Perform pioneering materials and process characterization research driven by mission needs for qualified hardware leveraging state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. * Integrate with the APL's team ...
Perform pioneering materials and process characterization research driven by mission needs for qualified hardware leveraging state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. * Integrate with the APL's team ...
Perform pioneering materials and process characterization research driven by mission needs for qualified hardware leveraging state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. * Integrate with the APL's team ...
Perform pioneering materials and process characterization research driven by mission needs for qualified hardware leveraging state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. * Integrate with the APL's team ...
NIST PREP Research Associate in Metrology of Materials, Surfaces, and Processes for Semiconductor Ad
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$50K - $70K/yr
Closely coordinate with teams performing materials characterization, surface and thin film thin film characterization. Qualifications Necessary Qualifications: * BS in mechanical engineering, physics ...
NIST PREP Research Associate in Metrology of Materials, Surfaces, and Processes for Semiconductor Ad
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$50K - $70K/yr
Closely coordinate with teams performing materials characterization, surface and thin film thin film characterization. Qualifications Necessary Qualifications: * BS in mechanical engineering, physics ...
Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004568)
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$53K - $72K/yr
Perform high-resolution materials characterization utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to study the steel-concrete interface and understand the ...
Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004568)
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$53K - $72K/yr
Perform high-resolution materials characterization utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to study the steel-concrete interface and understand the ...
Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004276)
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$53K - $72K/yr
Characterization techniques include AFM, optical inspection, IR transmission microscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, SEM and others. • Closely coordinate with teams performing materials ...
Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004276)
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$53K - $72K/yr
Characterization techniques include AFM, optical inspection, IR transmission microscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, SEM and others. • Closely coordinate with teams performing materials ...
NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Metrology of Materials, Surfaces, and Processes for Semiconductor Adv
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$70K - $90K/yr
Closely coordinate with teams performing materials characterization, surface and thin film thin film characterization. Qualifications Necessary Qualifications: * PhD in mechanical engineer, physics ...
NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Metrology of Materials, Surfaces, and Processes for Semiconductor Adv
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$70K - $90K/yr
Closely coordinate with teams performing materials characterization, surface and thin film thin film characterization. Qualifications Necessary Qualifications: * PhD in mechanical engineer, physics ...
2026 PhD Graduate - Optics and Photonics Postdoctoral Fellow
Laurel, MD · On-site
$48K - $65K/yr
... materials characterization, and advanced photonic technologies. As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Optics and Photonics Group... * Your primary responsibility will be to support projects as an ...
2026 PhD Graduate - Optics and Photonics Postdoctoral Fellow
Laurel, MD · On-site
$48K - $65K/yr
... materials characterization, and advanced photonic technologies. As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Optics and Photonics Group... * Your primary responsibility will be to support projects as an ...
2026 PhD Graduate - Optics and Photonics Postdoctoral Fellow
Laurel, MD · On-site
$48K - $66K/yr
... materials characterization, and advanced photonic technologies. As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Optics and Photonics Group... * Your primary responsibility will be to support projects as an ...
2026 PhD Graduate - Optics and Photonics Postdoctoral Fellow
Laurel, MD · On-site
$48K - $66K/yr
... materials characterization, and advanced photonic technologies. As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Optics and Photonics Group... * Your primary responsibility will be to support projects as an ...
Have previous experience with laboratory characterization of optical materials or components using ... hardware such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis ...
Have previous experience with laboratory characterization of optical materials or components using ... hardware such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis ...
Have previous experience with laboratory characterization of optical materials or components using ... hardware such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis ...
Have previous experience with laboratory characterization of optical materials or components using ... hardware such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis ...
... Materials Growth Graduate Researcher The work will entail: Primary responsibilities will be film growth by reactive magnetron sputtering, chemical and structural characterization, and measurement ...
... Materials Growth Graduate Researcher The work will entail: Primary responsibilities will be film growth by reactive magnetron sputtering, chemical and structural characterization, and measurement ...
Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004384)
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$53K - $72K/yr
D. in Physics / Mechanical Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Materials Science / Chemical Engineering • Experience in nano- and micro-scale mechanical testing and materials characterization ...
Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004384)
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$53K - $72K/yr
D. in Physics / Mechanical Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Materials Science / Chemical Engineering • Experience in nano- and micro-scale mechanical testing and materials characterization ...
NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Modeling and Mechanical Testing for Heterogenous Structures of Advanc
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$82K - $87K/yr
Experience in nano- and micro-scale mechanical testing and materials characterization * Experience in finite element modeling of heterogeneous systems * Experience in advanced semiconductor packaging ...
NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Modeling and Mechanical Testing for Heterogenous Structures of Advanc
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$82K - $87K/yr
Experience in nano- and micro-scale mechanical testing and materials characterization * Experience in finite element modeling of heterogeneous systems * Experience in advanced semiconductor packaging ...
Advanced Optical Component Design and Characterization Researche with Security Clearance
Laurel, MD · On-site
Have previous experience with laboratory characterization of optical materials or components using ... hardware such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis ...
Advanced Optical Component Design and Characterization Researche with Security Clearance
Laurel, MD · On-site
Have previous experience with laboratory characterization of optical materials or components using ... hardware such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis ...
Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004280)
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$53K - $72K/yr
... materials characterization, surface and thin film thin film characterization. Qualifications Necessary Qualifications: • PhD in mechanical engineer, physics, electrical engineering, materials ...
Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004280)
Gaithersburg, MD · On-site
$53K - $72K/yr
... materials characterization, surface and thin film thin film characterization. Qualifications Necessary Qualifications: • PhD in mechanical engineer, physics, electrical engineering, materials ...
Failure Analysis Investigation Engineer (Scientist)
$31.25 - $36.06/hr
You will combine analytical chemistry, materials characterization, and electrical test methods to determine root cause, support corrective actions, and help prevent recurrence in a regulated R&D and ...
Quick apply
Failure Analysis Investigation Engineer (Scientist)
$31.25 - $36.06/hr
You will combine analytical chemistry, materials characterization, and electrical test methods to determine root cause, support corrective actions, and help prevent recurrence in a regulated R&D and ...
Failure Analysis Investigation Engineer (Scientist)
Germantown, MD · On-site
$31.25 - $36.06/hr
You will combine analytical chemistry, materials characterization, and electrical test methods to determine root cause, support corrective actions, and help prevent recurrence in a regulated R&D and ...
Quick apply
Failure Analysis Investigation Engineer (Scientist)
Germantown, MD · On-site
$31.25 - $36.06/hr
You will combine analytical chemistry, materials characterization, and electrical test methods to determine root cause, support corrective actions, and help prevent recurrence in a regulated R&D and ...
Materials characterization of point defect systems that leverage quantum phenomena • Demonstrated experience planning and conducting research, designing, developing and executing scientific studies ...
Materials characterization of point defect systems that leverage quantum phenomena • Demonstrated experience planning and conducting research, designing, developing and executing scientific studies ...
Research Scientist - TS/SCI (FSP) with Security Clearance
Bethesda, MD · On-site
$124K - $153K/yr
Materials characterization of point defect systems that leverage quantum phenomena • Demonstrated experience planning and conducting research, designing, developing and executing scientific studies ...
Research Scientist - TS/SCI (FSP) with Security Clearance
Bethesda, MD · On-site
$124K - $153K/yr
Materials characterization of point defect systems that leverage quantum phenomena • Demonstrated experience planning and conducting research, designing, developing and executing scientific studies ...
We are seeking a motivated experienced scientist or engineer to help us advance our work in remote sensing, applied spectroscopy, material characterization, and novel EO/IR instrumentation. As a ...
We are seeking a motivated experienced scientist or engineer to help us advance our work in remote sensing, applied spectroscopy, material characterization, and novel EO/IR instrumentation. As a ...
Materials Characterization information
See Washington salary details
$10.62 - $12.90
0% of jobs
$12.90 - $15.17
0% of jobs
$15.17 - $17.45
2% of jobs
$17.45 - $19.73
9% of jobs
$21.47 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$19.73 - $22
18% of jobs
The median wage is $24.07 / hr.
$22 - $24.28
23% of jobs
$24.28 - $26.56
18% of jobs
$27.82 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$26.56 - $28.83
9% of jobs
$28.83 - $31.11
7% of jobs
$31.11 - $33.39
7% of jobs
$33.39 - $35.67
6% of jobs
$10
$25
$35
How much do materials characterization jobs pay per hour?
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.

Additive Manufacturing Scientist with Security Clearance
Laurel, MD • On-site
Other
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 17 days ago
Job description
* Integrate with the APL's team to increase the impact of an already successful additive manufacturing programs centered on materials discovery, in-situ sensing, multiscale modeling, and qualification science.
* Contribute to the design and fabrication of operational additively manufactured prototypes which have global impact. * Work with APL program managers to identify critical national challenges that can be solved with additive manufacturing. * Push the boundaries of manufacturing science to unlock new manufacturing processes which will have a lasting impact on our nation.
* Present technical work internally and externally. You will communicate daily with project teams and leadership to support programmatic needs. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... * Possess a M.S Degree in Mechanical and or Electrical Engineering, Materials characterization, data science, or a related field.
* Have 5+ years of demonstrated experience related to manufacturing research, focusing on additive manufacturing.
* Understand the unique capabilities of additive processing, including complex material properties, stemming from process defects, microstructure and thermodynamic solidification.
* Experience in generating and interpreting data utilized to enable qualifying AM produced hardware.
* Have demonstrated experience leading a team to achieve impactful results.
* Are an excellent communicator, in written and oral formats, and for a variety of audience types including high-level government sponsors.
* Demonstrated history of authoring proposals and high impact publications.
* Are willing and able to perform work in a laboratory setting and travel for field testing, sponsor visits, conference attendance, and presentations.
* Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... * Possess a P.h.D Degree in Mechanical and or Electrical Engineering, Materials characterization, data science, or a related field
* Demonstrate experience fielding additively manufactured components using science-based qualification.
* Have experience developing process models by manipulating key parameters such as power, speed and hatch spacing.
* Have the capability to reconstruct 3D data including in-situ and post manufacturing data into a 3D format for data processing and visualization.
* Have experience with machine learning and have demonstrated the ability to make statistical correlations with complex data sets.
* Have experience with novel in-situ monitoring of additive processes with the ability to customize sensors to improve signal to noise or registration capability. About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $105,000 Annually Maximum Rate $290,000 Annually
About Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Laurel, MD, US
Year founded
1942