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Entry Level Materials Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

All JobsMaterials Engineer JobsEntry Level Materials Engineer JobsEntry Level Materials Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

Entry Level Materials Engineer information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$38.1K

$100.9K

$158.2K

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level materials engineer in Champaign, IL is $100,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,100.00 and $116,700.00 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 Champaign, IL?

The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL 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 Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,885 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Civil Engineering Associate - Transportation - Entry-Level

Champaign, IL • On-site

Farnsworth Group
See more jobs at Farnsworth Groupexternal

$66K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Farnsworth Group is seeking a Civil Engineering Associate - Transportation - Entry-Level in one of the posting locations below. In this role, you will have an opportunity to work with experienced engineers and a variety of transportation related clients including local and government agencies.
Posting Locations for this role: Normal or Champaign, IL
What You'll Do:
  • Prepare and develop construction, design documents and plans
  • Assist with construction engineering
  • Basic engineering and design calculations
  • Conduct construction materials testing for concrete, soils, and related items
What You'll Need:
  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, with a concentration in transportation preferred
  • 0- 2 years of Civil Engineering experience
  • FE / EIT Certification preferred
  • Experience with IDOT and local agency projects preferred
  • MicroStation or AutoCAD experience preferred
  • Ability to work in the field for construction engineering projects

Who We Are
Join Farnsworth Group, a nationally recognized architectural, engineering, and surveying firm, where your career can thrive! For ten consecutive years, we’ve been certified as a Great Place to Work®, and our engineers, architects, surveyors, and scientists channel their passion and expertise into making meaningful contributions to the world around us. With almost 650 talented professionals across 24 offices, we collaborate with clients ranging from small communities to some of the world’s largest brands. Our success is built on our people - their passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence. Here, you’ll find a supportive culture that champions your growth, embraces challenges, values work-life balance, and empowers you to make a lasting impact for our clients and the communities we serve. Join us and move your career forward.
A Great Place to Work Certified
For ten consecutive years, Farnsworth Group has earned the prestigious Great Place to Work® certification—thanks to our employees! Each year, our staff participates in a survey administered by the Great Place to Work organization, measuring perceptions of credibility, respect, pride, fairness, and camaraderie. The results are benchmarked against the nation’s leading companies, and only top performers receive the certification. Insights from the survey help us continually enhance our work environment and foster a culture that makes Farnsworth Group an even greater place to work.
Featured benefits and perks include:
  • 401(k) with 100% Company Match up to 5%
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Short amp; Long-Term Disability
  • Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Professional Development and Training
  • Mentoring Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements
  • Pet Insurance Plan
  • Hybrid Work Program

Farnsworth Group appreciates that flexibility and work-life balance are important aspects of the careers and lives of our employees. Our Hybrid Work Program offers employees a flexible work arrangement while contributing to the Company’s culture and success.
Salary Range: $66,000 - $76,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, as well as internal and external equity)
Statement on Diversity and Inclusion
Farnsworth Group is a collection of employees with unique backgrounds and perspectives that all come together to make us a better Company. It is our goal to recruit, hire, develop, retain, and promote a diverse group of people. Join us…and let’s make a difference, together.
Farnsworth Group, Inc. is proud to be a M/F Disabled and Veteran EEO/AA employer.
For immediate consideration, please Apply Online by clicking on the "Apply for this Position" tab below.
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