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Materials Science Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Vets Hired

Science Teacher

Norfolk, VA

$46K - $60K/yr

Maintain inventory of science equipment, chemicals, instructional materials, and supplies ... Identify student learning needs and collaborate with staff to support academic success. * Assist ...

Dupont

Tyvek(R) R&D Lab Technologist

Richmond, VA

Through innovation, sustainability, and materials science expertise, Tyvek helps protect workers, enable sterile medical packaging, and support countless critical applications worldwide. Our Tyvek ...

HEICO

Process Engineer

Blacksburg, VA

$65K - $125K/yr

Materials Science and Engineering * Mechanical Engineering * Industrial Engineering Preferred: * Background in electronic assembly process. * Background in MIL-STD, J-STD or IPC Standards. * Ability ...

Heico

Process Engineer

Blacksburg, VA

$65K - $125K/yr

Materials Science and Engineering * Mechanical Engineering * Industrial Engineering Preferred: * Background in electronic assembly process. * Background in MIL-STD, J-STD or IPC Standards. * Ability ...

HEICO

Process Engineer

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $125K/yr

Materials Science and Engineering * Mechanical Engineering * Industrial Engineering Preferred: * Background in electronic assembly process. * Background in MIL-STD, J-STD or IPC Standards. * Ability ...

MATSYS

Engineering Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

The successful candidate will lead and oversee both production and research and development (R&D) engineering teams specializing in mechanical, chemical, and materials science engineering. This role ...

DuPont

Tyvek(R) R&D Lab Technologist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$58K - $92K/yr

Through innovation, sustainability, and materials science expertise, Tyvek ® helps protect workers, enable sterile medical packaging, and support countless critical applications worldwide. Our Tyvek ...

MATSYS

Engineering Manager

Sterling, VA · On-site

The successful candidate will lead and oversee both production and research and development (R&D) engineering teams specializing in mechanical, chemical, and materials science engineering. This role ...

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Materials Science information

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$52.5K

$122.9K

$171.5K

How much do materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science in Virginia is $122,910.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $165,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a materials science?

A Materials Science job involves studying and developing materials to improve existing products or create new ones. Professionals in this field work with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites to enhance properties like strength, durability, and conductivity. They collaborate with engineers and manufacturers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare. Common roles include materials engineer, metallurgist, and research scientist.

Are materials scientists in demand?

Materials scientists are in demand in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and energy, where advanced materials are essential. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as research and development continue to expand, and skills in characterization techniques and computer modeling are increasingly valuable.

What typical career paths are available for professionals in materials science?

Materials Science professionals can pursue a variety of career paths including roles in research and development, quality assurance, product design, manufacturing, and technical consulting. Many start as lab technicians or junior engineers and can advance to senior scientist, project manager, or even into leadership roles such as director of materials engineering. Career progression often depends on accumulating hands-on experience, pursuing advanced degrees, and developing expertise with specialized materials or industry applications. Employers value individuals who continually update their skills and contribute to cross-functional projects. The field offers diverse opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical devices, electronics, and energy.

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

To thrive in Materials Science, you need strong analytical skills in chemistry and physics, a degree in materials science or a related engineering field, and hands-on laboratory experience. Familiarity with technical tools such as electron microscopes, spectrometers, and materials characterization software, as well as certifications like Six Sigma or ASQ, are commonly required. Problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and clear communication skills are highly valued in this profession. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative materials, ensuring quality, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams in research and industrial settings.

Is a materials science degree worth it?

A materials science degree prepares individuals for careers in research, development, and manufacturing of materials, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles. It can lead to roles in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and energy, with job prospects improving as technology advances. The degree provides a solid foundation for technical problem-solving and innovation, which are valued in many engineering and research positions.

What jobs can I get with a materials science degree?

A materials science degree qualifies individuals for roles such as materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, and product development engineer. These jobs often involve working with metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites, and may require knowledge of testing methods, CAD software, and industry standards.

What jobs can you do with materials science?

Materials science graduates can pursue careers as materials engineers, research scientists, quality control specialists, or product development engineers. These roles involve designing, testing, and improving materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, often requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques and computer-aided design tools.
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Science jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Materials Science jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Materials Science jobs in Virginia? For Materials Science jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Science jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Science jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Materials Science jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Materials Science job openings:
Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Science job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $122,910 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Polymer Composites Specialist

Luna Labs USA

Blacksburg, VA

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Polymer Composites Specialist
About Luna Labs
Luna Labs is a product development company working with leading organizations and key government agencies to create unique solutions for complex challenges in defense, industrial, and healthcare markets. We operate like a self-contained incubator for defense and biotech startups, taking solutions from concept through development to new products in the market. We leverage small business agility and large business capabilities to accelerate breakthrough solutions from concept to early-stage growth. Working with a robust global network of manufacturers, suppliers, licensees, and distributors, Luna Labs develops everything from small-scale prototypes to market-ready products.
The Opportunity
The Materials group is seeking a creative and goal-oriented R amp;D Polymer Composites Specialist to contribute to fast-paced research focused on the development of new materials. This position will involve managing and executing projects related to materials product development for our government and commercial customers. Current application areas include structural polymer composites, high/low temperature seals and gaskets, and chemical/biological protection. This role will support research and development with hands-on polymer formulation, composite production, and material testing using new or established methodologies. Practical experience with the fabrication of thermoset-matrix composite materials is desired. Ideal candidates will have a background in materials science with specific experience in project management, including idea generation, experimental design/execution, scheduling, budgeting, data analysis, report writing, customer presentations, coordination of internal/external collaborators, and staff mentorship.
What You'll Do
  • Manage research and development projects, including experimental design, problem solving, structure-property relationships, data summary and interpretation, report writing, and customer presentation
  • Drive technology transition from product concept and prototypes to pilot-scale production, manufacturing, and commercialization
  • Identify new technologies and match them with applications to satisfy significant customer needs
  • Participate and consult with the internal and external scientific community to maintain state-of-the-art knowledge to conduct experiments and projects
  • Mentor junior staff in project management and technology development
  • Travel to external facilities to perform testing and/or present results to potential or existing customers
  • Perform physical testing for materials characterization using in-house equipment
  • Maintain a positive environment with lab researchers emphasizing safe laboratory practices and clean workspaces
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related fields.
  • 3—6 years of experience with materials research and development
  • Experience with project management including scheduling, budgeting, and customer presentations
  • Comfortable working in a chemical laboratory setting and willing to learn outside your core area of expertise
  • Strong communication, technical writing, and analytical skills, with a commitment to quality and attention to detail
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented R amp;D environment, with a drive to move technologies from lab to product
  • Due to government contracting regulations, U.S. Citizenship is a firm requirement.
Preferred Skills
  • Experience managing and executing laboratory-based research and development projects
  • Hands-on experience with polymer composite fabrication, including hand layup, tooling development, material characterization, and knowledge of composite material structure-property relationships
  • Proficiency with engineering software such as SolidWorks for 3D CAD and 2D manufacturing prints
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams
  • Interest in understanding technical approaches within the context of end-use applications
Work Environment
  • The role involves working onsite and in a laboratory environment and interacting with technical staff.
  • Occasional travel between company locations, client sites, conferences, and related events is required.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 100lbs may be required.
  • Duties may occasionally be completed remotely using secure company equipment and software, at the supervisor's discretion.
What We Offer
  • Salary Range: $80,000 -- $85,000 annually depending on experience
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Opportunities for professional development and continued education
  • Collaborative, innovation-focused work culture
Luna Labs USA logo

About Luna Labs USA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2022

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