians.

  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for data-driven decision making.

  • Solid communication skills for customer, vendor, and internal engagement.

  • Experience with optical thin-film based product development and production.

About Us:

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

Take your career to new heights—apply today!

Engineers - #Jobad