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Materials Science Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

The Mechanical Engineering Department is seeking a Staff Materials Engineer with a background in ... Apply chemistry, physics and materials-science principles to diagnose material problems and devise ...

New

The Mechanical Engineering Department is seeking a Staff Materials Engineer with a background in ... Apply chemistry, physics and materials-science principles to diagnose material problems and devise ...

New

Staff Materials Engineer

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$169K - $253K/yr

The Mechanical Engineering Department is seeking a Staff Materials Engineer with a background in ... Apply chemistry, physics and materials-science principles to diagnose material problems and devise ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Materials Science Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$45.9K

$104.9K

$134.2K

How much do materials science engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science engineer in Washington, DC is $104,925.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $116,100.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Materials Science Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Materials Science Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

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

Infographic showing various Materials Science Engineer job openings in Washington, DC 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 $104,925 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Technical Advisor - Advanced Materials & Molecular Engineering

ECS

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$133K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking an Technical Advisor - Advanced Materials & Molecular Engineering to work in our Arlington, VA office. Please Note: This position is contingent upon additional funding.
We are seeking a Technical Advisor to support advanced research and development efforts focused on polymeric materials, molecular-scale engineering, and emerging materials technologies. The successful candidate will provide technical support in the evaluation of research activities, assessment of technical progress, and identification of opportunities and risks across a portfolio of cutting-edge materials programs.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in polymer chemistry, materials science, or a related technical discipline and be comfortable engaging with researchers from academia, industry, and government laboratories. This role requires the ability to understand complex technical concepts, evaluate research findings, and communicate observations and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Master's Degree in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Active Secret clearance, however exceptional candidates with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance will also be considered.
  • Knowledge of polymer chemistry, polymeric materials, or related materials science disciplines
  • Understanding of material design, synthesis, characterization, or fabrication processes
  • Ability to analyze technical reports, research publications, and experimental results
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to summarize technical concepts and research findings for diverse audiences
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team