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Entry Level Materials Science Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Geology, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or a related STEM discipline. Coursework or academic experience in mineralogy, materials science, concrete materials ...

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Geology, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or a related STEM discipline. Coursework or academic experience in mineralogy, materials science, concrete materials ...

S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering or Chemical Engineering * 0-2 years of relevant work experience * Good laboratory practices and documentation skills * Ability to summarize results in ...

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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 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level materials science engineering in the United States is $26.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $32.93 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.

More about Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs

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

Cities with the most Entry Level Materials Science Engineering job openings:

What states have the most Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Materials Science Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% 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 $55,567 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Entry Level Materials Engineer

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Niskayuna, NY • On-site

$63K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Naval Nuclear Laboratory rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About Us

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!

Job Description

Expand your career in materials engineering with Naval Nuclear Laboratory. NNL is seeking an engineer to conduct research and development into mechanical performance of reactor core materials, with a focus on delayed hydride cracking behavior of zirconium alloys. Responsibilities include design of experiments, data analysis and interpretation, written and oral presentations of results, and frequent formal communications with stakeholders. Specifically, the successful candidate will collaborate with the team to:

  • Support ongoing test programs including test method development
  • Identify specimens and test conditions for irradiated testing in the Advanced Test Reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory
  • Direct post-irradiation mechanical testing and material characterization campaigns
  • Analyze, interpret, and report test results
Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill
Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field.
Preferred Skills

* Degree in Materials Engineering or metallurgical Engineering focused on mechanical performance of materials
* Mechanical property testing experience
* Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
* Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate technical information both verbally and in written format

Compensation and Benefits
  • Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
  • Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
  • Personal & Medical Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
  • Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness Program
  • Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!
Pay Range
$63,900.00 - $97,800.00 annually
Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.

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