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Materials Characterization Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Materials Science Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$69K - $158K/yr

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 ...

Posted today

Showing results 21-40

Materials Characterization information

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$10

$25

$35

How much do materials characterization jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Materials Characterization job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,305 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Metallurgical Engineer (Ph.D)

Exponent Inc.

Bowie, MD

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

About Exponent

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients' most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you'll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! 

Key statistics: 

  • 950+ Consultants 
  • 640+ Ph.D.s 
  • 90+ Disciplines 
  • 30+ Offices globally 
Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Metallurgical Engineer for our Metallurgical and Corrosion Engineering Practice in Bowie, MD. In this role, you will work as part of a team to conduct materials, metallurgical, and mechanical failure investigations, field inspections, and perform materials characterization and specialized testing.

You will be responsible for
  • Conducting hands-on failure analyses
  • Materials characterization, metallurgical analysis
  • Planning, coordinating, and executing laboratory testing
  • Conducting field inspections
  • Generating written work product (e.g., PowerPoint presentations, long-form written technical reports)
  • Effective presentation of results to technical and non-technical clients and staff
You will have the following skills and qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering, and a familiarity with Mechanical Engineering
  • Strong background in materials characterization techniques (e.g., metallography, SEM, EDS, X-ray radiography/diffraction, etc.) is required
  • Knowledge of mechanical testing, corrosion science, and failure analysis is desired    
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated effective time and budget management
  • Ability to work within project teams with a strong desire to contribute to the team
  • Presently legally authorized to work in the United States. No immigration sponsorship or processing required. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].

Life @ Exponent

To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.  

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference. 

Work Environment

At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite

Compensation

Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.

Salary RangeUSD $140,000.00 - USD $157,000.00 /Yr.Benefits you will enjoy

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:  https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent 

 Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. 

 If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com. 

Job LocationsUS-MD-BowieEmployment Type: FULL_TIME