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Material Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Materials Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

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 ...

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$85K/yr

This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments, resolution of Departure from Specification (DFS) issues, and engineering review of shipyard commitments ...

KBR

Materials Engineer

Chantilly, VA

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 ...

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$85K/yr

This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments, resolution of Departure from Specification (DFS) issues, and engineering review of shipyard commitments ...

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K/yr

This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments, resolution of Departure from Specification (DFS) issues, and engineering review of shipyard commitments ...

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K/yr

This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments, resolution of Departure from Specification (DFS) issues, and engineering review of shipyard commitments ...

Peraton

Hull Treatment Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is looking for a Hull's Treatment Materials Engineer to work onsite in West Bethesda, MD. What you will do: * Perform hands-on engineering in support of the US Navy ...

Peraton

Hull Treatment Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is looking for a Hull's Treatment Materials Engineer to work onsite in West Bethesda, MD. What you will do: * Perform hands-on engineering in support of the US Navy ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaterial Engineer JobsMaterial Engineer Jobs in Washington

Material Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$43K

$114.1K

$179K

How much do material engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for material engineer in Washington is $114,095.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $131,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Securing a job as a material engineer can be competitive, often requiring a relevant degree in materials science or engineering and proficiency with industry tools like CAD software. Strong technical skills, internships, and professional certifications can improve employment prospects, but demand varies by industry and location.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Material Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Material Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Material Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Material Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Material Engineer jobs in WA? For Material Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Material Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Engineer job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,095 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Materials Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 440 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Materials Engineer
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary:
KBR National Security Solutions is seeking a motivated and talented Senior Materials Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia and to support a major U.S. Government organization responsible for the acquisition, integration, and operation of proliferated satellite constellations. The selected candidate for this position will provide technical expertise in optical systems and advanced materials supporting spacecraft and payload development. This role would augment existing systems engineering capabilities by providing deeper insight into material selection, optical performance considerations, and environmental survivability for space systems. The candidate will work as part of an integrated Government and contractor team delivering resilient, scalable space capabilities in support of national security missions
Responsibilities
  • Provide technical support related to the selection of materials, optical components, and coatings.
  • Lead small-group project teams to propose, select, qualify, and test metals and composites for Electro-Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar space vehicles.
  • Assess contractor designs for material performance in space environments for thermal, radiation, and contamination performance.
  • Support anomaly investigations related to material or optical performance.
  • Advise on trade studies involving materials, manufacturing processes, and performance impacts.
  • Collaborate with payload, mechanical, and systems engineers to ensure material decisions align with mission requirements.
  • Perform Materials and Processes (M&P) technical engineering assignments.
  • Troubleshoot problems and work with contractors to find innovative solutions.
  • Prepare technical and progress reports on assigned tasks, prepare specifications, evaluate suppliers, and analyze test reports.
  • Contribute to system documentation, reviews, and decision briefings for Government leadership.
  • Document, develop and deliver analyses, recommendations, plans, reports, and briefings to the Government.
  • Support the development and integration of automated test solutions and continuous improvement in software design and architecture.

Work Environment
  • Location: On-Site
  • Travel Requirements: Minimal (less than 25%) travel to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations.
  • Working Hours: Flexible. Standard Government work hour support and surge support during integration and launch phases.

Required Qualifications:
  • Citizenship: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance (with current polygraph).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in materials engineering, or a related STEM technical discipline. Specific contract requirements regarding education and experience will prevail.
  • Relevant Experience: Demonstrated 8+ years of experience in materials engineering.
  • Knowledge of materials and processes for aerospace product development, improvement, design, application, and production including soldering, PCBs, additive manufacturing, bonding, polymers, coatings, and metals.
  • Experience establishing and implementing technical requirements (specifications, program plans/requirements, etc.).
  • Knowledge of environmental and operational requirements for materials in space and/or missile applications (oxidation, thermal stress, radiation, etc.).
  • A motivated individual who can work closely within a geographically diverse team to resolve technical issues.
  • Someone with the ability to handle shifting priorities, multiple projects and timeline pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to take initiative, proactively address customer requirements with no supervision, and expertly define solutions for broad, abstract topics.
  • Ability to work with standard business management tools and financial systems, MS Office, and project management software.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.
  • Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues clearly to customer or Government leadership.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Education: Master's or Ph.D. degree in materials engineering or a related STEM technical discipline.
  • Relevant Ground Experience: Demonstrated 10+ years of experience supporting materials engineering is preferred.
  • Familiarity with JIRA and Confluence.
  • Knowledge of U.S. Government contracting and federal acquisition regulations, spacecraft lifecycle milestones and review processes, and success in operating within this environment.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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