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Materials Characterization Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$85K/yr

Participate in engineering analyses and investigations using test data and materials characterization. * Support programmatic efforts including in-service sustainment and new construction reviews.

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K/yr

Participate in engineering analyses and investigations using test data and materials characterization. * Support programmatic efforts including in-service sustainment and new construction reviews.

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K/yr

Participate in engineering analyses and investigations using test data and materials characterization. * Support programmatic efforts including in-service sustainment and new construction reviews.

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$85K/yr

Participate in engineering analyses and investigations using test data and materials characterization. * Support programmatic efforts including in-service sustainment and new construction reviews.

Exponent Inc.

Metallurgical Engineer (Ph.D)

Bowie, MD · On-site

$140K - $157K/yr

Materials characterization, metallurgical analysis * Planning, coordinating, and executing laboratory testing * Conducting field inspections * Generating written work product (e.g., PowerPoint ...

Exponent Inc.

Metallurgical Engineer (Ph.D)

Bowie, MD

$140K/yr

Materials characterization, metallurgical analysis * Planning, coordinating, and executing laboratory testing * Conducting field inspections * Generating written work product (e.g., PowerPoint ...

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Materials Characterization information

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$10

$25

$35

How much do materials characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials characterization in Washington is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.25 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 popular job titles related to Materials Characterization jobs in Washington? For Materials Characterization jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Characterization jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Characterization jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Materials Characterization jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Materials Characterization job openings:
Materials Characterization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Characterization job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,305 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Materials Engineer

Delphinus Engineering

Bethesda, MD • Hybrid

$85K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Join Delphinus Engineering and you’ll have the opportunity to begin a rewarding career working on a wide variety of important and challenging projects that make a real impact.

Delphinus Engineering offers an empowering professional environment in a culture that stresses teamwork, independence, shared responsibility for company and client success, and personal growth.

We offer competitive wages in salaried and hourly positions, education opportunities, outstanding employee benefit options, and 401(k) plan with company match.

SALARY: $85,000 per year

GENERAL SUMMARY: Engineering position supporting metallurgy, welding, and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) tasks for Navy submarine programs. This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments, resolution of Departure from Specification (DFS) issues, and engineering review of shipyard commitments, not inspection or quality control functions.

LOCATION: West Bethesda, MD (NSWCCD) – Hybrid/On-Site

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide technical engineering support related to NDE of weldments and structural materials in support of U.S. Navy submarine programs.
  • Assist in reviewing and processing DFS submissions and other shipyard engineering documentation.
  • Collaborate with Navy personnel and shipbuilders to assess and address issues related to materials performance and structural integrity.
  • Apply knowledge of welding engineering, metallurgy, and NDE principles to evaluate and interpret shipyard or field data.
  • Participate in engineering analyses and investigations using test data and materials characterization.
  • Support programmatic efforts including in-service sustainment and new construction reviews.
  • Engage in part-time mentoring or support of special initiatives such as NDE of composite materials.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 2–5+ years of relevant engineering experience in materials evaluation, welding, or NDE applications.
  • Demonstrated understanding of structural materials, weld joints, and applicable NDE methods (e.g., UT, RT, MT, PT, or VT).
  • Experience supporting shipbuilding or Navy programs is preferred but not required.
  • Strong technical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a government-contractor integrated team.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Must currently hold or be eligible to obtain a Secret Clearance.
  • Some travel may be required (less than 15%).

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