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Entry Level Materials Science Engineering Jobs in State College, PA

Penn State University

R&D Engineer Intern

University Park, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Materials Science and Engineering (MATSE) * Mechanical Engineering * Engineering Science * Aerospace engineering * Nuclear Engineering The successful candidates will work up to 20 hours per week ...

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Entry Level Materials Science Engineering information

See State College, PA salary details

$13

$26

$43

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

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level materials science engineering in State College, PA is $26.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $32.21 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 State College, PA?

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

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in State College, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in State College, PA are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs?

Cities near State College, PA 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 State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,345 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar, Materials Science and Engineering

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

234th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
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 direction of Professor Douglas Wolfe (Materials Science & Engineering).
Job Duties:
  • Design, develop, and conduct manufacturing experiments for a wide range of materials comprised of CsPbB3, nanocomosite structures, polymer matrix ceramic composites, ceramic matrix composites, and advanced coating systems for a variety of applications in the aerospace, defense, nuclear, and microelectronic industries.
  • Develop standard operating procedures to conduct consistent processing and characterization of materials for extreme environments.
  • Work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team.
  • Synthesize and manufacture unique design architectures comprised of coatings and bulk materials using a variety of manufacturing methods. Materials synthesis may include perovskite systems, composites, oxides, and mixed components for a variety of applications.
  • Assist in performing a variety of testing and analytical materials characterization using the materials characterization laboratory facilities.
  • Assist in perform modeling and/or experimental analysis (microscopy, spectroscopy) to investigate the fundamentals of radiation effects in electronics and shielding.
  • Analyze data.
  • Disseminate findings in journals and conferences and monthly presentations.

Qualifications and Requirements:
  • Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent as of the hire date in Materials/Mechanical/Electrical/Nuclear Engineering or related discipline.
  • Excellent foundation in materials processing.
  • Hands-on experience with device and system characterization.
  • Experience in radiation effects (single event, total ionizing dose, displacement damage) is very helpful.
  • Excellent written/oral communication skills.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position, a CV including a publication list, and names and contact information of up to three references.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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