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Material Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Field Service Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$37 - $51.20/hr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting ...

CIVIL ENGINEER

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Knowledge of material engineering, professional engineering standards, practices, policies, and guidelines to provide advice regarding options to higher-level engineers and managers, and assist in ...

Showing results 21-40

Material Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$43K

$114.1K

$179K

How much do material engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 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:
Infographic showing various Material Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 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.

Hull Treatment Materials Engineer

Peraton

West Bethesda, MD

$86K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 hours ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 223 rated it services


Job description

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's submarine force.
  • Design and manufacture prototype articles and molds
  • Work side-by-side with other engineers, technicians, and shipyard personnel producing, installing, and testing advanced polymer items
  • Use a range of hand tools to fabricate, install, and evaluate test articles
  • Interface with government, contractor, and shipyard personnel on technical and schedule requirements
  • Lead teams of engineers and technicians in shipyard installation and testing
  • Travel to public shipyards and other locations possible for two week periods
Qualifications

What you will need: 

  • BS Engineering required (Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering or Chemical Engineering with GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred) and 5+ years experience 3 years with MS/MA
  • Demonstrated interest in hands-on work through academic or work experience
  • Experience with polymer processing is a bonus
  • Experience or coursework in acoustics also a bonus
  • Demonstrated leadership traits through task supervision or social / athletic group membership (Team Captain, Club Officer, Scouting, etc) is a plus
  • Requires Active DOD Secret Clearance
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Peraton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017