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How much do materials science government jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science government in the United States is $123,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a materials science government job?

A Materials Science Government job involves researching, developing, and analyzing materials for public sector applications, such as defense, energy, transportation, and infrastructure. Professionals in this field work for government agencies, national laboratories, or regulatory bodies to improve material performance, enhance sustainability, and ensure safety compliance. They may focus on areas like polymers, metals, ceramics, or nanomaterials to support projects ranging from weapon systems to renewable energy technologies.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities for a materials science government professional?

Materials Science professionals in government often work on projects related to public infrastructure, environmental sustainability, or national security, such as evaluating and developing new materials for transportation, energy systems, or defense applications. Responsibilities can include conducting experiments, preparing technical reports, advising policymakers, and ensuring that materials comply with safety standards and regulations. Collaboration is common, as you’ll work closely with engineers, scientists, and policy experts from diverse backgrounds. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to large-scale, impactful projects and influence public policy through scientific expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the materials science government position?

To excel in a Materials Science Government role, you need a solid background in materials engineering or science, typically with at least a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of government policies or regulations. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, materials characterization tools (like SEM or XRD), and standards such as ASTM or ISO is important. Strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to work within multidisciplinary teams are valuable soft skills. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring compliance, advancing research, and effectively contributing to government projects that impact public welfare.

Is materials science in high demand?

Materials science professionals are in high demand due to ongoing advancements in technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors. Skills in nanomaterials, polymers, and characterization techniques like microscopy are particularly sought after, with employment opportunities available in research labs, industry, and government agencies.

What jobs can I get with a materials science government degree?

A materials science government degree qualifies individuals for roles such as materials engineer, research scientist, or laboratory technician in government agencies. These positions often involve developing new materials, conducting testing, and ensuring compliance with safety standards, requiring knowledge of materials properties, testing methods, and relevant regulations.
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Materials Science Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Science Government job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,973 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Experimental Materials Scientist / Engineer

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

The mission of the Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group in the Advanced Technology Division is to research and develop a broad array of electronic, electro-optic, and RF materials and devices to develop leap-ahead capability in support of national security.  Our materials research enterprise spans the materials development cycle from computation and theory to growth, processing, and characterization, and complements RF, imager, and quantum computing technology development in the division. 

Job Description

The Advanced Materials and Microsystems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks a technical staff to spearhead and grow the enterprise focused on experimental materials development for critical national security applications. Initial focus will be on new materials for microelectronics, including wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as the growth and doping of cubic boron nitride on diamond. Additional responsibilities will include the development of experimental methods as part of the AI-enabled rapid materials discovery team. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen and strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Occasional travel is required to meet with sponsors and participate in professional conferences. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and conduct hands-on experimental research in advanced materials synthesis, processing, and characterization
  • Help develop and execute a strategic roadmap for the materials enterprise, aligning experimental research with national security priorities
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for the new material synthesis and processing thrust of the AI-enabled rapid material discovery program
  • Define and propose new research and development opportunities with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry
  • Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting to meet organizational and sponsor objectives
  • Lead, mentor, and participate in multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and collaboration
  • Write and publish technical reports, manuscripts, and proposals detailing research methods, findings, and strategic implications.

 

Requirements
  • PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated ability to create, fabricate, and analyze materials for specific applications and use cases 
  • Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and build teams
  • Active or eligible to obtain a Secret security clearance
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills, including ability to communicate experimental results to experts and non-experts, government sponsors, and internal stakeholders
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills

 

Desired Skills

  • Demonstrated ability to grow and process thin-film electronic materials
  • Thorough understanding of wide band gap semiconductor materials and their associated processing methods
  • Growth and processing expertise in cubic boron nitride (c-BN), diamond, or established and emerging wide-bandgap semiconductors
  • Expertise in material growth reactor and processing tool design and fabrication
  • Expertise in a broad array of inorganic material systems
  • Familiarity with computational materials science with linkage to experimental methods
  • Familiarity with semiconductor device physics
  • Experience in successfully guiding and leading interdisciplinary technical programs
  • Experience defining and executing technology roadmaps
  • Six or more years of post-graduate experience as an experimental materials researcher

Expertise outside the named disciplines will be considered for exceptional candidates

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000

 

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

 

Requisition ID: 42457 

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