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Materials Engineer Phd Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Engineering or related science discipline preferred. * Knowledge of chemical principles, thermodynamics, polymer chemistry, structure ...

... material requirements. * Provides documentation and makes technical presentations as required ... Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical ...

Engineer IV

Herndon, VA · On-site

$98K - $171K/yr

... material requirements. * Provides documentation and makes technical presentations as required ... Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical ...

Quantum Engineer SME

Springfield, VA

$86K - $114K/yr

PHD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline with 10+ years; or a Masters ... At least 2 years of experience creating briefing materials and technical documentation to translate ...

Quantum Engineer SME

Springfield, VA

$86K - $115K/yr

PHD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline with 10+ years; or a Masters ... At least 2 years of experience creating briefing materials and technical documentation to translate ...

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel ... PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. * Experience in hypersonics and advanced materials ...

Quantum Engineer SME

Springfield, VA · On-site

$86K - $115K/yr

PHD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline with 10+ years; or a Masters ... At least 2 years of experience creating briefing materials and technical documentation to translate ...

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Showing results 1-20

Materials Engineer Phd information

See Virginia salary details

$37.7K

$99.9K

$156.6K

How much do materials engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer phd in Virginia is $99,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials engineer PhD?

To thrive as a Materials Engineer PhD, you need advanced expertise in materials science, analytical techniques, and a doctoral degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, materials characterization tools (such as SEM, TEM, XRD), and scientific software for modeling and data analysis is typically required. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and excellent written and verbal communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving innovative research, publishing impactful findings, and contributing to advancements in materials technology.

What is the difference between Materials Engineer Phd vs Materials Scientist?

CriteriaMaterials Engineer PhdMaterials Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Materials Science or Engineering, advanced research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, some roles may require a PhD
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsResearch labs, academia, industry R&D
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, aerospace, automotive, R&D firmsResearch institutions, industry, academia

Materials Engineer Phd and Materials Scientist roles often overlap in research and development. The PhD holder typically engages in advanced research, design, and problem-solving in manufacturing and product development, while Materials Scientists may focus more on fundamental research and material properties. Both roles require strong technical expertise, but the PhD often signifies a higher level of specialization and leadership in complex projects.

What opportunities are available for career advancement for a materials engineer PhD in industry settings?

Materials Engineers with a PhD often start in specialized research or development roles, but there are significant opportunities for advancement. With experience, you may move into senior scientist, project leader, or managerial positions, overseeing teams and strategic projects. Many organizations also offer pathways into technical consulting or innovation leadership, leveraging your advanced expertise to drive new product development. Career progression is often supported by ongoing professional development and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, providing a dynamic and rewarding environment.

What is a materials engineer PhD?

Materials Engineers with a PhD are experts who study, develop, and improve materials used in a wide variety of applications, such as electronics, aerospace, and biomedical devices. Their advanced education allows them to conduct high-level research, design new materials, and solve complex engineering problems. They often work in research and development, academia, or specialized industries, contributing to innovations in materials science. Their work involves understanding the properties and behaviors of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites at a fundamental level.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Materials Engineer Phd jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Materials Engineer Phd job openings:

Infographic showing various Materials Engineer Phd job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,874 per year, or $48 per hour.

Senior/Staff Engineer ET Planning & Strategic Initiatives (Hybrid)

Dominion Energy

Glen Allen, VA • On-site

$110 - $165/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Dominion Energy rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Create Alert

Dominion Energy is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day. If you want to work for a purpose-driven company that values safety and collaboration, we’re looking for you. You won’t just find a job here; you’ll find your career.Review the position below and apply today .

We offer a hybrid 3-2 work schedule (three days in the office, two days of teleworking) to accommodate the need for flexibility.

Military service members and veterans with ranks from E5-E9, W1-CW5, or O3-O6, plus appropriate equivalent combination of education and years of experience as outlined below will be considered for this opportunity.

Job Summary

Dominion Energy (DE) is seeking a Senior or Staff Engineer to be a part of the Electric Transmission (ET) Planning & Strategic Initiatives team. This team plays a critical role in supporting the company’s long-term planning strategy by leading the transmission planning studies that underpin the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Given unprecedented data center load growth, aggressive clean energy targets, and a continued commitment to bulk electric system reliability, Dominion must evaluate a wide range of future system conditions and resource portfolios. This role is central to developing, analyzing, and validating transmission system impacts associated with IRP scenarios, including high renewable penetration, evolving load characteristics, and emerging technologies. The team is responsible for performing forward-looking, scenario-based transmission studies that inform strategic decision-making across generation, transmission, and distribution planning. These efforts require close collaboration across the organization and provide significant exposure to enterprise-level planning, regulatory processes, and executive decision-making. In addition to IRP-related work, the team supports the broader ET Planning organization by evaluating complex system challenges and identifying innovative solutions to reliability needs identified through the PJM Regional Transmission Expansion Planning (RTEP) process and other planning activities.

