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Entry Level Materials Science Engineering Jobs in California

Applied Materials

Machine Learning Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$184K - $253K/yr

If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world. What We Offer Salary: $184 ...

Motive Companies

Materials Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$38 - $55/hr

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related scientific or engineering discipline. * Minimum of 2-3 years of Materials Engineering ...

Motive Companies

Materials Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA

$38 - $55/hr

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related scientific or engineering discipline. * Minimum of 2-3 years of Materials Engineering ...

Mat3ra

✍️ Grant Writer ✍️

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

I.S. for materials RnD ( -man-creates-material.gif). We look for people with strong technical backgrounds (Scientists/Engineers) seeking to diversify their skills to help us develop and execute ...

Mat3ra

✍ Grant Writer ✍

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

I.S. for materials RnD ( We look for people with strong technical backgrounds (Scientists/Engineers) seeking to diversify their skills to help us develop and execute public sector business ...

Mat3ra

Grant Writer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site +1

$100K - $140K/yr

I.S. for materials RnD ( We look for people with strong technical backgrounds (Scientists/Engineers) seeking to diversify their skills to help us develop and execute public sector business ...

Neuralink

Materials Engineer

South San Francisco, CA

MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field. * 2+ years of hands-on experience with explicit dynamics FEA (LS-DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit, or similar) - not static/modal only ...

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Entry Level Materials Science Engineering information

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$13

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How much do entry level materials science engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level materials science engineering in California is $26.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry level materials science engineer?

As an entry level materials science engineer, you'll typically contribute to projects involving material selection, testing, and analysis under the guidance of senior engineers. Your responsibilities may include preparing samples, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and documenting results to support product development or process improvement. You may also assist in troubleshooting material-related issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams such as design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. This hands-on experience helps build foundational skills and provides insight into various industry applications.

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 background in materials science principles, chemistry, physics, and engineering, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, materials characterization techniques (such as SEM, XRD), and CAD or simulation software is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you stand out. These abilities are essential for solving complex materials challenges, ensuring quality, and collaborating efficiently within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Materials Science Engineering vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Materials Science EngineeringEntry Level Mechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science or Engineering, internshipsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, internships
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, quality controlDesign, testing, manufacturing, R&D
Industry UsageMaterials development, nanotechnology, compositesAutomotive, aerospace, energy systems

Entry Level Materials Science Engineering focuses on developing and testing new materials, often in research or manufacturing settings. In contrast, Entry Level Mechanical Engineering involves designing and analyzing mechanical systems. Both roles require a bachelor's degree and internships, but they serve different industry needs and work environments.

What do entry level materials science engineers do?

Entry level materials science engineers assist in researching, designing, and testing materials used in a wide range of products and industries. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping to analyze material properties, conduct experiments, and prepare technical reports. Their tasks can also include supporting manufacturing processes, evaluating new materials, and ensuring quality standards are met. This role provides foundational experience and exposure to various materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in California? For Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Materials Science Engineering job openings:
Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Materials Science Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,840 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Materials Science Division Undergraduate Intern - Fall 2026

LLNL

Livermore, CA • On-site

$9.8K/wk

Internship

Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have multiple openings for undergraduate students to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. Opportunities include conducting research in the following scientific fields: organic/inorganic synthesis, analytical, computational, materials characterization, actinide materials, optical materials science; electrochemistry; materials chemistry and physics; computational chemistry and materials science; nanoscale materials synthesis and characterization and metallurgy. These positions are in the Materials Science Division and part of the Materials and Chemistry Institute.
You will
  • Work with scientists on projects involving hands-on work in a laboratory, computation, or data analysis.
  • Participate in research under close supervision in assigned area.
  • Gather and analyze the data or information in support of scientific research.
  • Presenting work through presentations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
  • Must be a continuing college or university student in good standing at an accredited institution pursuing an undergraduate degree in chemistry, materials sciences, computational chemistry, or related field.
  • Ability to apply basic engineering, scientific, or physics principles to solve technical problems.
  • Demonstrated effective communication skills.
  • Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas.
  • Experience working with personal computers and familiarity with Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.

Qualifications We Desire
  • Knowledge of chemistry and materials.
  • GPA of 3.0 or above.

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
  • Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
  • Holiday Pay
  • Sick leave accrual
  • Individual 401(k) contributions
  • Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance
None required. However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
Videos To Watch
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