Entry Level Materials Science Engineering Jobs in Indiana

Job Title: Materials Scientist

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Materials Laboratory Chemist to support product development, quality investigations, and material validation through comprehensive laboratory testing and characterization of polymers, elastomers, plastics, composites, and related materials. This role involves hands-on testing, data analysis, and problem-solving to enhance material performance and support manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical, physical, thermal, and chemical testing of materials according to industry standards.
• Conduct tests such as tensile strength, elongation, hardness, compression set, tear resistance, abrasion, chemical compatibility, and accelerated aging.
• Operate laboratory instruments including Universal Testing Machines (UTM), FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometers, and microscopy equipment.
• Support failure investigations, root cause analysis, and material qualification projects.
• Analyze test results and prepare technical reports, recommendations, and data summaries.
• Develop and improve laboratory test methods and procedures.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, documentation, and safety standards.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and product development teams.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related scientific field.
• 1-3 years of experience in laboratory, materials testing, quality, or R&D.
• Experience with polymers, elastomers, plastics, composites, or other engineered materials is preferred.
• Familiarity with industry testing standards.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and laboratory data systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with material characterization techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, and rheological testing.
• Knowledge of wet chemistry and chemical resistance testing using various industrial fluids.
• Experience in failure analysis, method development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience in supporting manufacturing, automotive, consumer products, or industrial materials environments.

Work Environment

The role is based in a dynamic laboratory setting, utilizing advanced technologies and equipment. Standard work hours apply, with an emphasis on maintaining safety standards and documentation. The team is collaborative, working closely with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and product development departments.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn, IN.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $33.50/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Auburn,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.