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Cold Spray Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cold Spray Engineer information

What is a cold spray engineer?

A Cold Spray Engineer is a specialist who works with the cold spray process, an advanced surface coating technology where metallic powders are accelerated at high speeds and deposited onto surfaces without melting. This technique is used to repair, protect, or build up parts in industries like aerospace, automotive, and energy. Cold Spray Engineers design, optimize, and troubleshoot these processes to ensure coatings meet performance requirements. They often work with materials science, mechanical engineering, and process development teams to improve efficiency and quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cold spray engineer?

To thrive as a Cold Spray Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science or mechanical engineering, often with a relevant degree and experience in surface engineering or additive manufacturing. Familiarity with cold spray equipment, thermal spray systems, and analysis tools such as SEM and XRD is typically required, and certifications in welding or coatings technology can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the development and application of high-quality coatings, contributing to innovation, safety, and reliability in industrial processes.

What are some common challenges faced by cold spray engineers in their daily work?

Cold Spray Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing process parameters to achieve desired coating quality and adhesion. They may also need to troubleshoot equipment issues and adapt to the unique properties of different substrate and powder materials. Collaboration with R&D, production, and quality teams is frequent, as engineers work to meet both performance and regulatory standards while ensuring process efficiency. Staying updated on technological advancements and maintaining safety protocols are also important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Cold Spray Engineer vs Thermal Spray Technician?

AspectCold Spray EngineerThermal Spray Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering or related field, certifications in cold spray technologyTechnical diploma or certification in thermal spray processes
Work EnvironmentIndustrial labs, manufacturing plants, aerospace, and automotive industriesManufacturing facilities, repair shops, and surface coating environments
Industry UsageResearch and development, advanced manufacturing, aerospaceSurface coating, corrosion protection, repair applications

The Cold Spray Engineer focuses on designing and optimizing cold spray processes for advanced material deposition, often requiring engineering degrees and specialized certifications. The Thermal Spray Technician typically performs surface coating tasks using thermal spray equipment, with technical training. Both roles operate in industrial environments but differ in their technical scope and application focus.

What are popular job titles related to Cold Spray Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Cold Spray Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cold Spray Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Cold Spray Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cold Spray Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cold Spray Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Cold Spray Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 65% Physical, and 35% Remote job distribution.

ENGINEER ELECTROMECHANICAL 3

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Newport News, VA • On-site

$99K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,399 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Req ID: 47728
Team: E64 ARCRFT CARR MCH
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: 1st
Relocation: Relocation assistance will be available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirements: Yes, 10%-25% of the time
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $99,000.00 to $122,000.00
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding
With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.
The Role
Applies electrical, electronic and mechanical principles to components and systems, including assembly, analysis, and documentation of results; construction of developmental assemblies, sub-assemblies and components; and quality testing. Supports and participates in the design, test, modification, fabrication and assembly of prototype electromechanical systems.
This position will be in the Aircraft Carrier Engineering Propulsion Machinery Department (E64), which leads the US Navy in the design, repair, and modernization of propulsion machinery and piping systems on Aircraft Carriers. Our components and systems literally move these massive aircraft carriers! Our work directly supports the mission readiness of these US Navy assets, which defend our country's freedom and provide humanitarian support around the world. We are second to none in our expertise in overhauling and repairing the carriers' giant turbines, gears, heat exchangers, pumps, valves, propellers, and shafts.
We work hand-in-hand with our Trades and Construction Management personnel to plan and support the mid-life nuclear refueling and complex overhaul as well as other maintenance periods of these ships. Our engineers spend time in the office, at our suppliers across the country, at our in-house manufacturing facilities, and on the ships, whether at our piers or in our dry-docks, at other yards and naval bases around the world, or out to sea! Candidates must be comfortable visiting production environments, climbing vertical and inclined ladders, accessing confined spaces, and occasionally traveling. Our department often performs the role of a "technical detective," troubleshooting and determining the cause of problems, and then works to implement corrective and preventive actions. E64 is active in exploring, using, and implementing new technology and tools. We use laser-scanning and 3D high-resolution digital photography to "ship-check" spaces to be overhauled or modernized in lieu of manual measurements and sketches. We are implementing cold-spray technology in lieu of specialized welding. We are implementing the use of additive manufacturing (3D-printing) in lieu of castings.
Must Have
Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of relevant exempt experience;
Master's Degree and 3 years of relevant professional experience;
Ph.D. and 0 years of experience.
Newport News Shipbuilding requires a Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
Nice to Have
The ideal candidate is familiar with the US Navy aircraft carrier modernization and maintenance process, particularly planning and executing refueling complex overhauls (RCOHs) of aircraft carrier propulsion plants. Technical background in turbine generators is preferred. In addition, experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: fluid mechanics, strength of materials, fasteners, shock analysis, GD&T, and/or repair of complex machinery. This position requires the use of Microsoft Office software, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook. We prefer (but do not require) SAP or similar ERP experience. Candidate must have good communication skills, be organized, and have project management skills.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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