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Junior Materials Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Junior Material Flow Engineer supports the design, documentation, and field verification of material handling equipment and lineside layouts for a greenfield automotive assembly launch. This is a ...

Junior Process Engineer Location: Manteno, Illinois Company Overview Gotion Inc. is based in ... materials, or process technologies introduced to the cell production line Support small process ...

Junior Process Engineer Location: Manteno, Illinois Company Overview Gotion Inc. is based in ... Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field • 0-2 years of relevant ...

Material selection * Prototype development * Source and lead external suppliers in areas including ... To be successful in this role as a Junior Plastics Engineer, you will need the following skills and ...

A multi-disciplinary architectural, engineering and construction firm is seeking a Junior Engineer ... of materials and detailing * Conduct site visits during construction to ensure compliance with ...

We are seeking a Junior Process Engineer with 2+ years of experience who is eager to grow their ... Heat & Material Balances * Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) * Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)

The Junior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, building, and testing of ... material availability and manufacturability. * Develop coherent technical documentation to inform ...

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Junior Materials Engineer information

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior materials engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior materials engineer do?

A Junior Materials Engineer assists in researching, developing, and testing materials used to create a wide range of products, such as metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to analyze material properties, conduct experiments, and help solve material-related issues in manufacturing or product design. Their responsibilities may also include collecting data, preparing technical reports, and supporting quality control processes. This entry-level role is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in materials science and engineering.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a junior materials engineer expect in their first year on the job?

As a Junior Materials Engineer, you can expect to be involved in supporting senior engineers with testing, analyzing, and selecting materials for product development or manufacturing projects. Your daily tasks may include preparing samples, conducting laboratory tests, recording data, and contributing to failure analysis or process improvements. You'll likely collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure materials meet required specifications. This role offers hands-on experience and frequent mentorship, providing a solid foundation for future specialization or advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior materials engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Materials Engineer, you need a solid grounding in materials science principles, analytical problem-solving, and a bachelor's degree in materials, chemical, or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with materials characterization tools (like SEM, XRD), CAD software, and relevant laboratory safety protocols is typically required. Effective communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities enable Junior Materials Engineers to contribute to innovative projects, ensure material quality, and collaborate efficiently in multidisciplinary environments.

What is the difference between Junior Materials Engineer vs Materials Technician?

AspectJunior Materials EngineerMaterials Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Materials Science or EngineeringAssociate degree or technical certification in materials testing
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and development in labs or officesTesting and inspection in labs or manufacturing settings
Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing plants, quality control labs

Junior Materials Engineers and Materials Technicians often work together but focus on different tasks. Junior Engineers handle design and analysis, while Technicians perform testing and quality checks. Both roles require knowledge of materials but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

More about Junior Materials Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Materials Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Materials Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Materials Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Materials Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Junior Materials Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Materials Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Junior Materials Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Principal Materials Engineer (Metallics) - Advanced Nuclear Technology

X Energy LLC

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/. We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us.

Job Description

This role is responsible for performing engineering tasks associated with selecting, qualifying, and conducting lifetime assessment analyses for materials in a nuclear reactor or nuclear facility.


Job Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement methodologies to qualify and characterize materials, especially metallic alloys, graphite, composites, and welding materials for nuclear reactor applications including in high temperature environments.
  • Support selection of appropriate materials, test methods, codes and standards, and prepare material specifications for component procurement.
  • Inform development of and assist in oversight of materials testing programs to collect material properties and establish basis for material qualifications.
  • Use engineering tools, including appropriate simulation software, hand calculations, and engineering judgment, assess microscale behavior, grain boundaries, surface effects, degradation behavior (corrosion, oxidation kinetics, neutron damage, etc.), and lifetime performance of materials.
  • Perform and assist metallurgical analysis for the alloys selected for metallic systems, structures, and components of X-energy developed reactors, including pressure vessels and piping, reactor internals, heat exchangers, and other systems and components.
  • Collect and use data to support the generation of constitutive material models and perform and assist structural integrity, creep-fatigue, and strain evaluations for metals at high temperatures.
  • Support the assessment of SSCs for response to environmental conditions at the direction of project leads.
  • Consider effects of tribology and material property evolution on system and component design as a function of temperature and environment.
  • Write and develop design and analysis documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures, as well as industry publications and engagement in professional forums.
  • Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolsets.
  • Perform work in accordance with X-energy quality procedures for design and configuration management to ensure project quality requirements are met.
  • Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
  • Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by manager.

Job Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in materials engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., chemical, nuclear, mechanical etc.) from an accredited institution.
    • A master's degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
    • A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
    • Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.
  • Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.
  • Experience with metallurgical analysis and strong familiarity with metallic alloy material behavior
  • Lead the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities, listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document, without close supervision and some latitude for independent judgment.
  • Provide feedback and guidance to more junior team members with the execution of the core tasks and responsibilities listed in the Job Profile Task/Responsibilities section of this document.
  • Shares knowledge related to industry best practices and standards with others across the team.

Preferred Skills:

What Makes You a Great Fit:

Strong background in neutron irradiation effects on metals and alloys

Experience with metallic alloy degradation mechanisms (SRC, SCC, irradiation damage, creep, fatigue)

Ability to characterize complex gas-metal and irradiation interactions in reactor environments

Proficiency in thermodynamic modeling (e.g., Thermo-Calc, Pandat, CALPHAD, or similar)

Knowledge of alloys and materials used in nuclear power systems

Hands-On Skills:

Mechanical testing of irradiated and non-irradiated metals (tensile, creep, fatigue, fracture toughness)

Materials characterization: SEM, fractography, compositional analysis (EDS/WDS), EBSD, metallography

Experience with test instrumentation, control systems, and data analysis

Metallographic sample preparation and microscopy

What Sets You Apart:

Experience with high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) or Generation IV reactor concepts

Background in reactor materials surveillance programs or long-term degradation assessment

Exposure to nuclear licensing or regulatory interactions

Publication record demonstrating thought leadership in nuclear materials

Location:9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD
Work Site Expectations:5 days in office
Travel Expectations:Up to 40%
Hours:Standard office hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm ET, Monday - Friday

Compensation

As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.

Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual's qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:

$140,000 - $165,000

Position Job Classification

Full time - Exempt

Benefits

X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.

Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)

E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish