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Entry Level Materials Science Engineering Jobs in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Materials Science and Engineering Department, within the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to perform research under the ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is searching for a postdoctoral scholar. The position will involve machine learning ...

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All JobsMaterials Science Engineering JobsEntry Level Materials Science Engineering JobsEntry Level Materials Science Engineering Jobs in Pennsylvania

Entry Level Materials Science Engineering information

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$13

$26

$44

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level materials science engineering in Pennsylvania is $26.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.52 and $33.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level materials science engineer 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 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 are popular job titles related to Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,701 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Materials Science Engineer

Latrobe, PA • On-site

Kennametal, Inc.
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Good employer

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Respectful managers

Learn more about Kennametal, Inc.external

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

About Kennametal

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2.1 billion in revenues in fiscal 2023. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job Title: Engineer - Materials Science & Engineering
Location: Latrobe, PA (Hybrid)

Company

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2.1 billion in revenues in fiscal 2023. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

 

Job Description - Requirements

Kennametal has an opening for an experienced candidate in Material Science and Engineering, Chemical, Solid State or Physical Science and Engineering for an assignment in our research facility in the Pittsburgh, PA region.  A minimum of a B.S. degree with preferably three years of practical experience in one of the above field of studies will be given consideration for a commensurate title and assignment.  Knowledge of physical metallurgy particularly in powdered metals / hard metal /metal alloys / industrial ceramics is strongly preferred. Knowledge about metal powder particle manipulation, application, surface science, chemical and physical vapor deposited coatings and polymer science are other fundamental areas of interest. Practical experience of manufacturing or lab-scale processing is a plus.  Beneficial skills/experience would include project management, process modelling, thermodynamic modelling, statistical data analysis, powder formulation, characterization, and binder system design.

This position works under the supervision of the Manager to develop new materials, processes and technology in the area of hard metal powder design, synthesis and application.  The successful candidate must demonstrate effective verbal/written communications skills, excellent troubleshooting skills and an ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.  Time management and prioritization skills are critical.  Applicants should possess a desire to join an extended team of research and manufacturing colleagues in a fast-paced environment.

Job Description - Tasks

  • Establish subject matter expertise for materials, processes and technologies for enterprise-wide support.
  • Support product development, process development, intellectual property, quality, manufacturing and EHS through the development of hardmetal powder processes for a wide variety of product platforms.
  • Direct a technical Competency Team in the standardization and deployment of cost-effective processes.
  • Initiate, plan and implement technology, manufacturing and capital projects.
  • Lead, implement and sustain local/global system improvements, including measurement system analyses to improve consistency and correlation of processes.
  • From time to time, may be required to provide remote and on-site technical assistance to manufacturing.
  • Establish a technical presence in the hardmetal community through industry association involvement and publications in relevant trade journals and conferences.
  • Lead teams to resolution in the systematic use of data-driven analysis, decision making and validation.
  • Author and maintain internal procedures and work instructions.
  • Assist in vendor and material qualification, prepare functional specifications.
  • Research, evaluate and develop new technologies, analytical techniques and processing methods.
  • Travel up to 25%, depending on project activity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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