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Junior Materials Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Footwear Materials Developer, Energy

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$61.50 - $80.50/hr

The Lead Materials Developer works cross-functionally across Energy Footwear, collaborates directly with external material vendors, and mentors junior materials developers while reporting into senior ...

Mentor and coach senior and junior engineers to ensure the effective application of materials and processes best practices. Required Qualifications: * Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy ...

Principal Materials Engineer

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Mentor and coach senior and junior engineers to ensure the effective application of materials and processes best practices. Required Qualifications: * Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy ...

Staff Materials Engineer

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Mentor and train junior and senior engineers, leading peer reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions ... Lead materials & process failure investigations, root-cause analysis, and process course correction ...

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Junior Materials Engineer information

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior materials engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Junior Materials Engineer do?

A Junior Materials Engineer assists in researching, developing, and testing materials used to create a wide range of products, such as metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to analyze material properties, conduct experiments, and help solve material-related issues in manufacturing or product design. Their responsibilities may also include collecting data, preparing technical reports, and supporting quality control processes. This entry-level role is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in materials science and engineering.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Junior Materials Engineer expect in their first year on the job?

As a Junior Materials Engineer, you can expect to be involved in supporting senior engineers with testing, analyzing, and selecting materials for product development or manufacturing projects. Your daily tasks may include preparing samples, conducting laboratory tests, recording data, and contributing to failure analysis or process improvements. You'll likely collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure materials meet required specifications. This role offers hands-on experience and frequent mentorship, providing a solid foundation for future specialization or advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Materials Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Materials Engineer, you need a solid grounding in materials science principles, analytical problem-solving, and a bachelor's degree in materials, chemical, or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with materials characterization tools (like SEM, XRD), CAD software, and relevant laboratory safety protocols is typically required. Effective communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities enable Junior Materials Engineers to contribute to innovative projects, ensure material quality, and collaborate efficiently in multidisciplinary environments.

What is the difference between Junior Materials Engineer vs Materials Technician?

AspectJunior Materials EngineerMaterials Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Materials Science or EngineeringAssociate degree or technical certification in materials testing
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and development in labs or officesTesting and inspection in labs or manufacturing settings
Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing plants, quality control labs

Junior Materials Engineers and Materials Technicians often work together but focus on different tasks. Junior Engineers handle design and analysis, while Technicians perform testing and quality checks. Both roles require knowledge of materials but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

More about Junior Materials Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Materials Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Materials Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Materials Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Materials Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Materials Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Staff Materials Engineer, Thermoplastics

Staff Materials Engineer, Thermoplastics

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

Anduril's Materials Engineering team is seeking a Materials Engineer with a specialized background in thermoplastics to join our rapidly growing team. As part of Anduril's commitment to innovation in defense technology, our materials engineering team is essential in developing the advanced materials that are at the core of our revolutionary products. 
In this role, you will have a significant impact on the materials we use and the efficiency with which we use them. You will be expected to possess a robust understanding of material science and the application of organic materials in high-performance environments. The right person doesn't just know the standards; they understand the fundamentals that explain why the standards exist and when it's appropriate to exceed them.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Strategically select and evaluate polymeric materials for diverse applications.
  • Assist in the development and testing of new materials to meet engineering and performance specifications.
  • Conduct comprehensive material characterizations using techniques specific to polymers and adhesives, such as rheological testing, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), spectroscopy (FTIR), and mechanical testing (tensile, compression, creep).
  • Design robust test plans and protocols for the substantiation of material processes, analyze data, and ensure material reliability.
  • Drive supplier development and qualification efforts, establishing robust a supply chain for injection molding plastics meeting Anduril's high standards for performance and reliability.
  • Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and engineering teams to address material-related challenges, ensuring the manufacturability and reliability of products.
  • Maintain cutting-edge knowledge in polymer science and technology, incorporating the latest research and advancements into Anduril's material strategies.
  • Document all phases of material development, from experimental setup to detailed analysis of results, and effectively communicate findings to the team and broader organization.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of the Materials Engineering team's overall expertise in general polymeric materials.
  • Use first principles physics as a basis for every decision.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's or higher in Materials Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or a related field.
  • 6-8 years of industry experience focusing on the application of thermoplastics, adhesives, foams. or other organic materials in product development.
  • Proven experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles, particularly as they pertain to thermoplastic and adhesive materials, ensuring that materials selection and application processes align with manufacturing capabilities and constraints.
  • Demonstrated ability to support engineering design teams, providing materials expertise that informs the creation of engineering drawings and specifications. This includes proficiency in interpreting and advising on material tolerances, finishes, and processing techniques that can be accurately depicted in engineering documentation.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of organic material properties, processing, and characterization techniques, with the ability to translate this knowledge into practical applications and manufacturing processes.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply engineering principles to novel applications and to troubleshoot materials-related challenges in design and production settings.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in effectively conveying material requirements and justifications to diverse stakeholders, including design engineers, manufacturing teams, and executive leadership.
  • Quick learner, able to adapt to new technologies and challenges in a fast-paced environment.
  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance as needed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Expertise in the selection, development, modeling and validation of injection molding plastics.
  • Demonstrated ownership of a comprehensive material characterization and development effort.
  • Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software and materials simulation tools (i.e. Moldflow Analysis).
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing, design, and process substantiation.

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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