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Entry Level Materials Engineer Jobs in California

Amat

Engineer, Electrical or Mechanical

Santa Clara, CA

$124K - $171K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting ...

Amat

Mechanical / Systems Engineer (NCG)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Summary Applied Materials is seeking an entry-level Mechanical/System Engineer to support equipment definition and system integration activities for 300mm platforms. This role will provide critical ...

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All JobsMaterials Engineer JobsEntry Level Materials Engineer JobsEntry Level Materials Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Materials Engineer information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$99.4K

$155.9K

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level materials engineer in California is $99,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $115,000.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Materials Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Materials Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,419 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Associate injection mold designer - Entry Level.

M.R. Mold & Engineering

Brea, CA • On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Utilize 3D CAD software to create technical drawings, mold assemblies, and component designs based on engineering specifications.

  • Assist senior mold designers with modifying existing mold designs, updating engineering change notices, and troubleshooting design challenges.

  • Maintain accurate project files, organize engineering documentation, and prepare bill of materials for tool room fabrication.

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Associate Injection Mold Designer to join our engineering and manufacturing team. In this entry-level role, you will work closely with senior designers and engineers to translate product concepts into functional, manufacturable injection mold designs. This position is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate with a foundational background in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to launch a career in the plastic injection molding industry and gain hands-on, practical engineering experience.

Key Responsibilities

• CAD Drafting & Modeling: Utilize 3D CAD software to create precise technical drawings, detailed mold assemblies, and component designs based on engineering specifications.

• Collaboration & Support: Assist senior mold designers with modifying existing mold designs, updating engineering change notices (ECNs), and troubleshooting design challenges.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Learn and apply foundational principles of injection molding, including core/cavity separation, draft angles, gating, runner systems, and cooling line layouts.

• Documentation Management: Maintain accurate project files, organize engineering documentation, and prepare bill of materials (BOM) lists for tool room fabrication.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Interface with the tool room, production team, and quality department to review design feasibility and support the successful build and sampling of new molds.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of a 2-year Associate Degree or technical certificate focusing on CAD Design, Mechanical Drafting, Manufacturing Technology, or a closely related field.

• Technical Skills: Foundational proficiency in mainstream 3D modeling software (such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Creo, or NX) acquired through coursework or internships.

• Blueprints & Geometric Dimensioning: Solid understanding of technical drawing standards, blueprint reading, and a basic familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Core Competencies: Strong spatial reasoning, mathematical aptitude, and problem-solving skills with a high degree of attention to detail.

• Soft Skills: Eagerness to learn, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset suited for a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Preferred (But Not Required) Qualifications

• Prior internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in a machine shop or manufacturing environment. • Basic understanding of plastic materials, metallurgy, or manufacturing processes.

• Exposure to mold simulation software (e.g., Moldflow)

What We Offer

• Competitive entry-level salary and comprehensive benefits package (Medical, 401k).

• Opportunities for continuing education and advanced training in injection molding technologies.

• A clear path for career progression within our growing engineering


Company Description

M.R. Mold is known globally for its experience and expertise in the mold building industry. We have been building LSR and plastic injection molds since 1985. The company pays 75% of the employee's medical insurance and matching 401K donations at 10%. We value investing in our employees and helping them succeed and grow both personally and professionally. We'd love to have you join the M.R. Mold team.