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Materials Characterization Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

BWXT

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

Oversee activities associated with material characterization. * Perform failure analysis activities and identify failure modes of materials. * Prepare material performance specifications. * Prepare ...

BWX Technologies

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$76K - $119K/yr

Oversee activities associated with material characterization. * Perform failure analysis activities and identify failure modes of materials. * Prepare material performance specifications. * Prepare ...

BWX Technologies

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

$119K/yr

Oversee activities associated with material characterization. * Perform failure analysis activities and identify failure modes of materials. * Prepare material performance specifications. * Prepare ...

BWXT

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

Oversee activities associated with material characterization. * Perform failure analysis activities and identify failure modes of materials. * Prepare material performance specifications. * Prepare ...

BWX Technologies

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

Oversee activities associated with material characterization. * Perform failure analysis activities and identify failure modes of materials. * Prepare material performance specifications. * Prepare ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

... materials characterization. The successful candidate will contribute to an externally funded research program focused on understanding structure-performance relationships in molybdenum-based zeolite ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Propellant Chemical Engineer

Culpeper, VA · On-site

$76K - $142K/yr

Participation in design processes including trade studies, supplier selection, concurrent design and development, materials characterization, data analysis, and drawing review. * Responsible for the ...

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Materials Characterization information

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$9

$22

$31

How much do materials characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials characterization in Virginia is $22.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a materials characterization?

A Materials Characterization job involves analyzing and evaluating the structure, composition, and properties of materials to understand their performance and potential applications. Professionals in this field use techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and diffraction to study materials at the atomic, microscopic, and macroscopic levels. They work in industries like aerospace, electronics, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals to ensure material quality and optimize product performance. This role often requires expertise in materials science, engineering, and analytical techniques.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a materials characterization professional?

Professionals in Materials Characterization spend much of their day preparing specimens, operating advanced analytical instruments, and interpreting the resulting data. They may also collaborate with engineers, researchers, or product teams to provide insights that inform material selection, quality control, or product development. Documentation of experimental methods and results, maintaining laboratory equipment, and adhering to safety protocols are key aspects of the role. Additionally, there is often an opportunity to contribute to technical reports, presentations, and cross-functional meetings, making teamwork and clear communication especially important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in materials characterization?

To excel in Materials Characterization, candidates typically need a background in materials science, chemistry, or physics, along with experience in analytical techniques such as electron microscopy and spectroscopy. Familiarity with instruments like SEM, TEM, XRD, and mastery of data analysis software are essential, and certifications in laboratory safety are often preferred. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills in this position. These competencies are critical for accurate material analysis, troubleshooting experimental issues, and presenting findings to interdisciplinary teams.

What are popular job titles related to Materials Characterization jobs in Virginia?

For Materials Characterization jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Materials Characterization jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Characterization jobs in Virginia are:

Materials Characterization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Characterization job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,785 per year, or $22 per hour.

Materials Research Specialist

Luna Labs USA

Blacksburg, VA

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Materials Research Specialist - Blacksburg, VA
About Luna Labs
Luna Labs is a product development company working with leading organizations and key government agencies to create unique solutions for complex challenges in defense, industrial, and healthcare markets. We operate like a self-contained incubator for defense and biotech startups, taking solutions from concept through development to new products in the market. We leverage small business agility and large business capabilities to accelerate breakthrough solutions from concept to early-stage growth. Working with a robust global network of manufacturers, suppliers, licensees, and distributors, Luna Labs develops everything from small-scale prototypes to market-ready products.
The Opportunity
The Materials group is seeking a creative, goal-oriented Materials Research Specialist to contribute to fast-paced research and development of new materials. This position will involve managing and executing R amp;D projects related to materials product development for our government and commercial customers. Current application areas include structural polymer composites, high/low temperature seals and gaskets, and chemical/biological protection.
This role will support research and development with hands-on polymer formulation, composite production, and material testing using new or established methodologies. Ideal candidates will have a background in materials science with specific experience in project management, including idea generation, experimental design/execution, scheduling, budgeting, data analysis, report writing, customer presentations, coordination of internal/external collaborators, and staff mentorship.
What You’ll Do
  • Manage research and development projects, including experimental design, problem solving, structure-property relationships, data summary and interpretation, report writing, and customer presentations
  • Perform physical testing for materials characterization using in-house equipment
  • Drive technology transition from product concept and prototypes to pilot-scale production, manufacturing, and commercialization
  • Identify new technologies and match them with applications to satisfy critical customer needs
  • Engage with internal and external scientific communities to maintain state-of-the-art knowledge to conduct experiments and projects
  • Travel to conduct testing at external facilities and/or present results to potential or existing customers
  • Maintain a culture of safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence across laboratory workspaces
  • Mentor junior staff in project management and technology development
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, or related discipline
  • 3--6 years of experience in hands-on materials research and development, including direct experience managing laboratory-based projects
  • Demonstrated experience with project management (budgeting, scheduling, customer presentations) and technical documentation but also comfortable in a chemical laboratory space
  • Strong desire to transition technologies into products
  • Excellent analytical, technical writing, and interpersonal communications skills; strong attention to detail and commitment to quality experimental work and documentation
  • Ability to thrive independently and within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, collaborative R amp;D environment, with an eagerness to expand expertise beyond core disciplines
  • Due to government contracting regulations, U.S. Citizenship is a firm requirement.
Preferred Skills
  • Experience with prototyping, material scale-up, and transitioning from laboratory to low-rate initial production
  • Hands-on experience with thermoset polymer composite fabrication, including hand layup, tooling development, material characterization, and material structure-property relationships
Supervisory Role
  • No
Work Environment
  • Occasional travel between company locations, client sites, conferences, and related events is required.
  • Duties may occasionally be completed remotely using secure company equipment and software, at the supervisor's discretion.
  • Safety amp; PPE: Strictly follows environmental health and safety (EHS) guidelines; requires wearing standard PPE (safety glasses, gloves, lab coats, and respirators when needed).
  • Lab Operations: Involves hands-on research and technical interaction with lab staff, operating thermal/mechanical equipment, and handling chemicals (polymers, solvents, resins, adhesives, and powders) under fume hoods.
  • Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for multi-hour periods during experimental runs, perform fine-motor lab procedures, and occasionally lift or move equipment/materials up to 30 lbs.
What We Offer
  • Salary Range: $80,000 -- $90,000 annually depending on experience
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Opportunities for professional development and continued education
  • Collaborative, innovation-focused work culture
Luna Labs USA logo

About Luna Labs USA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2022

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