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Materials Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Materials Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Materials Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and ...

KBR

Materials Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Materials Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and ...

Eastman

Raw Materials Engineer

Fieldale, VA

Responsibilities Eastman is seeking a raw materials engineer at the Martinsville, VA site supporting the Performance Films business. The individual in this role will be responsible for leading ...

Eastman

Raw Materials Engineer

Fieldale, VA · On-site

Responsibilities Eastman is seeking a raw materials engineer at the Martinsville, VA site supporting the Performance Films business. The individual in this role will be responsible for leading ...

Applied Materials

Process Support Engineer II

Manassas, VA · On-site

$86K - $119K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting ...

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All JobsMaterials Engineer JobsMaterials Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Materials Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$37.7K

$99.9K

$156.6K

How much do materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer 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 Is the Job of a Materials Engineer?

As a materials engineer, you develop, test, and process new materials. You may create new types of plastic, metal, or ceramic materials for use in various applications. You work with nanomaterials and other unusual substances to create products that meet specific chemical, electrical, or mechanical requirements. Depending on the company's needs and the status of a material's development, you typically work in a laboratory or an office setting. Many potential materials are modeled on computers before attempting manufacture, so familiarity with design software is paramount.

What are materials engineers?

Materials engineers are professionals who study, develop, and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from computer chips to aircraft components. They work with metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and other substances to improve their properties and performance. Their work often involves selecting appropriate materials for specific applications, researching new materials, and troubleshooting issues related to material failures. Materials engineers play a critical role in advancing technologies in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain senior roles in software or data engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior materials engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand industries like aerospace or oil and gas, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires specialized skills, leadership roles, and working in regions with high cost of living or competitive markets.

What jobs can materials engineers do?

Materials engineers design, develop, and test materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites for use in products and structures. They work in industries like aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and electronics, often using tools like computer-aided design (CAD) and conducting laboratory testing. Their roles may include research, quality control, and process improvement, requiring knowledge of material properties and engineering principles.

What is the work of a Materials Engineer?

A Materials Engineer researches, develops, and tests materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to improve their performance and suitability for specific applications. They analyze material properties, design new materials, and work with manufacturing processes, often using tools like microscopes and testing equipment to ensure quality and safety.

What are some common challenges Materials Engineers face when working on cross-functional project teams?

Materials Engineers often collaborate with professionals from design, manufacturing, and quality assurance departments. One common challenge is effectively communicating complex materials science concepts to team members without a technical background. Additionally, balancing the ideal material properties with project cost, manufacturability, and timeline constraints requires strong problem-solving and negotiation skills. Overcoming these challenges typically involves active participation in team meetings, clear documentation, and a willingness to adapt solutions based on feedback from various stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Materials Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Engineer, you need a solid understanding of materials science, engineering principles, and typically a bachelor's degree in materials, chemical, or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with analytical tools like scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and computer-aided design (CAD) software is often required. Effective problem-solving, project management, and strong communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present findings clearly. These abilities are essential for developing innovative materials and ensuring product reliability and performance in various industries.

What is the difference between Materials Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMaterials EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field; often includes certifications like ASM certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license may be preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, quality controlDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, testing labs
Industry UsageMaterials development, failure analysis, quality assuranceProduct design, systems, and machinery development

Materials Engineers focus on developing and testing materials used in products, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems. Both roles often collaborate but serve different core functions within manufacturing and product development industries.

More about Materials Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Materials Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Materials Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer jobs in VA? For Materials Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,874 per year, or $48 per hour.
Materials Engineer

Materials Engineer

KBR, Inc.

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 369 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Materials Engineer
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary:
KBR National Security Solutions is seeking a motivated and talented Senior Materials Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia and to support a major U.S. Government organization responsible for the acquisition, integration, and operation of proliferated satellite constellations. The selected candidate for this position will provide technical expertise in optical systems and advanced materials supporting spacecraft and payload development. This role would augment existing systems engineering capabilities by providing deeper insight into material selection, optical performance considerations, and environmental survivability for space systems. The candidate will work as part of an integrated Government and contractor team delivering resilient, scalable space capabilities in support of national security missions
Responsibilities
  • Provide technical support related to the selection of materials, optical components, and coatings.
  • Lead small-group project teams to propose, select, qualify, and test metals and composites for Electro-Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar space vehicles.
  • Assess contractor designs for material performance in space environments for thermal, radiation, and contamination performance.
  • Support anomaly investigations related to material or optical performance.
  • Advise on trade studies involving materials, manufacturing processes, and performance impacts.
  • Collaborate with payload, mechanical, and systems engineers to ensure material decisions align with mission requirements.
  • Perform Materials and Processes (M&P) technical engineering assignments.
  • Troubleshoot problems and work with contractors to find innovative solutions.
  • Prepare technical and progress reports on assigned tasks, prepare specifications, evaluate suppliers, and analyze test reports.
  • Contribute to system documentation, reviews, and decision briefings for Government leadership.
  • Document, develop and deliver analyses, recommendations, plans, reports, and briefings to the Government.
  • Support the development and integration of automated test solutions and continuous improvement in software design and architecture.

Work Environment
  • Location: On-Site
  • Travel Requirements: Minimal (less than 25%) travel to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations.
  • Working Hours: Flexible. Standard Government work hour support and surge support during integration and launch phases.

Required Qualifications:
  • Citizenship: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance (with current polygraph).
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in materials engineering, or a related STEM technical discipline. Specific contract requirements regarding education and experience will prevail.
  • Relevant Experience: Demonstrated 8+ years of experience in materials engineering.
  • Knowledge of materials and processes for aerospace product development, improvement, design, application, and production including soldering, PCBs, additive manufacturing, bonding, polymers, coatings, and metals.
  • Experience establishing and implementing technical requirements (specifications, program plans/requirements, etc.).
  • Knowledge of environmental and operational requirements for materials in space and/or missile applications (oxidation, thermal stress, radiation, etc.).
  • A motivated individual who can work closely within a geographically diverse team to resolve technical issues.
  • Someone with the ability to handle shifting priorities, multiple projects and timeline pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to take initiative, proactively address customer requirements with no supervision, and expertly define solutions for broad, abstract topics.
  • Ability to work with standard business management tools and financial systems, MS Office, and project management software.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.
  • Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues clearly to customer or Government leadership.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Education: Master's or Ph.D. degree in materials engineering or a related STEM technical discipline.
  • Relevant Ground Experience: Demonstrated 10+ years of experience supporting materials engineering is preferred.
  • Familiarity with JIRA and Confluence.
  • Knowledge of U.S. Government contracting and federal acquisition regulations, spacecraft lifecycle milestones and review processes, and success in operating within this environment.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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