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

Athletes Global Corporation

Science Teacher

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Prepare, organize, and maintain classroom materials, equipment, and experiment supplies. * Adapt ... Background in science, education, engineering, or a related field preferred. * Strong classroom ...

Athletes Global Corporation

Science Teacher

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Prepare, organize, and maintain classroom materials, equipment, and experiment supplies. * Adapt ... Background in science, education, engineering, or a related field preferred. * Strong classroom ...

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All JobsMaterial Science Engineer JobsMaterial Science Engineer Jobs in Hampton, VA

Material Science Engineer information

See Hampton, VA salary details

$36.7K

$97.4K

$152.7K

How much do material science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science engineer in Hampton, VA is $97,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $112,600.00 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 Hampton, VA?

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

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

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

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

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

Material Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Engineer job openings in Hampton, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,357 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Materials Science - Department of Chemical Engineer

Hampton, VA • On-site

Hampton University Faculty
See more jobs at Hampton University Facultyexternal

$64K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computational Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
  • Demonstrated expertise in molecular dynamics simulations using LAMMPS.
  • Experience performing density functional theory calculations using VASP.
  • Strong background in atomistic modeling of crystalline materials, minerals, ceramics, metals, or solid-state materials.
  • Experience working in Linux/Unix computing environments and high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.
  • Knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or data-driven materials science. Experience applying AI/ML methods to computational chemistry, molecular simulations, or materials informatics is highly desirable.
  • Programming experience in Python, Bash, or similar scripting languages.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a strong publication record.
Position Details
The appointment is for one year and is renewable based on satisfactory performance and the availability of external research funding. Competitive salary and benefits are available in accordance with university policies.
Salary based on qualifications $64,000
Application Materials
Applicants should submit a single pdf to Dr. Zhang at liqun.zhang@hamptonu.edu. The PDF file should include:
  1. A cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience.
  2. A current curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
  3. Contact information for three professional references.
  4. Up to three representative publications.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Apply