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Entry Level Materials Science Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Your expertise in materials science and engineering will be crucial in improving product performance, enabling innovation, and supporting the development of wearable medical devices and advanced ...

Your expertise in materials science and engineering will be crucial in improving product performance, enabling innovation, and supporting the development of wearable medical devices and advanced ...

Your expertise in materials science and engineering will be crucial in improving product performance, enabling innovation, and supporting the development of wearable medical devices and advanced ...

Responsibilities · Inspect and accept/reject incoming materials · Complete and maintain accurate ... We strive on engineering excellence and putting our clients first. GTI is a woman-owned growing ...

Responsibilities · Inspect and accept/reject incoming materials · Complete and maintain accurate ... We strive on engineering excellence and putting our clients first. GTI is a woman-owned growing ...

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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 Engineering Technical Specialist

Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist

Cummins

Troy, MI

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Cummins rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 244 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

We are looking for a talentedMaterials Science Engineering Technical Specialist to join ourEngineering team of Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems (CDBS) in Troy, MI. 

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

  • Drive DataBased Decisions: Apply advanced statistical methods-descriptive analytics, probability modeling, regression, DOE, and hypothesis testing-to deliver rigorous, evidencedriven recommendations that improve product and process outcomes. 
  • Strengthen Failure Prevention: Conduct thorough component failure analyses to identify true root causes, evaluate design and manufacturing intent, and recommend corrective actions that protect customers and prevent recurrence. 
  • Optimize Material & Process Selection: Evaluate component requirements and select the most appropriate materials and manufacturing routes, ensuring bestfit solutions that meet performance, cost, and reliability targets. 
  • Enhance Material Robustness: Perform mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property characterization to confirm compliance and correlate lab results with field performance, improving component durability and reliability. 
  • Improve Technical Knowledge Transfer: Produce clear, accurate technical documentation that captures learnings, supports decisionmaking, and enables efficient knowledge sharing across engineering, operations, and crossfunctional teams. 
  • Elevate CrossFunctional Collaboration: Build strong internal and external networks to accelerate problemsolving, align stakeholders, and ensure seamless communication across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams. 
  • Accelerate Problem Resolution: Apply structured problemsolving methodologies to identify assignable and systemic root causes, implement robust corrective actions, and mentor others in effective analytical approaches. 
  • Advance Organizational Effectiveness: Demonstrate strong decision quality, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage complexity-consistently driving results while valuing diverse perspectives and adapting to challenging circumstances. 
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.
  • Casting experience is preferred.
  • Position involves working with suppliers for PPAP andprocessimprovements.
  • Use of sectioning and sample preparation equipment.
  • Report writing is necessary.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

  • Deep Technical Expertise in Materials & Casting:A solid understanding of casting processes, material behavior, andmaterialprocessinginteractions to accurately diagnose issues,validatedesign intent, and make sound material and process selections.
  • Strong Analytical & Laboratory Skills:Proficiencywith sectioning, sample preparation, and material characterization equipment-along with the ability to interpret mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property data-to supportrootcauseanalysis and robustdecisionmaking.
  • Supplier Collaboration & PPAP/Process Improvement Capability:The ability to work effectively with suppliers on PPAP requirements, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring components meet specifications and quality standards.
  • Clear Technical Communication & Documentation:Strongreportwritingskills to document investigations, communicate findings, justify decisions, and supportcrossfunctionalalignment with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering.

Education, Licenses, Certifications:
College, university, or equivalentBachelor's degree in Engineeringorappropriate STEMfield is required.
Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may berequiredfor select roles.
This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Experience:
Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area isrequiredwith a demonstratedtrack recordof technical problem solving and quality decision making. Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.


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About Cummins

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Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919