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Associate Materials Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Hillis-Carnes

Structural Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates (HCEA) is an ENR Top 500, regional, multi-disciplined ... materials engineering and testing, and third-party inspections. We are currently seeking a ...

Applied Materials

Maintenance Technician III

Manassas, VA · On-site

$23 - $31.40/hr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Electronics, Electronics Engineering Technology ...

Trident Systems LLC

Material Planner

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$58K - $107K/yr

Associate Manager, Material Planning Supervises Others: No At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive ...

Trident Systems, Inc.

Material Planner

Fairfax, VA

Associate Manager, Material Planning Supervises Others: No At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive ...

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Associate Materials Engineer information

What is the difference between Associate Materials Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectAssociate Materials EngineerMaterials Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in materials science or engineering; some roles may require internshipsBachelor's or master's degree; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects in manufacturing or R&D labsMore independent roles, overseeing projects and testing in labs or production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries for entry-level rolesCommon in similar industries, often with more responsibilities and project oversight

The main difference is experience and responsibility level. Associate Materials Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting roles, while Materials Engineers have more experience, overseeing projects and making technical decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Materials Engineers often hold professional certifications and have greater independence in their work.

What are Associate Materials Engineers?

Associate Materials Engineers are early-career professionals who assist in the development, testing, and evaluation of materials used in a variety of products and industries. They work under the supervision of more experienced engineers and help analyze the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to ensure they meet specific engineering requirements. Their responsibilities typically include conducting experiments, collecting data, preparing reports, and supporting the design and improvement of new materials. This role is often a stepping stone to more senior engineering positions and provides foundational experience in materials science and engineering applications.

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

To thrive as an Associate Materials Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, CAD software, and materials characterization techniques—such as SEM or XRD—is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in problem-solving and cross-functional projects. These competencies are crucial for developing, testing, and improving materials that meet industry standards and project requirements.

What types of projects do Associate Materials Engineers typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other departments?

Associate Materials Engineers often work on projects involving material selection, testing, and analysis for new or existing products. They regularly collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards. Day-to-day tasks may include conducting laboratory experiments, preparing technical reports, and troubleshooting material-related issues in production. This collaborative environment allows for ongoing learning and provides exposure to various stages of product development, supporting career growth within multidisciplinary teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Washington? For Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Associate Materials Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Associate Materials Engineer job openings:
Associate Materials Engineer jobs near you
Associate Materials Researcher

Associate Materials Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 59 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you love to invent and explore new materials to tackle unique challenges?
Are you driven to pursue meaningful manufacturing research that supports defense, energy, and space applications?
Do you thrive in collaborative, hands-on environments that value innovation and impact?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking an Associate Materials Researcher to contribute to the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials, including those produced via additive manufacturing, powder processing, and other emerging techniques. In this role, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team focused on developing solutions to pressing materials problems in national security and beyond. You will have the opportunity to build hands-on experience with fabrication and testing methods, contribute to project execution, and grow into an independent technical leader. Our group emphasizes collaborative innovation and supports career development through mentorship, proposal development opportunities, and access to powerful facilities.
As an Associate Materials Researcher, your responsibilities will include:
  • Supporting experimental research programs through hands-on materials synthesis, processing, and characterization.
  • Contributing to the development and discovery of advanced materials including, but not limited to, metals, ceramics, and composites.
  • Collaborating with senior researchers to explore new concepts and refine manufacturing approaches
  • Participating in data collection, analysis, and reporting to internal and external collaborators.
  • Maintaining strong lab practices, safety protocols, and high-quality documentation of experimental workflows.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:
  • Possess a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
  • Have 4+ years of relevant experience in materials research, including processing and characterization.
  • Demonstrate a foundational understanding of how processing influences microstructure and material performance.
  • Are comfortable working in laboratory environments, eager to develop hands-on skills with synthesis and test equipment, and able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms while collaborating on cross-disciplinary teams.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you:
  • Have experience with additive manufacturing, or powder metallurgy processes.
  • Are familiar with ceramics or functional composite systems in addition to structural metals.
  • Have supported development or qualification efforts involving mechanical or thermal materials testing.
  • Are interested in applying machine learning or data science to accelerate materials discovery and process optimization.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

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