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Entry Level Material Science Engineering Jobs in Washington

They will work alongside scientists and engineers to collaboratively develop and produce advanced material compositions for wide-ranging applications at the cutting-edge of materials science research.

Scientist/Associate (Ph.D.)

Bowie, MD · On-site

$140K - $162K/yr

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field * A strong theoretical and practical knowledge of macromolecules and associated ...

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field * A strong theoretical and practical knowledge of macromolecules and associated ...

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field * A strong theoretical and practical knowledge of macromolecules and associated ...

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field * A strong theoretical and practical knowledge of macromolecules and associated ...

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field * A strong theoretical and practical knowledge of macromolecules and associated ...

Scientist/Associate (Ph.D.)

Bowie, MD · On-site

$140K - $162K/yr

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field * A strong theoretical and practical knowledge of macromolecules and associated ...

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Entry Level Material Science Engineering information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Material Science Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Material Science Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, or engineering, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, materials characterization tools (such as SEM, XRD, or spectroscopy), and CAD software is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring precise material analysis, innovative problem-solving, and successful collaboration on engineering projects.

What does an entry level material science engineer do?

An entry level material science engineer assists in the research, development, and testing of materials used to create products and structures. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers to analyze material properties, conduct experiments, and help improve manufacturing processes. Their responsibilities may include preparing samples, running laboratory tests, recording data, and supporting the design of new materials for specific applications such as aerospace, electronics, or energy. These engineers play a crucial role in helping organizations develop innovative and efficient materials. The position usually requires a bachelor's degree in material science, engineering, or a related field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Material Science Engineering vs Entry Level Metallurgical Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Material Science EngineeringEntry Level Metallurgical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, R&D departmentsMining sites, metal production facilities, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, electronics, consumer productsMining, metal extraction, alloy development, manufacturing

Entry Level Material Science Engineering and Entry Level Metallurgical Engineering share foundational knowledge and often overlap in industries like manufacturing and R&D. However, Material Science focuses more on the properties and applications of materials, while Metallurgical Engineering emphasizes metal extraction and processing. Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree and involve work in labs or industrial settings, but their specific industry applications differ slightly.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry-level material science engineer?

As an entry-level material science engineer, you will typically assist in the development, testing, and analysis of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites. Your daily tasks may include preparing samples, conducting laboratory experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting senior engineers in research or product development projects. You’ll also collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, such as mechanical and chemical engineers, to solve materials-related challenges and improve product performance. This hands-on experience is invaluable and often serves as a springboard for more advanced roles in research, quality assurance, or product design.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Material Science Engineering jobs in Washington? For Entry Level Material Science Engineering jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Material Science Engineering jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Material Science Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Material Science Engineering job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 73% In-person, and 27% Remote job distribution.
NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Thermoreflectance Thermal Property Measurements

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Thermoreflectance Thermal Property Measurements

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: Thermoreflectance Thermal Property Measurements (U.S. Citizens Preferred)
The work will entail: The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens Preferred) to validate and improve thermoreflectance optical pump-probe thermal-property measurement methods, develop and refine instrumentation, optimize protocols, and provide thermal property data for thin-film and multilayer materials that can improve the performance, reliability, and thermal management in microelectronics packages and wide bandgap power electronics. The researcher will work closely with NIST experts in optics, thermal metrology, scientific instrument design, and uncertainty analysis.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Designing, building, operating, and/or refining pump-probe instrumentation
  • Operating and developing physics-based analysis software
  • Measuring thermal property data for internal and external collaborators and stakeholders
  • Depositing and characterizing thin films in the NIST NanoFab
  • Presenting results at internal and/or external meetings as required
  • Writing and publishing results

Required Skills, Expertise and Qualifications:
  • PhD in physics, optics, materials science/engineering, or other related field
  • Experience in designing, building, and operating thermoreflectance-based measurement instrumentation
  • Experience in thermal metrology, thermal analysis, and optics
  • Experience in thin film deposition and thin film characterization
  • Experience with data modeling and programming (MATLAB required)
  • Expertise in semiconductor manufacturing processes and device failure analysis
  • Experience working in cleanrooms
  • Ability to work collaboratively and independently
  • Strong oral and written communication skills

Employment Terms:This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the Materials Measurement Science Division for a term of 1 year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work aside NIST researchers and with NIST's often world class instrumentation. Relocation expenses will not be provided. U.S. Citizens hired into associate positions may have the opportunity to seek longer term Federal Employment.
Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004169