1

Material Characterization Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... materials, and technical data. Work is performed using computer-aided design and modeling tools ... As part of a facility characterization team, integrate all-source intelligence, geotechnical data ...

... materials, and technical data. Work is performed using computer-aided design and modeling tools ... As part of a facility characterization team, integrate all-source intelligence, geotechnical data ...

Concrete Research Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$80K - $124K/yr

... bridge designs, materials, and construction methods aimed at making the nation's bridges more ... characterization tests, including compressive strength (ASTM C39), flexural strength (ASTM C78 ...

New

Apply engineering judgment and technical leadership throughout the characterization process to ... Composite Materials * Mechanical Design * Proven ability to solve complex, ambiguous problems ...

Concrete Research Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$80K - $124K/yr

... bridge designs, materials, and construction methods aimed at making the nation's bridges more ... characterization tests, including compressive strength (ASTM C39), flexural strength (ASTM C78 ...

Apply engineering judgment and technical leadership throughout the characterization process to ... Composite Materials * Mechanical Design * Proven ability to solve complex, ambiguous problems ...

Showing results 41-60

Material Characterization information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$22

$31

How much do material characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for material characterization in Virginia is $22.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Material Characterization vs Material Testing Technician?

AspectMaterial CharacterizationMaterial Testing Technician
CredentialsTypically requires degrees in materials science, engineering, or related fieldsOften holds certifications in testing methods or technical diplomas
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, and R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, and production lines
Industry UsageUsed in research, development, and advanced material analysisFocused on routine testing and quality assurance

Material Characterization involves detailed analysis of material properties using advanced techniques, often in research settings. Material Testing Technicians perform standardized tests to ensure materials meet quality standards. While both roles require technical knowledge, Material Characterization is more research-oriented, whereas Material Testing Technicians focus on routine testing and quality control.

What is material characterization?

Material characterization is the process of analyzing and measuring the properties and structure of materials to understand their composition, performance, and suitability for specific applications. It involves using various techniques, such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing, to gather data about a material's physical, chemical, and mechanical attributes. This information is crucial for developing new materials, quality control, and failure analysis in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in material characterization, and why are they important?

To excel in Material Characterization, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, or physics, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with analytical tools such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and spectroscopic techniques, as well as experience with data analysis software, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals interpret results and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing material properties and supporting research, development, and quality control in various industries.

What are some common challenges faced in a material characterization role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Material Characterization often encounter challenges such as ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of test results, dealing with complex or sensitive materials, and troubleshooting instrumentation issues. Addressing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, regular calibration and maintenance of equipment, and continuous learning about new techniques and technologies. Collaboration with research scientists, engineers, and quality control teams is also essential to interpret results effectively and resolve technical issues. Staying up-to-date with industry best practices and engaging in ongoing training can further help professionals excel in this role.
Infographic showing various Material Characterization job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,785 per year, or $22 per hour.

Missile Systems Analyst, Senior

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


Remote Work:
No
Job Number:
R0244901
Location:
Chantilly,VA,US
Share job via:
Share
Missile Systems Analyst, Senior
The Opportunity:
Leverage experience with design and operations of foreign conventional missile systems to orchestrate and prioritize team threat analysis and characterization efforts. Provide senior technical direction or subject matter expertise to guide intelligence analysis efforts focused on foreign air and missile defense systems, integrated air defense systems (IADS), radars, command and control (C2), interceptors, effectors, and threat-system operations. Conduct engineering analyses and reverse-engineering studies to determine architecture inter- and intra-dependencies. Serve as a principal technical advisor to efforts supporting foreign threat system analysis, foreign materiel exploitation (FME), technical signals intelligence (SIGINT) analysis, radar and electronic order-of-battle assessment, and threat-system performance characterization. Guide analytic approaches for characterizing foreign sensor, C2, and weapon-system capabilities, including radar modes, operating concepts, engagement timelines, kill-chain behavior, system-of-systems integration, mobility, survivability, and operational employment. Lead analysis of foreign ground-based air defense radars, missile defense radars, fire-control radars, acquisition and surveillance radars, command posts, launchers, interceptors, and associated communications and data-link architectures. Assess draft Research and Development system products and timelines, designs, configurations, capabilities, performance, operations, employment strategies, and signatures to evaluate products validity, stability and rigor. Tailor assessments informing space initiatives generating, evaluating, and recommending force designs that enhance U.S. space-based systems, services, and architectures, such as those for ISR and missile warning. Translate intelligence findings into actionable technical insights for missile defense architecture assessment, test planning, modeling and simulation (M&S), system engineering, and operational threat representation.
You Have:
  • 12+ years of experience in foreign air and missile defense systems relating to C2, radar, interceptors and effectors, engagement operations, IADS architectures, missile defense, and technical signals
  • 5+ years of experience working with Scientific and Technical Intelligence Center organizations, Service intelligence centers, DoW intelligence production organizations, national laboratories, or technical intelligence customers
  • Experience applying radar system fundamentals, including radar modes, waveforms, antenna concepts, electronic scanning, tracking, fire-control functions, discrimination, signal processing, electronic protection, and operational signatures
  • Experience interpreting or applying Technical SIGINT, FME-derived data, intelligence reports, test data, engineering data, or all-source intelligence to characterize foreign threat-system performance and operational capability
  • Active TS/SCI clearance; willingness to take a polygraph exam
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Physical Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Operational Research, or Computer Science

Nice If You Have:
  • Experience with foreign surface-to-air missile systems, theater missile defense systems, strategic missile defense systems, counter-air architectures, and sensor-to-shooter kill chains, foreign radar exploitation, emitter characterization, ELINT, FISINT, and MASINT-informed analysis, radar parametric assessment, or threat-system reverse engineering
  • Experience developing M&S products such as threat models, system performance estimates, engagement timelines, parametric databases, intelligence-informed M&S inputs, or test threat representations
  • Experience working in special access program and special access required environments
  • Knowledge of foreign C2 networks, air-defense doctrine, missile engagement operations, electronic warfare, datalinks, battle management, and operational employment concepts
  • Master's degree in a STEM field a plus

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; TS/SCI 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 $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (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
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • 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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community and sign up for job alerts.

What Booz Allen Hamilton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Booz Allen Hamilton logo

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