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Material Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Advanced Technologies is currently seeking a Material Engineer to be part of a team assisting multiple nuclear development projects at its Advanced Technologies research and development organization ...

Advanced Technologies is currently seeking a Material Engineer to be part of a team assisting multiple nuclear development projects at its Advanced Technologies research and development organization ...

Materials Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides ... Assess contractor designs for material performance in space environments for thermal, radiation ...

Materials Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides ... Assess contractor designs for material performance in space environments for thermal, radiation ...

Conducts market research and maintains currency in knowledge of civilian and military material ... Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or equivalent and 10 years of relevant experience. Must have a DOD ...

Conducts market research and maintains currency in knowledge of civilian and military material ... Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or equivalent and 10 years of relevant experience. Must have a DOD ...

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$76K - $119K/yr

As our Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring materials selected in design ... Prepare material evaluations and specifications for use in additive manufacturing applications.

As our Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring materials selected in design ... Prepare material evaluations and specifications for use in additive manufacturing applications.

As our Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring materials selected in design ... Prepare material evaluations and specifications for use in additive manufacturing applications.

Conducts market research and maintains currency in knowledge of civilian and military material ... Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or equivalent and 10 years of relevant experience. Must have a DOD ...

As our Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring materials selected in design ... Prepare material evaluations and specifications for use in additive manufacturing applications.

As our Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring materials selected in design ... Prepare material evaluations and specifications for use in additive manufacturing applications.

As our Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring materials selected in design ... Prepare material evaluations and specifications for use in additive manufacturing applications.

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$76K - $119K/yr

As our Materials Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring materials selected in design ... Prepare material evaluations and specifications for use in additive manufacturing applications.

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Material Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$37.7K

$99.9K

$156.6K

How much do material engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for material engineer in Virginia is $99,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can materials engineers do?

Materials engineers design, develop, and test materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites for use in products and structures. They work in industries like aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and electronics, often using tools like CAD software and conducting laboratory testing. Their roles may include research, quality control, and process improvement to enhance material performance and durability.

Is materials engineering a high paying job?

Materials engineering is generally considered a well-paying profession, with median salaries often above the national average for engineering roles. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry, with specialized skills and certifications potentially increasing earning potential.

What are some typical challenges Material Engineers face when working on product development teams?

Material Engineers often collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to select and test materials that meet specific product requirements. One common challenge is balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability while ensuring materials comply with industry standards and regulations. Additionally, Material Engineers must often troubleshoot unexpected failures or performance issues during prototyping and production, requiring creative problem-solving and effective communication with cross-functional teams. Staying current with new materials and technologies is also essential for success in this dynamic field.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Material Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Material Engineer, a strong background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles—often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in materials or related engineering fields—is essential. Familiarity with analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and computer-aided design (CAD) software, as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for developing innovative materials, ensuring product reliability, and facilitating successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are Material Engineers?

Material Engineers are professionals who study, develop, and test materials used to create a wide variety of products, from computer chips to aircraft components. They analyze the structure and properties of metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and other materials to determine how they can be used or improved for specific applications. Their work is crucial in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Material Engineers also help ensure that materials meet safety and quality standards, and they often collaborate with other engineers to develop innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Material Engineer vs Metallurgist?

AspectMaterial EngineerMetallurgist
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Materials Science or EngineeringBachelor's or higher in Metallurgy or Materials Science
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, product developmentMining, metal production, research labs
Industry UsageDesigning and testing new materials, improving product durabilityExtracting, processing, and analyzing metals

Material Engineers focus on developing and testing new materials for various applications, while Metallurgists specialize in extracting and processing metals. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping industries, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What is the work of a material engineer?

A material engineer researches, develops, and tests materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to improve their performance and suitability for specific applications. They analyze material properties, select appropriate materials for projects, and often use tools like microscopy and testing equipment, typically working in laboratories or manufacturing environments. Certification and knowledge of engineering principles are important for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Material Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Material Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Material Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Material Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Material Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,874 per year, or $48 per hour.

$62K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


BWX Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. Headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, BWXT is a Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,000 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram .
BWXT is currently seeking a Materials Engineer for its Advanced Technologies location in Lynchburg, VA!
BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT's innovation hub. BWXT's Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope powered systems for both internal and external customers.
Advanced Technologies is currently seeking a Material Engineer to be part of a team assisting multiple nuclear development projects at its Advanced Technologies research and development organization in Lynchburg, VA. The engineer will be responsible for identifying material solutions based on design requirements, evaluating the manufacturing and technology readiness (MRL/TRL) for those materials, and advising on sourcing, development, and production pathways.
If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you. The position will be located in Lynchburg, VA.
Job Description / Duties:
  • Identify materials for a particular application based on the required performance characteristics and required manufacturing/technology readiness levels.
  • Evaluate the performance of materials under design representative environments and identify confirmatory testing to validate expected performance.
  • Support in the evaluation of suppliers and writing material specifications.
  • Maintain a material property database in support of design organization.
  • Interface with nuclear, mechanical, and electrical engineers on multi-disciplinary development projects.
  • Interface with testing organization to perform material testing campaigns.

Job Qualifications / Requirements:
  • A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Nuclear, Materials, Mechanical or similar discipline) is required.
  • Must possess strong skill set in materials science, which includes the processing, structure, and performance of ceramic materials.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to multi-task are required.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen with no dual citizenship.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Additional Desired Skillsets:
  • Experience with the performance of ceramic, metals, or composite under high temperature application.
  • Experience in evaluating the degradation of materials due to corrosive, irradiative, or thermal environments.

Pay: $ 62,000.00 - $ 97,000.00
The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $62,000.00 and $97,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.
As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities ("BWXT" or the "Company") complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.
Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Position requires U.S. citizenship with (no dual citizenship) ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test and previous employment reference verifications.
BWXT supports diversity and is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color religion, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or veteran status.
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf
Nearest Major Market: Lynchburg
Nearest Secondary Market: Virginia
Job Segment: Nuclear Engineering, Defense, DoD, Manufacturing Engineer, Security Clearance, Engineering, Government

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