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Material Engineering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ion Storage Systems

Materials Engineer III

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$132K/yr

This is a project leadership role for a candidate who brings deep materials or ceramic engineering expertise, drives development programs with structured experimentation and data, and is motivated by ...

Peraton

Hull Treatment Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

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 ...

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Staff Materials Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$169K - $253K/yr

The Mechanical Engineering Department is seeking a Staff Materials Engineer with a background in subsea corrosion mitigation. Essential Functions: Apply chemistry, physics and materials-science ...

New

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Staff Materials Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$169K - $253K/yr

The Mechanical Engineering Department is seeking a Staff Materials Engineer with a background in subsea corrosion mitigation. Essential Functions: Apply chemistry, physics and materials-science ...

New

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All JobsMaterial Engineering JobsMaterial Engineering Jobs in Washington

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How much do material engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for material engineering in Washington is $30.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $37.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is material engineering?

Material engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the discovery, design, and development of new materials, as well as improving existing ones. It combines principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering to understand the properties and behaviors of different materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Material engineers work to create materials with specific properties for use in a variety of industries, including aerospace, construction, electronics, and medicine. Their work is essential for innovation in technology and manufacturing.

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, you need a solid background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with materials characterization tools, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and industry-specific certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) are often important. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help material engineers succeed in collaborative and project-driven environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative, reliable materials and ensuring their appropriate application in various industries.

What are the common challenges material engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Material Engineers often work closely with teams from design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. A common challenge is effectively communicating complex material properties and limitations to colleagues who may not have a technical background in materials science. Additionally, balancing material performance with cost and manufacturability can require negotiation and creative problem-solving. Developing strong teamwork and communication skills is essential for translating technical recommendations into practical solutions that meet project goals.

What is the difference between Material Engineering vs Materials Science?

AspectMaterial EngineeringMaterials Science
EducationBachelor's or Master's in Material Engineering or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science or related fields
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, product developmentResearch labs, academic institutions, R&D centers
FocusDesign, processing, and application of materials in productsUnderstanding properties, structure, and fundamental science of materials
Common UsageIndustry-driven, product-focused rolesResearch, academia, fundamental science roles

Material Engineering and Materials Science share overlapping skills and educational backgrounds, but differ in focus. Material Engineers primarily work on applying materials in manufacturing and product development, while Materials Scientists focus on understanding material properties and scientific research. Both roles are vital in advancing material technologies, often collaborating in industry and research settings.

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

Securing a job as a material engineer can be competitive and typically requires a bachelor's degree in materials science, engineering, or a related field, along with relevant skills in testing, analysis, and CAD software. Strong technical knowledge, internships, and professional certifications can improve employment prospects, but demand varies by industry and location.

Is material engineering a good career?

Material engineering is a viable career that involves developing and testing materials used in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. It requires strong knowledge of chemistry, physics, and materials science, often involving laboratory work and technical problem-solving. Job prospects are generally stable, with opportunities for advancement and specialization.

What exactly does a material engineer do?

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, work with manufacturing processes, and use tools like microscopy and testing equipment to ensure quality and durability in products. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of material science are essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Material Engineering jobs in Washington?

For Material Engineering jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Material Engineering jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Engineering jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Material Engineering jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Material Engineering job openings:

Material Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Engineering job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,935 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Senior Staff Engineer, Survivability Materials

Shield AI

Washington, DC

$170K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

At Shield AI, we are building intelligent autonomous aircraft designed to operate and survive in highly contested environments. We are seeking a Survivability Materials Engineer to lead the selection, qualification, specification, and production implementation of low-observable and signature-control materials for next-generation autonomous aircraft.


This role is ideal for an engineer with experience in radar-absorbing materials, specialty coatings, electromagnetic material characterization, and aerospace manufacturing processes. You will work across survivability analysis, design engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and sustainment teams to ensure material solutions meet signature-performance requirements while remaining producible, inspectable, durable, and supportable throughout the aircraft lifecycle.

What you'll do:
  • Conduct material surveys and evaluate radar-absorbing materials, conductive materials, dielectric materials, specialty coatings, adhesives, sealants, and other survivability-related material systems.
  • Develop and maintain a survivability materials database containing performance, cost, supplier, part-number, availability, application, and sustainment information.
  • Partner with survivability analysis, design, manufacturing, and program teams to down-select materials based on signature performance, durability, producibility, weight, cost, and supply-chain risk.
  •  Develop material qualification plans and oversee electromagnetic, electrical, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and environmental testing.
  • Establish and maintain laboratory capabilities for material characterization, process development, receiving inspection, and production verification.
  • Provide hands-on production support for material application, inspection, troubleshooting, repair, supplier coordination, and sustainment.
Required qualifications:
  • B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in aerospace materials engineering, low-observable materials, electromagnetic materials, specialty coatings, or a related field.
  • Working knowledge of radar-absorbing materials, conductive coatings, dielectric materials, adhesives, sealants, or specialty surface treatments.
  • Understanding of how complex permittivity, complex permeability, conductivity, and thickness affect electromagnetic and radar-signature performance.
  • Experience with material characterization, laboratory testing, production inspection, or supplier qualification.
  • U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance required.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience developing or qualifying radar-absorbing materials, low-observable coatings, structural RAM, conductive treatments, or signature-control appliqués.
  • Experience measuring electromagnetic material properties using free-space, waveguide, coaxial, resonant-cavity, or reflectivity-based test methods.
  • Familiarity with vector network analyzers, free-space measurement systems, conductivity equipment, coating-thickness instruments, environmental chambers, and mechanical test equipment.
  •  Active Secret, Top Secret, or SCI security clearance.
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.