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Materials Engineer Phd Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

micro1 AI

Domain Expert - (STEM PhD)

Washington, DC · Remote

$80 - $90/hr

PhD Engineer (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote micro1 is ... Ensure clarity, accuracy, and completeness of all submitted materials based on provided guidelines

micro1 AI

Engineering AI Evaluator (PhD)

Washington, DC · Remote

$80 - $90/hr

PhD Engineer (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote micro1 is ... Ensure clarity, accuracy, and completeness of all submitted materials based on provided guidelines

Apple

Hardware Technologies PhD Internships

Washington, DC · On-site

$139K - $184K/yr

In this internship, you will have the opportunity to work among the best engineers in the world on ... materials (optical, mechanical); optimization for performance and reliability * Strong teamwork ...

General Atomics

Engineer IV

Herndon, VA · On-site

... 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 ...

General Atomics

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 ...

DCS Corp

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 ...

DCS Corporation

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 ...

SAIC

Hypersonics System Engineer

Alexandria, VA · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

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 ...

DCS CORPORATION

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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All JobsMaterials Engineer Phd JobsMaterials Engineer Phd Jobs in Reston, VA

Materials Engineer Phd information

See Reston, VA salary details

$39.5K

$104.8K

$164.4K

How much do materials engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer phd in Reston, VA is $104,803.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,200.00 and $121,200.00 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 are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer Phd jobs in Reston, VA? For Materials Engineer Phd jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Engineer Phd jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Engineer Phd jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Materials Engineer Phd jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Materials Engineer Phd job openings:
Materials Engineer Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer Phd job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,803 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Domain Expert - (STEM PhD)

micro1 AI

Washington, DC • Remote

$80 - $90/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Role Title: PhD Engineer (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical)


Role Type: Contractor


Location: Remote


micro1 is engaging PhD-level Engineers in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical disciplines to contribute to a high-impact customer project. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters.


Scope of Work

  1. Deliver authoritative written responses to complex engineering prompts in your area of expertise
  2. Review and interpret scientific literature to provide contextually accurate and current insights
  3. Design and document realistic experimental scenarios based on advanced engineering principles
  4. Analyze data and interpret results to inform AI training datasets with precision
  5. Apply sophisticated calculus and quantitative methodologies to problem-solving tasks
  6. Ensure clarity, accuracy, and completeness of all submitted materials based on provided guidelines
  7. Collaborate with project coordinators to refine prompt response quality as needed


Preferred Qualifications

  1. PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering
  2. Demonstrated expertise in calculus, data analysis, research methodology, and experimental design
  3. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly
  4. Strong literature review capabilities and familiarity with synthesizing scientific knowledge
  5. Experience with or interest in AI, machine learning, or technology-driven projects (a plus, not required)
  6. Proven ability to produce "golden response" level deliverables with accuracy and completeness
  7. Detail-oriented mindset and commitment to high-quality, impactful contributions

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