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Material Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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, 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 ...

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 · 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 ...

DCS Corporation

Materials Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

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 ...

X Energy LLC

Materials Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

Use engineering tools, including appropriate simulation software, hand calculations, and ... Perform and assist material degradation analysis for graphite and composite components of X-energy ...

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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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 Jul 15, 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.

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, requiring knowledge of material properties and engineering principles.

Do materials engineers make a lot of money?

Materials engineers typically earn a competitive salary, with median wages higher than the average for all occupations. Salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and industry, but they generally have strong earning potential and opportunities for advancement. Many also work in research, development, or manufacturing environments that value technical skills and certifications.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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 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 microscopes and testing equipment, typically working in laboratories or manufacturing environments. Certification and knowledge of industry standards are important for this role.
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
Materials Engineer

Materials Engineer

Delphinus Engineering

Bethesda, MD • Hybrid

$85K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Join Delphinus Engineering and you’ll have the opportunity to begin a rewarding career working on a wide variety of important and challenging projects that make a real impact.

Delphinus Engineering offers an empowering professional environment in a culture that stresses teamwork, independence, shared responsibility for company and client success, and personal growth.

We offer competitive wages in salaried and hourly positions, education opportunities, outstanding employee benefit options, and 401(k) plan with company match.

SALARY: $85,000 per year

GENERAL SUMMARY: Engineering position supporting metallurgy, welding, and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) tasks for Navy submarine programs. 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, not inspection or quality control functions.

LOCATION: West Bethesda, MD (NSWCCD) – Hybrid/On-Site

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide technical engineering support related to NDE of weldments and structural materials in support of U.S. Navy submarine programs.
  • Assist in reviewing and processing DFS submissions and other shipyard engineering documentation.
  • Collaborate with Navy personnel and shipbuilders to assess and address issues related to materials performance and structural integrity.
  • Apply knowledge of welding engineering, metallurgy, and NDE principles to evaluate and interpret shipyard or field data.
  • Participate in engineering analyses and investigations using test data and materials characterization.
  • Support programmatic efforts including in-service sustainment and new construction reviews.
  • Engage in part-time mentoring or support of special initiatives such as NDE of composite materials.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 2–5+ years of relevant engineering experience in materials evaluation, welding, or NDE applications.
  • Demonstrated understanding of structural materials, weld joints, and applicable NDE methods (e.g., UT, RT, MT, PT, or VT).
  • Experience supporting shipbuilding or Navy programs is preferred but not required.
  • Strong technical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a government-contractor integrated team.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Must currently hold or be eligible to obtain a Secret Clearance.
  • Some travel may be required (less than 15%).

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