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Materials Characterization Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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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 11, 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 cities in Washington are hiring for Materials Characterization jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Materials Characterization job openings:
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.

Additive Manufacturing Scientist with Security Clearance

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description Are you passionate about leading teams inventing new technologies to track materials synthesis to tackle unique problems? Are you motivated to chart a course for additive manufacturing research that addresses our nation's most pressing challenges? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! We are seeking an Additive Manufacturing Scientist to work closely with APL's team of experts to the shape and implement the vision and strategy for APL's AM research. Our team conducts groundbreaking AM research ranging from multiscale modeling and simulation, to performing the underlying science to enable qualification and certification, to development of new sensing and visualization processes to monitor and detect attributes of the AM process and visualize in 3D to enable next generation designs for space, air, land and sea-based applications. As our government sponsors continue to present exciting and urgent national challenges, you will drive idea generation and solution development via research vision, leveraging APL's entire portfolio of innovative research. The team needs a research visionary and champion who can drive toward collaborative solutions for cross-cutting research challenges, partnering with a multidisciplinary team. At APL, we strive to foster a collaborative environment with world-class expertise that achieves groundbreaking impact. Our APL team values integrity and innovative ideas that will ensure our nation's preeminence in the 21st century. As an Additive Manufacturing Scientist you will... * 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 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