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Entry Level Materials Science Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Textile Engineering, Textile Technology, and Material Science. Company Culture: We are proud to offer eligible associates a full-range of benefits including ...

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Entry Level Materials Science Engineer information

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?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Materials Science Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Materials Science Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Engineer Supplier Quality or Principal

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Electronic Warfare and Targeting (EWT) Business Unit in Rolling Meadows, IL is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to join the Supplier Quality team, reporting to the Supplier Quality EWT BU Manager. This position is instrumental in driving the supply base to provide consistently high-quality parts to support our customers.

This position can be hired at a level 2 or a level 3/Principal

What You Get to Do:

  • Represent Northrop Grumman to the supply chain with credibility, confidence and professionalism
  • Engage in Program activities to identify and quantify supplier performance as a proactive risk mitigation
  • Represent Supplier Performance Management (SPM) at various program reviews and review boards including but not limited to Configuration Control Board (CCB), Material Review Board (MRB), Program Management Reviews (PMR), Design/Peer Reviews, Manufacturing/Test Readiness Reviews and Corrective Action Board (CAB)
  • Perform Specification/Drawing Compliance Reviews, First Article Inspections and support Receiving Inspection on various categories of hardware such as PWBs, CCAs, cables and connectors, microelectronics, electro-mechanical systems, and mechanical components & assemblies
  • Collaborate with Program Quality to ensure appropriate quality requirements for programs are identified and flowed to suppliers
  • Analyze and interpret data to identify suppliers' process issues and develop solutions
  • Perform process and product audits along with capacity assessments to ensure the supplier's processes are robust and capable, as well as compliant to Military and Space requirements.
  • Initiate and manage SCARs (Supplier Corrective Action Reports) to address nonconforming material by working cross-functionally identify root cause and ensure robust corrective actions are implemented
  • Initiate and manage SDRs (Supplier Deviation Requests) to address nonconforming material by working cross-functionally with Global Supply Chain, Engineering, & Suppliers
  • Review and Approve FAIRs (First Article Inspection Reports) in accordance with AS9102 to ensure that Suppliers are able to ship product in a timely manner
  • Effectively perform supplier risk assessment activities designed to identify and quantify the probability and impact the supply chain may have in support of proposal & business development efforts
  • Execute and oversee supplier Manufacturing Readiness Assessments in accordance with the DoD MRL (Manufacturing Readiness Level) Desk book
  • Lead cross-functional teams in pursuit of supplier performance improvements aligned to department and organizational goals
  • Understand continuous process improvement (CI) and effectively develop and execute CI initiatives
  • Support the development of entry level engineers to ensure team effectiveness and promote knowledge transfer across the organization
  • Travel up to 25% of the time to suppliers, as required, to oversee quality investigations and complete design reviews

#MPR

Basic Qualifications for the Level 2:

  • 2 or more years of experience in Quality, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing or Engineering with a Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering, engineering mechanics, electrical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science engineering, or biomedical engineering
  • Experience in Root Cause/Corrective Action investigations
  • US Citizenship required
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with ISO9001 and AS9100 Requirements
  • Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) & types of Engineering Drawings as described in ASME Y14.5 & Y14.24
  • Experience with Special Processing such as Chemical Conversions, Anodic Coatings, Brazing, etc. as specified in MIL Specs such as MIL-A-8625 and MIL-DTL-5541
  • Experience with J-STD-001, IPC-A-600, 610, 620 or MIL-STD-883
  • Experience with the DoD MRA (Manufacturing Readiness Assessment) Guidebook
  • Experience creating supplier management plans in support of NAR (Non-Advocate Review)/ICE (Independent Cost Evaluation) activities
  • Current active Government Secret Clearance, or higher

Basic Qualifications for the Level 3:

  • 5 or more years of experience in Quality, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing or Engineering with a Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering, engineering mechanics, electrical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science engineering, or biomedical engineering
  • Experience in Root Cause/Corrective Action investigations
  • US Citizenship required
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with ISO9001 and AS9100 Requirements
  • Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) & types of Engineering Drawings as described in ASME Y14.5 & Y14.24
  • Experience with Special Processing such as Chemical Conversions, Anodic Coatings, Brazing, etc. as specified in MIL Specs such as MIL-A-8625 and MIL-DTL-5541
  • Experience with J-STD-001, IPC-A-600, 610, 620 or MIL-STD-883
  • Experience with the DoD MRA (Manufacturing Readiness Assessment) Guidebook
  • Experience creating supplier management plans in support of NAR (Non-Advocate Review)/ICE (Independent Cost Evaluation) activities
  • Current active Government Secret Clearance, or higher
Primary Level Salary Range: $79,600.00 - $119,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939