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Trainee Graduate Materials Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

... other trainees and postdocs in the MatSE department. The Department of Materials Science and ... Train, mentor and collaborate with Sinha group members as well as other postdoc, graduate and ...

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Trainee Graduate Materials Science information

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$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee graduate materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee graduate materials science in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Graduate Materials Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Graduate Materials Scientist, you need a solid grounding in materials science or a related engineering discipline, supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, materials characterization techniques (such as SEM, XRD, or spectroscopy), and software like MATLAB or CAD is commonly expected. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective teamwork, and strong communication skills help you excel in collaborative research and problem-solving environments. These skills and qualities are essential for conducting accurate experiments, interpreting data, and contributing to the development of innovative materials solutions.

What does a Trainee Graduate Materials Scientist do?

A Trainee Graduate Materials Scientist works under the supervision of experienced scientists and engineers to study and develop materials used in various products and industries. Their tasks often include conducting experiments, analyzing material properties, preparing reports, and assisting in the development of new materials or improving existing ones. This role is typically an entry-level position for recent graduates and provides hands-on training in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and project management. Over time, trainees gain practical experience and knowledge that can lead to more specialized roles within materials science.

What is the difference between Trainee Graduate Materials Science vs Junior Materials Engineer?

AspectTrainee Graduate Materials ScienceJunior Materials Engineer
QualificationsTypically recent graduates with a degree in materials science or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in materials engineering or science, with some practical experience
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, research labs, or entry-level roles in manufacturing or R&DDesign, testing, and analysis in manufacturing plants, labs, or R&D departments
ResponsibilitiesLearning, assisting in projects, data collectionConducting experiments, analyzing materials, supporting engineering projects

While both roles involve materials science knowledge, a Trainee Graduate Materials Science position focuses on training and skill development, whereas a Junior Materials Engineer involves more hands-on engineering tasks and project responsibilities.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Trainee Graduate in Materials Science expect during their first year?

As a Trainee Graduate in Materials Science, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from material characterization and testing to process optimization and research into new materials. Typically, your responsibilities will include conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, preparing technical reports, and collaborating with senior scientists and engineers. You’ll often work within multidisciplinary teams, providing support on ongoing projects and gradually taking on more independent tasks as you gain experience. This period is also a great opportunity to learn about the company’s products, manufacturing processes, and industry standards.
What cities are hiring for Trainee Graduate Materials Science jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Graduate Materials Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Materials Science jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Materials Science jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Graduate Materials Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Graduate Materials Science jobs include:
Trainee Graduate Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Graduate Materials Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist

Materials Science Engineering Technical Specialist

Cummins

Troy, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Cummins rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 258 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

We are looking for a talentedMaterials Science Engineering Technical Specialist to join ourEngineering team of Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems (CDBS) in Troy, MI. 

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

  • Drive DataBased Decisions: Apply advanced statistical methods-descriptive analytics, probability modeling, regression, DOE, and hypothesis testing-to deliver rigorous, evidencedriven recommendations that improve product and process outcomes. 
  • Strengthen Failure Prevention: Conduct thorough component failure analyses to identify true root causes, evaluate design and manufacturing intent, and recommend corrective actions that protect customers and prevent recurrence. 
  • Optimize Material & Process Selection: Evaluate component requirements and select the most appropriate materials and manufacturing routes, ensuring bestfit solutions that meet performance, cost, and reliability targets. 
  • Enhance Material Robustness: Perform mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property characterization to confirm compliance and correlate lab results with field performance, improving component durability and reliability. 
  • Improve Technical Knowledge Transfer: Produce clear, accurate technical documentation that captures learnings, supports decisionmaking, and enables efficient knowledge sharing across engineering, operations, and crossfunctional teams. 
  • Elevate CrossFunctional Collaboration: Build strong internal and external networks to accelerate problemsolving, align stakeholders, and ensure seamless communication across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams. 
  • Accelerate Problem Resolution: Apply structured problemsolving methodologies to identify assignable and systemic root causes, implement robust corrective actions, and mentor others in effective analytical approaches. 
  • Advance Organizational Effectiveness: Demonstrate strong decision quality, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage complexity-consistently driving results while valuing diverse perspectives and adapting to challenging circumstances. 
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.
  • Casting experience is preferred.
  • Position involves working with suppliers for PPAP andprocessimprovements.
  • Use of sectioning and sample preparation equipment.
  • Report writing is necessary.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

  • Deep Technical Expertise in Materials & Casting:A solid understanding of casting processes, material behavior, andmaterialprocessinginteractions to accurately diagnose issues,validatedesign intent, and make sound material and process selections.
  • Strong Analytical & Laboratory Skills:Proficiencywith sectioning, sample preparation, and material characterization equipment-along with the ability to interpret mechanical, chemical, microstructural, and physical property data-to supportrootcauseanalysis and robustdecisionmaking.
  • Supplier Collaboration & PPAP/Process Improvement Capability:The ability to work effectively with suppliers on PPAP requirements, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring components meet specifications and quality standards.
  • Clear Technical Communication & Documentation:Strongreportwritingskills to document investigations, communicate findings, justify decisions, and supportcrossfunctionalalignment with Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering.

Education, Licenses, Certifications:
College, university, or equivalentBachelor's degree in Engineeringorappropriate STEMfield is required.
Post-graduate (Master's) degree relevant to this discipline area may berequiredfor select roles.
This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Experience:
Prior Senior or Lead Engineer equivalent work experience in a relevant discipline area isrequiredwith a demonstratedtrack recordof technical problem solving and quality decision making. Knowledge of MS Office tools is preferred.

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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919

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