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Material Science Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments ... Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or ...

This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments ... Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or ...

This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments ... Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or ...

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Material Science Engineer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$38.9K

$103K

$161.6K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Ashburn, VA is $103,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $119,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a material science engineer?

Material Science Engineers are professionals who study, develop, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from electronics to medical devices to construction materials. They apply principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to understand how materials behave and how they can be improved or adapted for specific uses. Their work often involves researching new materials, analyzing their properties, and collaborating with other engineers or scientists to solve complex problems. Material Science Engineers play a crucial role in advancing technology and making products safer, stronger, and more efficient.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material science engineer?

To thrive as a Material Science Engineer, you need a solid background in materials engineering, chemistry, and physics, usually supported by a degree in materials science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, materials characterization instruments (like SEM, XRD), and simulation software (such as MATLAB or ANSYS) is commonly required. Problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for innovating and working on multidisciplinary projects. These competencies ensure the development of advanced materials and solutions that meet industry standards and drive technological progress.

What are the most common challenges material science engineers face when working on cross-functional project teams?

Material Science Engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and timelines. Communication gaps may arise due to differences in technical language or priorities, making it essential to clearly convey material properties and limitations. Successfully navigating these challenges typically involves proactive collaboration, flexibility, and a willingness to learn about related fields to ensure project goals are met and innovative solutions are developed.

What is the difference between Material Science Engineer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMaterial Science EngineerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, R&D labs, quality control
Industry UsageResearch, development, testing of new materialsMaterial selection, processing, and quality assurance

Both roles focus on materials, but Material Science Engineers primarily engage in research and development of new materials, while Materials Engineers often work on applying and processing materials in manufacturing. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

Are material science engineers in demand?

Material science engineers are in demand due to their expertise in developing new materials for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as innovation and technological advancements continue, requiring skills in research, testing, and materials characterization tools like microscopy and spectroscopy.

What do material science engineers do?

Material science engineers research and develop new materials or improve existing ones for various applications, such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare. They analyze material properties, use tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, and often work in laboratories or manufacturing environments to ensure materials meet performance and safety standards.

What is the average salary for a material science engineer in the US?

The average salary for a material science engineer in the US is approximately $80,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals with advanced skills in materials characterization and proficiency with tools like CAD or simulation software may earn higher salaries.

What are popular job titles related to Material Science Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA?

For Material Science Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Material Science Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Material Science Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Material Science Engineer jobs?

Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Material Science Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Ashburn, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 67% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,015 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Material Chemist-Lorton, Virginia

Manassas, VA


BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTON, INC.
IT Services • 10K+ employees

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated business consultants

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$69K - $158K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Material Chemist
The Opportunity:
Become a part of our warfighter technology team delivering breakthrough technologies for our customers by providing innovative solutions that address critical mission challenges. As a long-term defense partner, Booz Allen delivers advanced technology that furthers essential priorities of the joint force, allies, and global partners. In this role, you will do that by working in a dynamic team that is responsible for developing, integrating, testing, and transitioning unique sof t material technologies that result in emerging fieldable solutions for our defense customers.
As a material chemist on our team, you'll support internal initiatives and government customers by executing product development efforts across internal and external teams. You'll perform custom formulations, develop sof t materials, generate test samples, coordinate with suppliers and manufacturers, and support material projects that address critical mission outcomes. 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 technology readiness and manufacturability. Your contributions will help drive technological solutions that support critical mission challenges.
This role will require focus on technology maturation, transition and integration within the defense industry, and technical project management. Specifically, the focus is around material science and chemical technologies. You will work on unusually complex problems and provide highly innovative solutions by collaborating with engineers, scientists, and mission experts.
Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:
  • 5+ years of experience developing chemicals, sof t material, or spe cia lized coatings to support industrial, petrochemical, or defense customers
  • 5+ years of experience with polymer science, formulary science, additives, or applied science
  • 1+ years of experience with testing, evaluation, and compliance with standard met hods such as ISO, ASTM, and MIL-SPEC
  • Experience executing across multiple projects that are composed of multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, business professionals, mission partners, vendors, and sub-contractors
  • Knowledge of technology, manufacturing, and integration readiness levels, or launch, maintenance, or sustainment of sof t material technologies
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
  • Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in a Material Science, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering field

Nice If You Have:
  • 1+ years of experience working on a team in a fast-paced environment and in project management
  • Experience supporting the DoD with both contractual and technical requirements testing and evaluation, market research, technology scouting, material integration, procurement of development items, finan cia l tracking, and schedule development
  • Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, Kanban, or other project management styles
  • Master's degree in Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field preferred; Doctorate degree in Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field a plus

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information ; Secret clearance is required.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $69,400.00 to $158,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914


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