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Entry Level Materials Science Engineering Jobs in Indiana

Engineering Co-op Student

Fremont, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science Engineering or Automation Engineering. * Strong academic performance with ...

Engineering Co-op Student

Fremont, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science Engineering or Automation Engineering. * Strong academic performance with ...

Engineering Co-op Student

Fremont, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science Engineering or Automation Engineering. * Strong academic performance with ...

Minimum 4-year bachelor s degree in Materials Science and/or Engineering, or equivalent degree, is required. * Attention to detail is vital. * Good Documentations Practices and Good Laboratory ...

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Materials/Polymer Engineering . * Hands-on experience with material or polymer testing and characterization. * Strong analytical ...

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry * This is an entry level role suitable for ... Strong academic background in materials science * Data analysis and statistical methods

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry * This is an entry level role suitable for ... Strong academic background in materials science * Data analysis and statistical methods

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or Materials/Polymer Engineering . * Handson experience with material or polymer testing and characterization. * Strong analytical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Materials Science Engineering information

See Indiana salary details

$12

$25

$42

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

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level materials science engineering in Indiana is $25.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $31.35 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 Indiana? For Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Entry Level Materials Science Engineering job openings:
Materials Science and Engineering - Co-Op Positions

Materials Science and Engineering - Co-Op Positions

Cummins Inc.

Columbus, IN • On-site

$3K - $5K/wk

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Cummins rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

132nd of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

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

  • Utilize knowledge of Materials Science, Materials Engineering or Analytical Chemistry principles and practices to identify and advance solutions to achieve design, manufacturing, and quality goals.  
  • Work cross-functionally on projects that require materials and fluids guidance on topics such as material and process selection, failure analysis, chemical and microstructural characterization, chemical metrology, and process pertaining to manufacturing and quality issues.  
  • Utilize the core relationships between structure, composition, and processing to optimize performance of the component or fluid within its system.  
  • Apply the principles of surface engineering to manipulate wear, strength, and corrosion resistance of components.  
  • Evaluate component requirements regarding form and function to identify base material and processing options.  
  • Select manufacturing route, material and process based on best-fit option(s) aligned to requirements.  
  • Use spectroscopy methods, microstructural evaluation, mechanical property measurements, non-destructive inspection methods, and specialized tools regarding wear and corrosion on in-process, tested, or field-returned parts or fluids.  
  • May include activities in analytically investigating product or manufacturing problems and recommending appropriate actions for problem resolution and/or optimization  
  • Supervised execution using your understanding of fundamental Physics and Chemistry to understand causal mechanisms, recommend appropriate action and documenting problem resolutions.  
  • Actively collaborating with key stakeholders and colleagues, communicating analysis results to impact and support the successful advancement of projects. 

Using tools related materials science and chemistry such as:  

  • SEM  
  • Optical Microscopy  
  • Chemical Spectroscopy methods  
  • X-ray diffraction and radiography techniques  
  • Magma or other process simulation tools  
  • Wear testing  
  • Magnetic Particle, Eddy Current and other NDE methods  
  • Knowledge of Industry Standards  
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.

2026 Monthly Salary Range by Degree Level: 

  • Bachelor's - $3,900 - $5,000 
  • Master's - $6,000 
  • PhD - $7,300  

Please note that the salary range provided is a good faith estimate on the applicable range. The final salary offer will be determined after considering relevant factors, including a candidate's qualifications and experience, where appropriate. 

Co-Op program criteria:  

  • Must be a full-time enrolled student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited U.S. college/University  
  • Minimum 2.5 or above GPA preferred  
  • Must be able to complete a minimum of 4-months to 6-months or a maximum of a 12-months commitment - Must be able to complete 40 hours per week  
  • Willingness to learn from others on the job
  • Must be currently residing within the continental U.S. 

Cummins and E-verify  

At Cummins, we are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our  policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability,  national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or  expression, or other status protected by law. Cummins validates right to work using E-Verify. Cummins will provide the  Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information  from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.   

Ready to think beyond your desk? Apply for this opportunity to start your career with Cummins today. careers.cummins.com 

Not ready to apply but want to learn more? Join our Talent Community to get the inside track on great jobs and  confidentially connect to our recruiting team: http://connect.find.ly/cummins  

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

  • Component Failure Analysis  
  • Component Material and Process Selection  
  • Applies Principles of Tribology  
  • Non-Destructive Evaluation  
  • Material Characterization  
  • Joining and Bonding Science 
  • Applies Principles of Surface Engineering  
  • Decision Quality  
  • Drives Results  
  • Collaborates  
  • Communicates Effectively Self-Development  

Degree Programs Considered: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD  

Major Programs Typically Considered: All Engineering Majors  


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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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