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Materials Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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 9, 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 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,803 per year, or $50.4 per hour.
Hull Treatment Materials Engineer

Hull Treatment Materials Engineer

Peraton

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Peraton rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 208 rated it services

Job description

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's submarine force.
  • Design and manufacture prototype articles and molds
  • Work side-by-side with other engineers, technicians, and shipyard personnel producing, installing, and testing advanced polymer items
  • Use a range of hand tools to fabricate, install, and evaluate test articles
  • Interface with government, contractor, and shipyard personnel on technical and schedule requirements
  • Lead teams of engineers and technicians in shipyard installation and testing
  • Travel to public shipyards and other locations possible for two week periods

Qualifications
What you will need:
  • BS Engineering required (Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering or Chemical Engineering with GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred) and 5+ years experience 3 years with MS/MA
  • Demonstrated interest in hands-on work through academic or work experience
  • Experience with polymer processing is a bonus
  • Experience or coursework in acoustics also a bonus
  • Demonstrated leadership traits through task supervision or social / athletic group membership (Team Captain, Club Officer, Scouting, etc) is a plus
  • Requires Active DOD Secret Clearance

Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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