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

SAIC

User Outreach Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Develop training and educational materials on new constellation capabilities. * Integrate with ... PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. * Current and Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with ...

New

Devyantram

Lead Molecular Systems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Required Qualifications • MS or PhD in Chemistry, Molecular Engineering, Nanoscience, Bioengineering, Materials Science, or a related field. • 8+ years of hands-on research and development ...

L3HHCM20

Intern D, RF/Wireless Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$29 - $53.50/hr

Provide support to engineering and purchasing for procurement and selection of parts and materials ... Must be pursuing a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, or a PhD in Electrical Engineering ...

ADNET Systems, Inc.

Microfabrication Engineer

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$95K - $145K/hr

... Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline. * Minimum 3 years of demonstrated ... Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline. * Experience working in Class ...

SAIC

Space Protection Operations Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

... materials. • Evaluates developer solutions, guides software deployment activities, and assesses ... PhD and 4 or more years of experience. Extensive experience may be considered in lieu of degree ...

SAIC

Hypersonics System Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$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 ...

Draper

Senior Radiation Analysis Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

... with materials and devices. Education Requires a Bachelor's in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or other relevant field. A Master's degree, or PhD is preferred. Experience ...

Dovel Technologies, Inc

Technical SETA SME

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$115.20 - $172.80/hr

... Material Engineering (PIE), Research Physicists (PHY), Research Scientists (SCI), Software ... PhD in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field with TWO (2) or more years of ...

SAIC

Hypersonics System Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. * Experience in hypersonics and advanced materials ... ing services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely ...

SAIC

User Outreach Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Develop training and educational materials on new constellation capabilities. * Integrate with ... PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience. * Current and Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with ...

New

Devyantram

Lead Photonics Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Required Qualifications • MS or PhD in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. • 8+ years of demonstrated expertise in photonics engineering. • Strong ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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.

Are materials engineers in high demand?

Materials engineers with a PhD are in high demand in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics due to their advanced expertise in developing new materials and improving existing ones. They often find opportunities in research and development roles, working with tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, and may require specialized certifications or security clearances depending on the sector.

Is a PhD in Materials Engineer worth it?

A PhD in Materials Engineering can lead to advanced research, teaching positions, and specialized roles in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and nanotechnology. It typically requires several years of study and research but can enhance expertise, job prospects, and earning potential in highly technical fields.

What can I do with a PhD in materials engineer?

A PhD in materials engineering prepares individuals for advanced research, development, and leadership roles in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy. Graduates often work in R&D laboratories, academia, or specialized manufacturing environments, utilizing skills in materials characterization, testing, and computer-aided design. Certification and knowledge of industry standards can enhance career prospects in this field.

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 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,803 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

User Outreach Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

SAIC rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 226 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2616454

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 25% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a User Outreach Engineer to provide onsite systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services in support of an SAIC Prime Program at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in Chantilly, VA.

The User Outreach Engineer is pivotal in driving user engagement initiatives that connect mission needs, emerging capabilities, and end-user adoption.  This position involves collaborating closely with both internal and external stakeholders to enhance communication channels, facilitate training and readiness, and ensure that user perspectives are integrated into capability development and experimentation.  The User Outreach Engineer is also responsible for providing coordination and analytical support to leadership, helping to align outreach activities with organizational objectives, manage dependencies, and deliver exceptional customer support. Success in this role requires a strong understanding of user needs and experience working with operational command structures as well as excellent communication skills including presenting and building briefing materials.    

If you have passion for the mission, are excited about next-generation space, and love working with a great team, apply today.  

 
Job Responsibilities to include:

  • Develop training and educational materials on new constellation capabilities.
  • Integrate with other user engagement teams across the directorate to ensure cohesive messaging.
  • Coordinate with operational commands and science and technology organizations to promote the development of engineering use cases and the execution of experimentation that informs future capability needs.
  • Ensure user readiness to employ and experiment with tasking, data discovery, and exploitation capabilities.
  • Collaborate across the enterprise to ensure external dependencies remain aligned with mission needs.
  • Support development of external training and instructional courses for program inclusion.
  • Assist in preparing responses to customer leadership requests for information.
  • Preparing and briefing educational material to a variety of users on a regular basis.
  • Travel is required and may occur once a month. 

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.
  • Current and Active  Top Secret/SCI clearance with Poly  
  • Experience with NRO satellite systems
  • Experience engaging with user community
  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment
  • Working knowledge of the NRO organization, major acquisition processes, and satellite systems.
  • Available to travel domestically and internationally 

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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