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Materials Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Applied Materials

Field Service Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$37 - $51.20/hr

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 ...

M&J Engineering

Materials Inspector

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Overview M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-discipline consulting services with ... M&J is seeking Materials Inspectors to perform field sampling and testing of construction materials ...

M&J Engineering

Materials Inspector

Fairfax, VA

M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-discipline consulting services with over 300 ... M&J is seeking Materials Inspectors to perform field sampling and testing of construction materials ...

M&J Engineering

Materials Inspector

Fairfax, VA

Overview M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-discipline consulting services with ... M&J is seeking Materials Inspectors to perform field sampling and testing of construction materials ...

M&J Engineering

Materials Inspector

Washington, DC · On-site

Overview M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-discipline consulting services with ... M&J is seeking a Materials Inspector to perform field sampling and testing of soils, aggregates ...

M&J Engineering

Materials Inspector

Washington, DC · On-site

Overview M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-discipline consulting services with ... M&J is seeking a Materials Inspector to perform field sampling and testing of soils, aggregates ...

M&J Engineering

Materials Inspector

Washington, DC

M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-discipline consulting services with over 300 ... M&J is seeking a Materials Inspector to perform field sampling and testing of soils, aggregates ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 22, 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 a materials engineer?

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 does a materials engineer do?

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

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 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 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.

Is it hard to get a job as a materials engineer?

Getting a job as a materials engineer can be competitive, especially without relevant experience or advanced degrees. Strong skills in materials analysis, proficiency with engineering software, and professional certifications can improve employment prospects. Entry-level positions may be easier to obtain with internships or co-op experience.
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:

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% 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.

15691-Engineer Material Process 3@ Dulles - Bldg 1-45101 Warp Dr (VA31)

Prolim Global

Dulles, VA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description


At Northrop Grumman, we have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.
Northrop Grumman is looking for a Materials Engineer to support the Reliability Analysis Lab (RAL) in Dulles, Virginia.
Responsibilities:
· Perform failure analysis of materials/hardware to determine the root cause of failure and identify failure modes.
· Perform materials analysis and characterization.
· Perform weld joint analysis.
· Perform materials testing per industry standard specifications and internal requirements.
· Perform inspection of printed wiring board for defects and anomalies.
· Use analytical tools and equipment to inspect and analyze parts, materials, and flight hardware.
Basic Qualifications for Systems Engineer - Integration and Test:
· Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering. Bachelor’s degree is Physics with some background in materials is acceptable.
· Knowledge and experience with lab equipment, such as, scanning electron microscope, optical microscope, spectroscopy, x-ray equipment.
Preferred Qualifications for Systems Engineer - Integration and Test:
· Familiarity with materials, such as, aluminum, titanium, steel.
· Familiarity with processes, such as, rolling, forging, heat treatment, welding, corrosion.
· Familiarity with industry standard documents, e.g., ASTM, ASM, NASA, MIL.