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Associate Materials Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

AFL

Sr. Data Center Estimating Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

... associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and ... Develop project budgets including material costs, engineering estimates, installation labor, and ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Cost Engineer Associate

Tysons, VA · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Familiarity with electrical equipment, materials and specifications * Experience reading and ... Engineering * 4+ years of experience with an Associate's Degree * 6+ years experience with a high ...

Leidos

Senior Material Planner

Springfield, VA

$65K - $118K/yr

The MP reports to the Material Operations & Strategy Associate Director and is directly aligned to ... Program management, Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Finance, Accounting, Contracts, and ...

Leidos

Senior Material Planner

Springfield, VA · On-site

$65K - $118K/yr

The MP reports to the Material Operations & Strategy Associate Director and is directly aligned to ... Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Finance, Accounting, Contracts, and others. In this role, the ...

Leidos

Senior Material Planner

Springfield, VA · On-site

$65K - $118K/yr

The MP reports to the Material Operations & Strategy Associate Director and is directly aligned to ... Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Finance, Accounting, Contracts, and others. In this role, the ...

M&J Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Rockville, MD

Prepare materials lists and identify action items required to complete assigned work. * Respond to ... Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM ...

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All JobsAssociate Materials Engineer JobsAssociate Materials Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Associate Materials Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do associate materials engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate materials engineer in Reston, VA is $22.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Materials Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Associate Materials Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Associate Materials Engineer job openings:
Associate Materials Engineer jobs near you
Sr. Data Center Estimating Engineer

Sr. Data Center Estimating Engineer

AFL

Ashburn, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $1B in revenue, and employ more than 5,800 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.
NO Third party / C2C Candidates please - W-2 only
Job Summary
The Senior Data Center Estimator is responsible for evaluating and interpreting customer specifications, engineering documentation, scope requirements, and RFQs for data center construction and infrastructure projects. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, the ability to translate complex technical requirements into accurate cost models, and the confidence to present information clearly to leadership, customers, and cross-functional partners.
This is a non-supervisory leadership role within the Estimating Department, contributing heavily to bid development, cost strategy, and competitive analysis. The Senior Data Center Estimator prepares detailed proposals, guides peer estimators, and collaborates with Engineering, Operations, and other internal groups to ensure our offerings are cost-effective, accurate, and aligned with customer expectations.
Responsibilities
  • Prepare detailed estimates and quote packages for data center construction, infrastructure, and technology projects-including electrical, mechanical, cabling, and specialized systems.
  • Review customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, and scope documents to determine material, engineering, equipment, subcontractor, and labor requirements.
  • Develop project budgets including material costs, engineering estimates, installation labor, and overall project pricing models.
  • Maintain and update estimating tools, cost databases, templates, and pricing models to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
  • Partner with Engineering to interpret and refine the customer's Scope of Work, ensuring estimates align with technical and design requirements.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and subject-matter support to other Estimators within the department.
  • Identify value-engineering opportunities and recommend alternatives that meet customer needs while supporting business objectives.
  • Communicate with customers to clarify assumptions, confirm design intent, and ensure complete, accurate estimate packages.
  • Collaborate with internal departments-including Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Accounting, and Sales-to ensure consistent and accurate proposal submissions.
  • Review preliminary engineering specifications and bills of materials for compliance with industry standards, data center best practices, customer requirements, and project scope.
  • Assist Accounting and Operations with budget validation, cost analysis, and project handoff documentation.
  • Support Operations in understanding estimating methodologies and installation assumptions.
  • Partner with Marketing and Sales to ensure alignment on service pricing, positioning, and customer communications.
  • QA/QC

Personal Qualities
  • Flexible: Able to adapt quickly to changing conditions, customer demands, and project requirements.
  • Detail Oriented: Demonstrates precision and strong follow-through across all estimating activities.
  • Independent: Effectively manages workload with limited supervision while maintaining high standards.
  • Analytical / Problem Solving: Capable of advanced reasoning, complex cost modeling, and solution development.
  • Results Focused: Driven to deliver accurate estimates and meet proposal deadlines.
  • Strong Interpersonal Skills: Collaborates effectively across teams and communicates clearly at all levels.
  • Adaptable: Thrives in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

Qualifications
  • BICSI RCDD, DCDC, CDCDP or equivalent Construction Management, or related technical discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum 5+ years of experience in estimating within data centers, mission-critical environments, electrical/mechanical trades, or similar technical fields.
  • Must be able to present information and respond to questions from customers, leadership, and project stakeholders.
  • Strong mathematical skills, including ability to calculate discounts, ratios, proportions, percentages, and labor productivity metrics.
  • Ability to interpret complex instructions, drawings, schedules, and technical documentation.
  • Must be capable of generating creative and practical solutions related to constructability, installation methods, and cost efficiency.
  • Able to work independently and manage competing priorities.
  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and estimating/engineering tools such as Bluebeam, Visio, CAD, or similar.
  • Technical understanding of data center infrastructure, power and cooling systems, fiber/copper installations, and/or telecommunications is required.

Working Conditions
  • Standard office environment.
  • Occasional exposure to construction environments or materials when visiting job sites or suppliers.

Minimum Education
Preferred Degree or Type
Bachelor's Degree
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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