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Materials Science Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

BWX Technologies, Inc.

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

Metallurgical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, or similar discipline) or physics is required. * A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a metallurgical/materials/manufacturing ...

BWXT

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

Metallurgical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, or similar discipline) or physics is required. * A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a metallurgical/materials/manufacturing ...

BWX Technologies

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

Metallurgical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, or similar discipline) or physics is required. * A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a metallurgical/materials/manufacturing ...

BWXT

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

Metallurgical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, or similar discipline) or physics is required. * A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a metallurgical/materials/manufacturing ...

BWX Technologies

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$76K - $119K/yr

Metallurgical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, or similar discipline) or physics is required. * A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a metallurgical/materials/manufacturing ...

BWX Technologies

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

$76K - $119K/yr

Metallurgical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, or similar discipline) or physics is required. * A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a metallurgical/materials/manufacturing ...

BWXT

Materials Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

Metallurgical Engineering, Material Science Engineering, or similar discipline) or physics is required. * A minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a metallurgical/materials/manufacturing ...

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All JobsMaterials Science Engineer JobsMaterials Science Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Materials Science Engineer information

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$40.2K

$91.8K

$117.5K

How much do materials science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science engineer in Virginia is $91,845.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,300.00 and $101,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a materials science engineer do?

A Materials Science Engineer studies and develops materials to improve their performance, durability, and efficiency in various applications. They work with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites to create new materials or enhance existing ones for industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and electronics. Their work involves research, testing, and developing manufacturing processes to ensure materials meet required standards. They collaborate with scientists, engineers, and manufacturers to solve material-related challenges.

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

To thrive as a Materials Science Engineer, you need a strong grasp of materials characterization, thermodynamics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in materials science, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with lab testing equipment, materials modeling software, and certifications such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing can be highly valuable. Effective teamwork, problem-solving, and clear communication skills enable you to collaborate across disciplines and convey complex findings. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, ensuring product quality, and meeting project goals in materials development and engineering environments.

What are some common challenges faced by materials science engineers in their daily work?

Materials Science Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing material properties for specific applications, troubleshooting manufacturing defects, and staying current with rapidly evolving material technologies. They may need to balance theoretical research with practical implementation, all while ensuring compliance with industry standards and project deadlines. Working in this role often involves close collaboration with product designers, engineers, and production teams to integrate new materials into existing or novel products. Overcoming these challenges requires both technical expertise and the ability to communicate complex information effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Is materials science engineering a good career?

Materials Science Engineering is a promising career that involves developing and testing new materials for various industries such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare. It requires strong knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles, often utilizing tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, with opportunities for research, development, and innovation. Job prospects are generally good, especially for those with advanced degrees or specialized skills.

What kind of jobs do materials science engineers do?

Materials science engineers research, develop, and test materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites for various applications. They work in industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare, often using tools like microscopy and spectroscopy, and may require knowledge of manufacturing processes and material properties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Materials Science Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Materials Science Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Materials Science Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Materials Science Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Science Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Materials Science Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Materials Science Engineer job openings:

Materials Science Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Science Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% 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 $91,845 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Research Associate in Materials Science and Engineering

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

212th of 625 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia is accepting applications for a postdoctoral research associate position that focuses on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and defect characterization in materials.
The research conducted in Prof. Zhou's laboratory focuses on advanced in-situ/ex-situ electron microscopy and spectroscopy, materials for quantum information science, and phases and phase transitions in ferroic materials.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and execute novel in situ and ex situ electron microscopy studies of thin film heterostructures and devices for quantum computing
  • Publish results in high-impact journals
  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering or a closely related field, with a dissertation emphasizing electron microscopy
  • Extensive experience with TEM and complementary techniques, including aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
  • Strong expertise in TEM specimen preparation (e.g., focus ion beam (FIB) milling and conventional methods)
  • Experience in electric-field mapping (using electron microscopy and related techniques) or in EELS is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English for effective communication with collaborators and sponsors
  • Excellent analytical and record-keeping skills, with strong attention to detail.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us and search for R0086399. Attach the following documents: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box .
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin on August 24, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
This is a one-year appointment, and the appointment may be renewed contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.
For questions about the position, please contact Lin Zhou, Associate Professor, at linzhou@virginia.edu .
For questions regarding the application, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu .
A competitive salary and benefits package is offered at University of Virginia. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits .
Job Profile
J0267 - Research Associate - 12 Month
Career Stream and Level
No Career Stream-No Level
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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