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Materials Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$85K/yr

This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments, resolution of Departure from Specification (DFS) issues, and engineering review of shipyard commitments ...

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 · 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 ...

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$85K/yr

This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments, resolution of Departure from Specification (DFS) issues, and engineering review of shipyard commitments ...

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K/yr

This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments, resolution of Departure from Specification (DFS) issues, and engineering review of shipyard commitments ...

Peraton

Hull Treatment Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is looking for a Hull's Treatment Materials Engineer to work onsite in West Bethesda, MD. What you will do: * Perform hands-on engineering in support of the US Navy ...

USA JOBS

Senior Materials Engineer

Rockville, MD

$169K/yr

... of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and ...

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All JobsMaterials Engineer JobsMaterials Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Materials Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$39.5K

$104.8K

$164.4K

How much do materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials engineer 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 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Materials Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Materials Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Materials Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Materials Engineer job openings:
Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,803 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Materials Engineer

Delphinus Engineering

Bethesda, MD • Hybrid

$85K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

About the Organization
Founded in 1994 as a small, diversified professional services company, Delphinus today employs more than 650 professional and technical personnel supporting a customer base that spans the Defense and Federal markets.
Headquartered in Newtown Square, PA, we have primary offices in Norfolk, VA; San Diego, CA; and Bremerton, WA.
Company Benefits*:
• Comprehensive health program for employee and dependents
• Company paid Dental and Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Short-term and Long-term disability - Company paid
• Life Insurance and AD&D - Company paid
• Voluntary Spouse and Child Life Insurance
• Paid time off with company holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
*Benefit eligibility is set forth in benefit plan documents and organization policies.
Description
Join Delphinus Engineering and you'll have the opportunity to begin a rewarding career working on a wide variety of important and challenging projects that make a real impact.
Delphinus Engineering offers an empowering professional environment in a culture that stresses teamwork, independence, shared responsibility for company and client success, and personal growth.
We offer competitive wages in salaried and hourly positions, education opportunities, outstanding employee benefit options, and 401(k) plan with company match.
SALARY: $85,000 per year
GENERAL SUMMARY: Engineering position supporting metallurgy, welding, and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) tasks for Navy submarine programs. This role involves direct support to government engineers for material condition assessments, resolution of Departure from Specification (DFS) issues, and engineering review of shipyard commitments, not inspection or quality control functions.
LOCATION: West Bethesda, MD (NSWCCD) - Hybrid/On-Site
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide technical engineering support related to NDE of weldments and structural materials in support of U.S. Navy submarine programs.
  • Assist in reviewing and processing DFS submissions and other shipyard engineering documentation.
  • Collaborate with Navy personnel and shipbuilders to assess and address issues related to materials performance and structural integrity.
  • Apply knowledge of welding engineering, metallurgy, and NDE principles to evaluate and interpret shipyard or field data.
  • Participate in engineering analyses and investigations using test data and materials characterization.
  • Support programmatic efforts including in-service sustainment and new construction reviews.
  • Engage in part-time mentoring or support of special initiatives such as NDE of composite materials.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • 2-5+ years of relevant engineering experience in materials evaluation, welding, or NDE applications.
  • Demonstrated understanding of structural materials, weld joints, and applicable NDE methods (e.g., UT, RT, MT, PT, or VT).
  • Experience supporting shipbuilding or Navy programs is preferred but not required.
  • Strong technical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a government-contractor integrated team.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Must currently hold or be eligible to obtain a Secret Clearance.
  • Some travel may be required (less than 15%).

EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
Req Number
ENG-25-00011
This position is currently accepting applications.

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