2

Entry Level Materials Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Materials Testing Technician (Entry-Level & Experienced) Company: Geocal Location: Centennial & Colorado Springs, CO About Us: Geocal, established in 1989, is a Colorado-based engineering and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 25, 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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Materials Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,738 per year, or $48.4 per hour.
Entry Level - Materials Testing Technician - Gray

Entry Level - Materials Testing Technician - Gray

SW Cole Engineering, Inc.

Gray, ME โ€ข On-site

$20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

We have an immediate opening for a full time, Entry Level, Materials Testing Technician to be based at our Gray, Maine office and work on construction projects throughout southern and western Maine.
To thrive in this role you will not need experience - we will train you and pay you while you learn. You'll typically be working Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work based on project needs. You can expect some early mornings and late evenings with regular overtime during the construction season. Most days you will drive to construction sites and perform field tests on materials like concrete, soil, aggregate, asphalt, grout, mortar, and steel. You will often be the only S.W.COLE team member on job sites but you will interact with many people from other companies. The work can be physical at times: you will lift and carry samples of various construction materials including soil and concrete, walk through construction sites, or push a wheelbarrow. We complete this type of work year-round. Safely conducting yourself and the equipment we entrust to you is a must. S.W.COLE prioritizes and invests in the safety of it's Team members, so you will be provided with what you need to be safe on job sites including safety-toe boots.
To perform this job you will need to do some basic math and write or type your observations and test results, and regularly utilize a computer or tablet. Along the way you will learn to read and understand design plans and specifications. When your not in the field you will work in our laboratory or be training for more certifications.
Our core values are leadership, commitment, integrity and quality. We work as a team with a passion for construction whose focus is to provide high quality services to our clients while helping each other reach our goals. If this resonates with you, consider applying today!
We provide opportunities for extensive training and job experience to develop your skills and expertise and support your professional development to help you earn industry specific certifications. We also offer opportunities to fuel your growth and advancement in the company including an internal leadership development program, Stephen W. Cole Emerging Leaders Program.
Interested? Fill out the application, and upload your resume - and don't forget to include a cover letter to show us your writing skills and tell us why you are a good candidate to be our next team member!
You must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer. We are not able to sponsor employment Visas at this time.
Click here to watch our video and learn more about the Construction Services Technician position, and our S.W.COLE CST Video
S.W.COLE has Great Benefits !!
Our team members are offered a benefits package that, depending on eligibility, includes:
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match
  • 8 paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) accrued each week (start with 3 weeks accrual per year)
  • Paid short and long term disability and basic life insurance
  • 401k with employer match and profit sharing
  • Voluntary life insurance
  • Critical Illness and Accident protection plans
  • Mobile phone stipend
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Safety toe shoe program and an allowance to use at our company clothing store

We have three options for traveling between our office and job sites for field based team members - 1) Use your own suitable vehicle and we compensate you for your mileage. 2) Use one of our company trucks. 3) Join our Company Vehicle Program, which includes an allotment for personal use.
S. W. Cole Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled