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Entry Level Materials Science Engineering Jobs in Virginia

L3HHCM20

Associate, Electrical Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

$62K - $115K/yr

To be eligible, applicants must be pursuing a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science ...

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Entry Level Materials Science Engineering information

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$13

$26

$43

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

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level materials science engineering in Virginia is $26.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $32.64 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 Virginia? For Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia 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 Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $55,091 per year, or $26.5 per hour.
Research Scientist in Materials Science and Engineering

Research Scientist in Materials Science and Engineering

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

183rd of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia seeks a Research Scientist (RS) to facilitate and advance sponsored research programs in two or three key topic areas, as well as other high-priority scientific research areas.
Duties include:
  • Design, synthesize and heat treat multi-principal element alloys. Utilize Python, CALPHAD, and ML methods for high-throughput analysis. Design alloys, synthesize and verify structure and composition by multiple methods. Conduct ML studies on down-selected alloys that meet phase stability criteria to identify compositions with the desired properties, including but not limited to corrosion. Work with materials experts to obtain corrosion electrochemical properties by conducting LSV, EIS, Passivation, and XPS. Partner and collaborate with materials experts to conduct CSRO and TTO-C analysis on solid solution alloys using a variety of tools.
  • Perform and analyze high-fidelity corrosion studies on select alloys in molten salts or other harsh environments. Prior experience with salt preparation and MS reference electrodes is required, as well as with in-situ and post-test material analysis methods, such as SEM and XRD.
  • Investigate the protection of high-value, lightweight, high-strength substrates susceptible to local corrosion such as IGSCC, and other forms of localized corrosion that degrade the substrate. Investigate the protection afforded by mitigation strategies over long exposure times using ALT. Investigate corrosion mitigation strategies targeted at complex, high-strength, low-weight alloys, such as Al-Mg microstructure. The successful candidate will work with metal powders, polymer coatings, and chemical inhibitors incorporated in a polymer matrix. The powders will contain various metallic elements and/or alloy pigments. Substate materials include Al-Mg and Al-Mg-Zn alloys. See the recommended experimental and modeling skills shown below. The ideal candidate will use software such as Medusa, CALPHAD, and OLI or similar.
  • Investigate hydrogen interactions in high-strength materials introduced electrochemically. Conduct experiments to assess diffusible, trapped, and total hydrogen content and effective and perfect lattice diffusion coefficients. Also, conduct diagnostic experiments to determine whether permeation is surface- or bulk-controlled. Extend controlled potential and current experiments to studies of protective coatings that may accelerate or inhibit hydrogen production, d absorption. Include HER studies and permeation by the D-S method.
  • The ideal candidate will have the ability to analyze and interpret data in metallurgy, corrosion, and corrosion electrochemistry, and to write papers and progress reports for sponsors. The candidate will demonstrate prior achievement through archival publications in these or related areas.
  • The RS position will involve supervising and providing experimental research method training analysis to BS, MS, and PhD level materials science and engineering students working on the same or closely related projects as the RS. This research workforce will be capable of attaining research goals augmented by the supervision of the PI.
  • The RS will be expected to conduct multiple projects concurrently and possess extensive technical skills and experience with various experimental electrochemical techniques, including AC and DC electrochemistry, such as cyclic polarization, LSV, such as EIS, SVET, SKP, SDC, and SECM. The candidate will also be familiar with characterization methods, such as SEM/EDS, XRD, EBSD, XPS, ICP-OES, optical profilometry, and Raman. The RS will write proposals to attract sponsored research and, when appropriate, to support the acquisition of experimental equipment. The RS will provide both oral and written progress reports to sponsors and will play a key role in mentoring graduate students and supervising undergraduate researchers.

QUALIFICATIONS: Requires a doctoral degree or a master's degree with significant experience, in Materials Science and Engineering with a thesis dissertation emphasizing corrosion and metallurgy or closely related to these are required.
Preferred: A PhD is preferred. Preferred candidates should have at least two years prior research experience as a postdoctoral researcher at a research university or evidence of success on three or more past projects. They must also demonstrate good written and oral English language skills to interact with various sponsors, attention to detail, good record keeping, strong analytical skills, and previous experience mentoring junior researchers (undergraduate and graduate students).
The Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering (CESE) at the University of Virginia is built on the foundation of the Applied Electrochemistry Laboratories, a highly successful organized research unit since 1974. In 1986, the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) identified CESE as a Technology Development Center. CESE is a multi-disciplinary research effort which includes activities in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering, as well as interactions with Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics. It is one of the nation's leading research centers of its kind. CESE addresses a technologically critical field. It encompasses the broad field of electrochemical science and engineering which affects the performance and reliability of most products manufactured in the world today.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0082328. Attach the following documents: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
Estimated salary range is $60,000 - $110,000, commensurate with experience.
This is a one-year appointment, and the appointment may be renewed contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.
For questions about the position, please contact John Scully, Professor, at jrs8d@virginia.edu.
For questions regarding the application, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.
For more information on the benefits available to research scientists at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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