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Entry Level Materials Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Orders Construction

Project Engineer

Christiansburg, VA · On-site

This is an entry level management position, specifically suited to engineering graduates who desire ... Material procurement and delivery coordination * Project safety management * Participation in key ...

Orders Construction

Project Engineer

Christiansburg, VA · On-site

This is an entry level management position, specifically suited to engineering graduates who desire ... Material procurement and delivery coordination * Project safety management * Participation in key ...

MEB

Project Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

... the timely delivery of materials, maintaining schedules and budgets to ensure delivery of ... Whether you are an entry-level engineer eager to start your career or a seasoned professional ...

MEB

Project Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

... the timely delivery of materials, maintaining schedules and budgets to ensure delivery of ... Whether you are an entry-level engineer eager to start your career or a seasoned professional ...

U.S. Army

Technical Engineer (U.S. Army)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$38K - $44K/yr

If so, serving as Technical Engineer in the U.S. Army could be the right career choice for you ... * Entry level (no experience) * Perform field and laboratory tests on construction materials ...

Garney Construction

Project Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

... purchasing materials, maintaining documents, and acting as a point of contact with owners ... This position is perfect for someone seeking entry-level project management experience with an ...

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

Entry Level Materials Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$37.7K

$99.9K

$156.6K

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

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level materials engineer in Virginia is $99,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $115,500.00 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 Does an Entry-Level Materials Engineer Do?

Material engineers can work for companies that manufacture a wide range of products. As an entry-level materials engineer, your duties are similar to a materials engineer with more experience, although you may have limited responsibilities. Depending on the industry in which you work, you come up with solutions for technical problems, improve product design to help optimize the quality and cost of production, and help complete projects and other tasks. As an entry-level materials engineer, you work closely with process development and production teams testing products and streamlining production. You may learn more skills while on-the-job, which can open up more opportunities and responsibilities as a materials engineer.

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 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 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia 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 Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,874 per year, or $48 per hour.
Staff Geotechnical/CMT Engineer (Entry Level) - Chantilly, VA

Staff Geotechnical/CMT Engineer (Entry Level) - Chantilly, VA

Hillis-Carnes

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

WHO IS HILLIS-CARNES?
Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates (HCEA) is a multi-disciplined ENR Top 500 engineering firm with 20 offices in the mid-Atlantic and Florida. We have demonstrated a history of success for the past 35 years. We are 100% employee-owned ESOP, and our history of success can be attributed to our motivational employee owners. We believe in fostering teamwork, rewarding ambition, and providing opportunities for professional advancement.
At HCEA, we can contribute our continuing success to multiple facets, but above all we are successful because of our knowledgeable, ambitious, and reliable employees who make every day count.
As a Staff Engineer in our Chantilly office, you will work collaboratively with our knowledgeable geotechnical and construction materials testing/inspections departments and assist with a wide variety of projects for public and private sector clients. Some duties may include but not limited to; test boring/test pit observations, other geotechnical field tests, soil classification, laboratory analysis, preparation of geotechnical reports/calculation, management of field staff, review of daily CMT field reports, occasional performance of on-site construction materials testing services, etc.
Requirements
• BS and/or MS in Civil Engineering or closely related field.
• This is an entry level position and thus no prior professional work experience required.
• A valid driver's license/ satisfactory driving record accompanied with a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to meet pre-employment requirements.
• The ability to (occasionally) work nights, weekends, and travel overnight.
• To move up to 60-80 pounds (soil and concrete samples, nuclear gauges, etc).
• Ability to read engineering and construction plans/specifications.
Preferred Qualifications
• Engineer in Training (EIT) license.
We are proudly an Equal Opportunity Employer and offer an appealing benefits package. A few of these perks include: 100% Employer-Paid Benefits (Long-Term Disability, Basic Life & Employee Assistance Program), Health (W/ Health Savings Account Option), Disability, 401k w/ Company Match, Generous Compensation for Employee-Referrals, Tuition Reimbursement and many more!
For the past several years, Engineering News-Record named Hillis-Carnes to its ranking of Top 500 Design Firms in the nation for its continued rapid growth.
Need another reason to join in on the success? We offer an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in which employees are given shares in the company, held in an outside trust. The more successful the company is, the more valuable the shares become.
Want to grow with us? Apply now!
Equal Opportunity Employer

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