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Entry Level Materials Science Engineering Jobs in Washington

Entry Level Staff Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

  • Retirement

... and testing of materials, developing training materials, and development of specifications ... Bachelor's degree in engineering or science - required . * Entry level to up to 5 years of ...

Entry Level Staff Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

  • Retirement

... and testing of materials, developing training materials, and development of specifications ... Bachelor's degree in engineering or science - required. * Entry level to up to 5 years of ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Materials Science Engineering information

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Materials Science Engineering job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Ceramics Researcher with Security Clearance

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description Are you interested in developing and processing advanced ceramic materials for demanding applications? Are you looking to apply your materials skills in a collaborative setting focused on solving complex engineering and materials challenges? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking a Ceramics Researcher to help us develop novel materials and processing methods that will benefit our nation and the world. In this role, you will work hands-on with material synthesis, forming, densification, and characterization, contributing to the development of new materials and processing approaches. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to translate materials concepts into solutions across a range of extreme applications. Within our dynamic and supportive research environment, you will contribute to projects that require both fundamental understanding and practical execution, helping evaluate and improve materials based on performance and processing outcomes. As a Ceramics Researcher in the Material Sciences Group (R1A), your primary responsibility will be... * Processing of ceramic materials including raw material conditioning, material forming, densification, and characterization. * Helping to develop new procedures and methods for forming and sintering ceramic materials. * Documenting technical work in detail (reports, briefs, procedures, etc.) and present to internal and external team members. * Assisting in the evaluation of materials development and processing through analysis of resultant properties. * Exploring and creating new ideas that will help us make substantial contributions to our nation's toughest challenges. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... * Possess a BS in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramics, Composites, or related field.
* Have 2+ years of experience synthesizing and processing materials, particularly advanced ceramics, graded materials, ceramic matrix composites, or high temperature oxide and non-oxide based materials.
* Are knowledgeable of standard materials forming and densification methods (i.e., isostatic pressing, dry pressing, slip casting, hot pressing, EFAS/FAST/SPS, additive manufacturing, pressureless sintering, etc.).
* Understand the interplay between structure, processing and properties for the design and processing of tailored materials.
* Are a reliable teammate with excellent communication skills.
* 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... * Possess a MS with 2+ years of experience in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramics, Composites, or related field.
* Have significant and relevant experience in additive manufacturing of ceramics and/or composites.
* Have experience with extreme test environments (e.g., arc jet, wind tunnel, flight tests, ballistic or blast testing, nuclear etc.).
* Have experience with modeling and validation of the behavior of materials in complex environments (e.g., aero-thermal, oxidative, high radiation, etc.).
* Have direct experience characterizing the electromagnetic properties of materials. 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 . 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