Job activities may include:

  • Power system modeling and analysis
  • Load flow, dynamic, and small signal studies
  • Analysis and planning for significant increase in renewable energy on transmission and distribution systems, such as solar and wind energy.
  • Performing/supporting evaluation, design, engineering, and support activities related to advanced power systems technologies such as FACTS, HVDC, and inverter-based resources.
  • Power system network model validation, merging, and management.
  • Conducting research, development, and demonstration of leading-edge tools, technologies, and applications to maintain Dominion's leadership position in the industry.
  • Participating/collaborating with trade and industry organizations, benchmarking activities, universities, ISOs/RTOs, and national research labs.
  • Assisting in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of computer-based tools for Dominion Energy’s engineering groups.
  • Data mining and data analytics.
  • Performing manufacturer evaluations and support material requisitions as needed

One of the most interesting parts of working a utility that owns transmission, distribution, and generation assets is the opportunity to interact with the power system in such a large variety of ways. Even though this position is primarily an office job, you will have the ability to visit the field to see transmission and distribution substation equipment, the wreck-and-rebuild of transmission lines structures and the pulling of new conductor, tours of gas-insulated substations, and power generation facilities among other opportunities. We have a program for engineers to take field trips to factories of companies with which we do business to create a richer understanding of the equipment.

Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate.

The knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience that are required for entry into this job include the following:

  • Senior: 5+ years of relevant engineering experience
  • Staff:8+ years of relevant engineering experience (An Engineering PhD can be substituted for up to 5 years’ experience based on research engineering work on related projects approved by executive leadership.)
  • Upcoming engineering PhD graduates with a projected graduation date of no later than Summer 2026 who also meet the engineering criteria will be considered.
  • An advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate) counts towards related experience
  • A partial year of related work experience of 6 months or greater will be considered one year towards the qualifications.

General prefered skills:

  • Candidate should have a strong electrical engineering background, preferably in electric power systems. Other engineering backgrounds may be considered if presented in combination with a strong electric power background.
  • General understanding of AC/DC fundamentals, and including an understanding of three-phase power systems, the power grid, and the electric transmission system
  • A strong understanding of power system modeling
  • Knowledge in using specialized power engineering tools, such as PSS/E, ASPEN, PowerGem’s TARA, PSCAD, RSCAD and RTDS, Powerworld, DSATools, MATLAB, MAXWELL 3D, and SYNERGI.
  • Knowledge of programming skills and tools for automation of system studies, such as Python, C++, etc.
  • Must possess good communication skills, written and oral.
  • Demonstrated resourcefulness in developing system models from diverse and indirect data and information sources preferred.
  • Must be dedicated to continuous improvement and identifying best practice opportunities.
  • Must be able to work well independently as well as in team environment.
Education Requirements

Education Level:Bachelor's in Engineering required.


Preferred, but not mandatory:Masters, Doctor of Philosophy


Disciplines Preferred: Electrical Engineering with a concentration in power systems, computer engineering or mechanical engineering with a focus on energy systems

Upcoming engineering PhD graduates with a projected graduation date of no later than December 2026, who also meet the engineering criteria will be considered.

REQUIRED ENGINEERING CRITERIA:
For placement of a candidate in the Engineer job series, the following criteria must be met:

  • Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an ABET accredited Engineering program based on the year that the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or
  • Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an institution outside of the U.S. which is accredited through the country's own Engineering accrediting body under the Washington Accord as a full signatory, and is a degree that was recognized by the country's accrediting body on or after the date that full signatory status was achieved, or
  • Possess a 4-year degree in Engineering (non-ABET accredited), Physics, Chemistry, Math or Engineering Technology and a post-graduate Engineering degree from an institution where the undergraduate degree in the same Engineering discipline is ABET-accredited based on the year the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or
  • Holds or has previously held a valid U.S. Professional Engineer license
Working Conditions

Cold Up to 25%

Heat Up to 25%

Loud Noise Up to 25%

Outdoors Up to 25%

Travel Up to 25%

Other Working Conditions

Please note that 95% of the time, this is an office only position. This work does not require extensive field time, and if it were raining or the weather were particularly bad, you would normally be able to reschedule a field visit to a time with better weather. Dominion Energy will work with you to ensure you have the appropriate personal protective equipment for any site visits.

Please note that Innsbrook, the facility in which you will be working, has an on-site gym with a coordinator and trainer to help provide support. There are fitness classes available for free as well. Additionally, there are other Dominion facilities with gyms that you could use in other parts of the city if that is convenient for you. There is a cafeteria in the Innsbrook facility as well.

Export Control

Certain positions at Dominion Energy may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in Dominion Energy limiting its consideration of certain applicants.

Other Information

We offer excellent plans and programs for employees. Employees are rewarded with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which may include: health benefits with coverage for families and domestic partners, vacation, retirement plans, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and much more. To learn more about our benefits, click here dombenefits.com.

Dominion Energy is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin and/or status as a protected veteran or individual with a disability.

You can experience the excitement of our company – it's the difference between taking a job and starting a career.

Top 3 Reasons to Work at Dominion EnergyThere are many reasons to work at Dominion Energy, but below are the top three reasons employees have shared with us. Click on each of the links to learn more!Dominion Energy is committed to helping address climate change. We have cut emissions sharply as we aim for Net Zero carbon and methane emissions by 2050. Learn more at sustainability.dominionenergy.com

Job Segment: Facilities, Power Systems, Electrical Engineering, Wind Energy, Research Engineer, Operations, Energy, Engineering

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About Dominion Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a leader in the clean energy transition, with a clear strategy to achieve Net Zero carbon and methane emissions. Headquartered in Richmond, VA, we're creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Richmond, VA, US

Year founded

1983

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