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Material Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Material Handler

Keysville, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Material Handler Build Your Career with Us! Are you looking for a hands-on career with a company ... In this role, you'll help ensure engineered wood products are safely received, stored, and shipped ...

Showing results 41-60

Material Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$37.7K

$99.9K

$156.6K

How much do material engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 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 is a material engineer?

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 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 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 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.

Is it hard to get a job as a material engineer?

Getting a job as a material engineer can be competitive, often requiring a bachelor's degree in materials science, engineering, or a related field, along with relevant internships or experience. Strong technical skills, knowledge of testing methods, and certifications can improve employment prospects, but demand varies by industry and location.

What is the salary of a material engineer in the US?

The average salary of a material engineer in the US is approximately $80,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $65,000, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn over $120,000 annually.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 94% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,874 per year, or $48 per hour.

Materials & Components Transformer Engineer

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

Delta Star, Inc.
Health Care and Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Build something that matters.
At Delta Star the work we do has a real impact. Every transformer we build helps deliver reliable electricity to homes, businesses, and communities across North America.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for people who want more than just a job. We are looking for individuals who want to learn, contribute, solve challenges, and build a meaningful career alongside a team that is committed to delivering power at all times.
Summary
Delta Star Inc. is seeking an innovative and technically driven Materials & Components Transformer Engineer to advance the materials used in our transformer components. If you thrive at the intersection of materials science, electrical performance, and sustainability-and love developing solutions that directly enhance product reliability and efficiency-we want to hear from you!
What You'll Do
As a Materials & Components Transformer Engineer, you will research, develop, and evaluate materials used in transformer components, with a strong focus on improving performance, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability initiatives. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to introduce new materials, enhance manufacturing processes, and ensure adherence to industry standards.
A Day in the Life
Your day will be filled with hands-on experimentation, materials testing, and technical collaboration. You'll evaluate new materials, conduct performance testing, and characterize properties that directly impact insulation performance, magnetic behavior, and long-term reliability. You'll partner with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to translate your findings into production-ready improvements-while staying ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes in material science.
Specific Duties
  • Research and identify materials suitable for transformer applications with an emphasis on performance, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
  • Develop, test, and validate new materials, coatings, and manufacturing processes.
  • Conduct material characterization and performance testing to ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate new materials into production workflows.
  • Maintain detailed technical documentation and material specifications.
  • Monitor industry advancements, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes in materials science.

What We're Looking For
We're seeking a materials-focused engineer with strong analytical skills, a passion for innovation, and a deep understanding of material behavior in electrical and mechanical applications.
Position Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong understanding of material properties, fabrication techniques, and testing methodologies.
  • Experience working with electrical insulation and magnetic materials.
  • Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or higher in Materials Science or a related discipline.
  • Prior experience in transformer or power systems manufacturing.
  • Knowledge of sustainability principles and lifecycle assessment methods.

Skills & Competencies
  • Strong technical and analytical capabilities in material characterization.
  • Ability to interpret test results and translate them into actionable recommendations.
  • Excellent documentation and specification development skills.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical topics.
  • Curiosity and passion for emerging materials and sustainable solutions.

Why Our Employees Join, Grow, and Stay
At Delta Star, you will find more than a job. You will join a team that values people, supports growth, and trusts you to make an impact. Whether you're on the shop floor, in the field, or in the office, you will work alongside talented people to solve meaningful challenges, power communities, and build a rewarding career. With opportunities to learn, advance, and contribute, plus a culture built on respect, teamwork, and work-life balance, Delta Star is a place where you can thrive for the long term
Benefits That Support You
We believe that a rewarding career starts with feeling supported both at work and at home. That's why we offer a competitive total rewards package designed to support your health, financial well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings programs, paid time off, life and disability protection, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, and additional voluntary benefits that help you and your family thrive.
Pay Transparency
We are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Compensation for this position will be determined within the posted salary range based on factors such as candidate qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, market competitiveness, skills, and certifications. For union-represented roles, pay is established by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement
Delta Star is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.