Hard to find materials engineer jobs with MS in Physics?

[e15]

I like using computations/modeling/simulation for many kinds of physical problems, whether it be for molecular dynamics simulations, CFD, DFT to determine the electronic structure and properties of materials, molecular dynamics, etc. I'm not interested in hands-on work as I hated my lab classes. However, I want to work in industry not academia

I am in the middle of a Physics Phd program now. I took a year off for a leave of absence to work as a programmer, but found out that although I like it, I don't have a passion for it. Although I no longer want the PhD, I can return and get my Masters. I want to work in industry in almost any area that resembles computational physics (that is, using software to solve physical problems).

To obtain the Masters in physics, I have to work on a thesis for at least 2 semesters. I really just want to get the degree and get out asap. If I do the MS in EE or MatSci, I don't have to do a thesis. However, I will get funding in the Physics program and can enter in Fall 2014 (and maybe even start on the thesis this summer). For EE or MatSci, I can't start until Fall 2015 and won't get funding.

Should I re-enter the Physics program anyways? If I should enter the engineering program instead, what could I possibly do until I'm admitted, given that Physics BS applicants have a lot of difficulty getting engineering jobs?

 

[SteamKing]

The one reason why Physics BS applicants have a lot of trouble getting engineering jobs is ... they are not engineers and have not been trained as such. If you got sick, would you go to a biologist for treatment?