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Material Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Materials Science Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

Materials Science Engineer The Opportunity: Perform as a member of our team to build next-generation technologies for our defense clients working on materials and science engineering efforts.

New

A global nonprofit that provides trusted biological materials for science and health, ATCC is hiring a Senior Scientist supporting federal programs. This is an onsite role in Manassas, VA. The Senior ...

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site +1

$69K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Material Chemist

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69.40 - $158/hr

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 ...

Nylon Lead R&D Scientist (Polymer Chemistry & Process Technology Focus) Position Summary The Nylon ... Apply advanced analytical techniques (e.g., rheology, DSC, GPC, IR, NMR) to characterize materials ...

Nylon Lead R&D Scientist (Polymer Chemistry & Process Technology Focus) Position Summary The Nylon ... Apply advanced analytical techniques (e.g., rheology, DSC, GPC, IR, NMR) to characterize materials ...

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Showing results 1-20

Material Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$52.5K

$122.9K

$171.5K

How much do material scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for material scientist in Virginia is $122,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $165,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a material scientist do?

A Material Scientist researches, develops, and analyzes materials to improve existing products or create new ones. They study the properties and structures of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and other substances to enhance performance, durability, and sustainability. Material Scientists work in various industries, including aerospace, healthcare, electronics, and manufacturing, ensuring materials meet specific technical and safety standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a material scientist?

To thrive as a Material Scientist, you need a strong background in materials engineering or chemistry, supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related field (often a master's or Ph.D. is preferred). Familiarity with analytical tools such as SEM, XRD, and laboratory management systems, as well as relevant certifications or training in material characterization techniques, is highly valued. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set standout professionals apart. These abilities are essential for conducting high-quality research, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and driving innovation in material development.

What opportunities for career advancement are available to material scientists?

Material Scientists often have diverse pathways for career growth, including progressing into senior research roles, project management, or specialized technical leadership positions. With experience and advanced education, some professionals move into roles that focus on product development, quality assurance, or even executive leadership in research and development. Many organizations also support continued training and professional development, allowing Material Scientists to expand their expertise and take on more complex projects. Advancement can come from both demonstrated technical excellence and the ability to coordinate and lead cross-functional teams.

How much do material scientists get paid?

Material scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $97,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $150,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in characterization techniques and research can lead to higher compensation, especially in industrial or research settings.

Is material scientist high paying?

Material scientists typically earn competitive salaries, with median annual wages above the national average for all occupations. Salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and industry, with those working in research and development or specialized fields often earning higher pay. Advanced degrees and skills in characterization tools like microscopy or spectroscopy can also influence earning potential.

Is materials science high paying?

Materials scientists typically earn competitive salaries, with median wages above the national average for many professions. Salaries vary based on experience, education, industry, and location, and advanced skills or certifications can lead to higher pay. Overall, materials science can be a financially rewarding career path.

What are the most commonly searched types of Material Scientist jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Material Scientist jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Material Scientist jobs in Virginia?

For Material Scientist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Material Scientist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Material Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Material Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,910 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Materials Science Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Lorton, VA • On-site, Remote

$69K - $158K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


Remote Work:
Hybrid
Job Number:
R0248189
Location:
Lorton,VA,US
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Materials Science Engineer
The Opportunity:
Perform as a member of our team to build next-generation technologies for our defense clients working on materials and science engineering efforts. Participate in a dynamic team responsible for developing, integrating, and testing solutions to create emerging technologies and products for the next generation of warfighters. Develop, characterize, and support the scale-up of advanced materials, various levels of testing for characterization, and process development for manufacturing of materials. Advise organizational leadership on emerging technologies and market targets of opportunity for marketing and implementation. Work alongside leadership to ensure soldier solutions are fully integrated to increase business capability and value, reduce cost and risk, foster innovation, and maximize accountability and return on investment. Interact frequently with internal and external management and senior-level customer representatives concerning Booz Allen customer projects, operational decisions, scheduling requirements, and contractual clarifications. Maintain responsibility for evaluating technical specifications relating to the design objectives of processes or products, and evaluate the impact of materials processing on the environment.
You Have:
  • Experience with materials science engineering or materials chemistry
  • Experience with materials testing, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical compatibility
  • Knowledge of materials production, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation
  • Ability to provide solutions for multiple clients and stakeholders simultaneously
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
  • Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering and 2+ years of experience in materials engineering, or Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering and 1+ years of experience in materials engineering

Nice If You Have:
  • Experience with advanced materials, including metals, ceramics, composites, and polymers
  • Experience with data-informed analysis on government specification documents such as Mil-Specs, Mil-Standards, Purchase Descriptions (PDs), and Commercial Item Descriptions (CIDs)
  • Experience identifying, selecting, and recommending materials for various extreme conditions and environments
  • Experience with the in-product testing process and improving overall testing process improvements
  • Knowledge of Agile project management, Lean Six Sigma, or Kanban
  • Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering

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