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Entry Level Materials Science Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Materials Science Engineer information

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$38K

$100.7K

$158K

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

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level materials science 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 is the difference between Entry Level Materials Science Engineer vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Materials Science EngineerEntry Level Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, materials testingDesign, testing, manufacturing, and product development
Industry UsageMaterials development, quality control, failure analysisProduct design, systems, and mechanical components

Entry Level Materials Science Engineers focus on materials properties, testing, and development, often working in labs or manufacturing settings. In contrast, Entry Level Mechanical Engineers work on designing and testing mechanical systems and products. While both roles require engineering degrees, their daily tasks and industry applications differ significantly.

What types of projects and daily tasks can I expect as an Entry Level Materials Science Engineer?

As an Entry Level Materials Science Engineer, you will typically work on supporting senior engineers in research, testing, and analysis of materials used in products or processes. Your daily tasks may include preparing and conducting laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing data, documenting results, and assisting in troubleshooting material-related issues. You’ll often collaborate with cross-functional teams such as design, manufacturing, and quality assurance, gaining exposure to different stages of product development. This role offers valuable hands-on experience and learning opportunities that can pave the way for specialization or advancement within the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Materials Science Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Materials Science Engineer, you need a solid understanding of material properties, mechanics, and chemistry, typically backed by a bachelor’s degree in materials science or a related engineering field. Familiarity with lab equipment, materials characterization tools (like SEM, XRD), and engineering software such as MATLAB or SolidWorks is often required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you stand out in collaborative and interdisciplinary environments. These abilities are vital for accurately analyzing materials, solving engineering challenges, and contributing effectively to product development or research projects.

What does an Entry Level Materials Science Engineer do?

An Entry Level Materials Science Engineer typically assists in researching, developing, and testing materials to improve their performance, durability, and efficiency for various applications. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to analyze material properties, conduct experiments, and prepare technical reports. Their responsibilities often include working with metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, as well as collaborating with other engineering teams to solve material-related challenges in manufacturing or product development.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Materials Science Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Materials Science Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Materials Science Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Materials Science Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Materials Science Engineer jobs include:
Materials Science Engineer (Extrusion)

Materials Science Engineer (Extrusion)

CRH

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Materials Science Engineer (Extrusion)
Architectural Products Group
Brooksville, Florida, United States | Bulls Gap, Tennessee, United States | Dover, Delaware, United States | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | Salisbury, North Carolina, United States
Job ID: 521656
Oldcastle, a CRH company, is reinventing what's possible in building solutions. We are the leading provider of innovative outdoor living products and utility infrastructure solutions for the water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America. We're a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers, retailers, and homeowners alike as the manufacturer of precast concrete, polymer concrete, and plastic infrastructure products. Our portfolio of brands includes Oldcastle APG, Oldcastle Infrastructure, Belgard® hardscape, Echelon® Masonry, RDI® railing, Catalyst™ Fence Solutions, Sakrete® packaged concrete, Amerimix® mortar, Pebble Technology International® pool finishes, and Techniseal® sands and sealant technologies.
Job Summary
The Materials Science Engineer (Extrusion) provides technical expertise in polymer behavior, formulation development, and process optimization for plastic extrusion operations. This role supports production, quality, and R&D by ensuring that materials, additives, and processing conditions deliver consistent product performance, cost efficiency, and manufacturability
Job Location
This is a remote role when not traveling locally or nationally to our manufacturing sites. This person must reside in the greater Philadelphia, PA, Charlotte, NC, Dover, DE, Bulls Gap, TN or Tampa, FL area.
Job Responsibilities
  • Optimize extrusion parameters including melt temperature, screw speed, and line speed.
  • Support design and optimization of extrusion dies, screws, and downstream equipment.
  • Perform DOE studies to improve throughput, quality, and dimensional stability.
  • Develop and optimize compound formulations including color masterbatch, fillers, stabilizers, and additives.
  • Evaluate resin properties affecting extrusion behavior such as MFI, rheology, fusion, and thermal stability.
  • Creates and documents clear, concise and accurate reports under guidance of direct management, providing insights on results and conclusions based upon data sets.
  • Define resin specifications, incoming material requirements, and in-process quality checks (dimensions, gloss, haze, tensile, melt flow, density, impact).
  • Use analytical tools to diagnose material or process issues.
  • Troubleshoot problems such as: Melt fracture / sharkskin, Gels or black specks, Die lines or surface roughness, Bubbles / voids, Warpage or dimensional instability, Color streaking or contamination, Excessive die drool or buildup
  • Work closely with extrusion operators to implement material or recipe changes, adjust settings, and improve process robustness.
  • Conduct root-cause analysis for scrap or downtime events using tools such as 5-Why, Ishikawa, and statistical analysis.
  • Maintain and update work instructions, material handling procedures, resin drying guidelines, and hopper loading practices.
  • Creates procedures to ensure all safety concerns and hazards are properly addressed in compliance with company and regulatory requirement.
  • Manage resin trials, supplier evaluations, and approval of alternative materials to reduce cost or improve performance.
  • Reduce material usage and scrap through formulation refinement, tighter process control, and resin substitution.
  • Collaborate with Purchasing and R&D on resin cost-reduction and qualification projects.
  • Support Lean, Six Sigma, and process capability improvement (Cp/Cpk) initiatives.
  • Travel up to 50% of the time.

Job Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • Hands-on experience with thermoplastic extrusion (single-screw, twin-screw, profile, sheet, pipe, film, tubing, or wire & cable).
  • Strong understanding of polymer behavior: melt rheology, thermal transitions, degradation mechanisms, and stabilization chemistry. PVC experience preferred
  • Familiarity with quality systems, lab testing methods, and statistical analysis. Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, especially in dynamic production environments.
  • Excellent communication with operators, supervisors, quality teams, and customers.
  • Practical, hands-on approach to materials and process experimentation.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
  • Overnight travel up to 50%

Compensation
  • Base salary is $70,000 - $110,000
  • 401(k) / retirement savings program
  • Short- term and long-term disability benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays

What CRH Offers You
  • Highly competitive base pay
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
  • Group retirement savings program
  • Health and wellness programs
  • An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH
CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large international organization.
If you're up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!
Oldcastle APG, a CRH Company, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
EOE/Vet/Disability
CRH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
AI tools may be used in certain stages of the employment lifecycle, such as candidate review; however, all final employment decisions will be made by a person.

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About CRH

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CRH has a long and proud heritage as one of North America's largest corporations. We are a proud reflection of the hundreds of family businesses, local and regional companies and mid to large sized enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates with a decentralized, diversified structure, letting you work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large enterprise.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dublin, Dublin, IE