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Material Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Eastman

Raw Materials Engineer

Fieldale, VA · On-site

With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers ... Responsibilities Eastman is seeking a raw materials engineer at the Martinsville, VA site ...

Eastman

Raw Materials Engineer

Fieldale, VA · On-site

With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers ... Responsibilities Eastman is seeking a raw materials engineer at the Martinsville, VA site ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

You'll wear multiple hats such as a formulator, engineer, applied scientist, applicator, and technical expert, ensuring that material solutions are aligned to mission priorities and progress in ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

You'll wear multiple hats such as a formulator, engineer, applied scientist, applicator, and technical expert, ensuring that material solutions are aligned to mission priorities and progress in ...

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

You'll wear multiple hats such as a formulator, engineer, applied scientist, applicator, and technical expert, ensuring that material solutions are aligned to mission priorities and progress in ...

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All JobsMaterial Engineer JobsMaterial Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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:
What are popular job titles related to Material Engineer jobs in VA? For Material Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Material Engineer jobs near you
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.
Materials Engineer with Security Clearance

Materials Engineer with Security Clearance

DCS Corporation

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Are you ready to put your hard-earned engineering expertise to work supporting mission-critical Army programs? We are seeking a motivated Materials Engineer to work with senior engineers in a fast-paced program office to ma nage critical Soldier programs and technologies in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this role, you will plan, organize, and conduct exploratory, advanced, and engineering development as well as production engineering studies/programs for new and improved items for combat use under various battlefield and urban terrain conditions.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently in a dynamic environment. As a Materials Engineer, you will be part of an integrated government team where you will support U.S. Army acquisition programs.

This opportunity will allow you to grow and learn as you support a variety of programs and task areas. Join our dynamic team and bring your training, problem-solving, and coordination skills to a collaborative, mission-driven organization. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive culture focused on professional growth and delivering meaningful results for the warfighter.

Essential Job Functions: Responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting exploratory, advanced, and engineering development as well as production engineering studies/programs for new and improved items for combat use under various battlefield and urban terrain conditions. Incorporates knowledge of materials engineering with items of Soldier protective equipment, weapon systems, combat vehicles, and airframes, etc. Plans design approach from statements of requirements and conducts studies for the purpose of developing new and improved products and component materials.

Interprets, defines, or creates technical drawings, specifications, and physical characteristics/properties of items as they affect the design, development, manufacture, and end-item use. Considers the properties of various textile, chemical, plastic, ceramic, metallic and synthetic materials to assess their ability to meet military requirements as components of military equipment for production and field use. Conducts market research and maintains currency in knowledge of civilian and military material research and production.

Recommends materials to be used in the production of prototype items on the basis of data developed and by application of knowledge and initiative, analyses complex problems involved in assignments, selects lines of approach, appropriate materials, fabricating techniques to be investigated, and designs to be investigated. Witness and offer analysis of tests and design changes to remedy defects or to improve performance. Reviews test plans, procedures, and reports for technical adequacy on assigned programs, for both government and contractor tests, as well as all failure reports.

Reviews and evaluates system performance against specification requirements, monitors and assesses field performance, and assesses risk of meeting user and specification requirements. Identifies and solves design problems, the complexity of which arises from the intricacy of the item or system, the human factors involved, and the conditions under which it must be used (i.e., environment). Determines need for laboratory and field tests.

Develops and executes simple to complex test plans and designs of experiments and analyzes the results of tests using a variety of tools, including statistical methods. Makes recommendations regarding suitability of materials, designs, and products for use in military equipment. Recommends and generates related project studies, including concepts of ideas.

Reviews program management documents to ensure accuracy and adequacy of technical content. Required Skills: Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or equivalent and 10 years of relevant experience. Must have a DOD Secret Clearance. Ability to be a team player as well as work independently.

Strong communication and organizational skills.

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About DCS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DCS Corp is a renowned name in the technology industry, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, US. Found in the late 1970s, DCS Corp provides a broad spectrum of advanced technology, engineering, and analytic solutions for national security clients. The firm specializes in delivering sophisticated systems and technology for land, air, and maritime platforms. They are known for being deeply committed to their mission of enhancing national security.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

Year founded

1977

Social media

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