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Entry Level Materials Science Engineering Jobs in Virginia

Materials Science Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

You Have: * Experience with materials science engineering or materials chemistry * Experience with materials testing, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical compatibility * Knowledge of ...

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Materials Science Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69 - $158/hr

Experience with materials science engineering or materials chemistry * Experience with materials testing, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical compatibility * Knowledge of materials production ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Materials Science Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$26

$43

How much do entry level materials science engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level materials science engineering in Virginia is $26.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $32.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level materials science engineer do?

Entry level materials science engineers assist in researching, designing, and testing materials used in a wide range of products and industries. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping to analyze material properties, conduct experiments, and prepare technical reports. Their tasks can also include supporting manufacturing processes, evaluating new materials, and ensuring quality standards are met. This role provides foundational experience and exposure to various materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry level materials science engineer?

As an entry level materials science engineer, you'll typically contribute to projects involving material selection, testing, and analysis under the guidance of senior engineers. Your responsibilities may include preparing samples, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and documenting results to support product development or process improvement. You may also assist in troubleshooting material-related issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams such as design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. This hands-on experience helps build foundational skills and provides insight into various industry applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level materials science engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Materials Science Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science principles, chemistry, physics, and engineering, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, materials characterization techniques (such as SEM, XRD), and CAD or simulation software is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you stand out. These abilities are essential for solving complex materials challenges, ensuring quality, and collaborating efficiently within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Materials Science Engineering vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Materials Science EngineeringEntry Level Mechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science or Engineering, internshipsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, internships
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, quality controlDesign, testing, manufacturing, R&D
Industry UsageMaterials development, nanotechnology, compositesAutomotive, aerospace, energy systems

Entry Level Materials Science Engineering focuses on developing and testing new materials, often in research or manufacturing settings. In contrast, Entry Level Mechanical Engineering involves designing and analyzing mechanical systems. Both roles require a bachelor's degree and internships, but they serve different industry needs and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Virginia?

For Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Materials Science Engineering jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Materials Science Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Materials Science Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,091 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Materials Science Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton

Springfield, VA • On-site

$69 - $158/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 hours ago

Posted today


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Materials Science EngineerThe Opportunity

Perform as a member of our team to build next-generation technologies for our defense clients working on materials and science engineering efforts. Participate in a dynamic team responsible for developing, integrating, and testing solutions to create emerging technologies and products for the next generation of warfighters. Develop, characterize, and support the scale-up of advanced materials, various levels of testing for characterization, and process development for manufacturing of materials. Advise organizational leadership on emerging technologies and market targets of opportunity for marketing and implementation. Work alongside leadership to ensure soldier solutions are fully integrated to increase business capability and value, reduce cost and risk, foster innovation, and maximize accountability and return on investment. Interact frequently with internal and external management and senior-level customer representatives concerning Booz Allen customer projects, operational decisions, scheduling requirements, and contractual clarifications. Maintain responsibility for evaluating technical specifications relating to the design objectives of processes or products, and evaluate the impact of materials processing on the environment.

You Have
  • Experience with materials science engineering or materials chemistry
  • Experience with materials testing, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical compatibility
  • Knowledge of materials production, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation
  • Ability to provide solutions for multiple clients and stakeholders simultaneously
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
  • Secret clearance
  • Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering and 2+ years of experience in materials engineering, or Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering and 1+ years of experience in materials engineering
Nice If You Have
  • Experience with advanced materials, including metals, ceramics, composites, and polymers
  • Experience with data-informed analysis on government specification documents such as Mil-Specs, Mil-Standards, Purchase Descriptions (PDs), and Commercial Item Descriptions (CIDs)
  • Experience identifying, selecting, and recommending materials for various extreme conditions and environments
  • Experience with the in-product testing process and improving overall testing process improvements
  • Knowledge of Agile project management, Lean Six Sigma, or Kanban
  • Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering
Clearance

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Secret clearance is required.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being.

Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $69,400.00 to $158,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees.

This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

About Booz Allen Hamilton

Booz Allen is an advanced technology company delivering outcomes with speed for America’s most critical defense, civil, and national security priorities. We build technology solutions using AI, cyber, and other cutting-edge technologies to advance and protect the nation and its citizens. By focusing on outcomes, we enable our people, clients, and their missions to succeed—accelerating the nation to realize our purpose: Empower People to Change the World®.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

Know Your Rights Poster Accommodations

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable workplace accommodation for any part of our employment process, please contact the Booz Allen Help Desk by calling 1-877-927-8278 or sending an email to helpdesk@bah.com. This option is reserved only for individuals who are requesting a reasonable workplace accommodation. It is not intended for other purposes or inquiries.

Data Privacy

For more information on how Booz Allen uses your information, please see our Careers Privacy Policy.

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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914