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Materials Science Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a closely related discipline. REQUIREMENTS: * 2-5+ years of relevant engineering experience in ...

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a closely related discipline. REQUIREMENTS: * 2-5+ years of relevant engineering experience in ...

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a closely related discipline. REQUIREMENTS: * 2-5+ years of relevant engineering experience in ...

Delphinus Engineering

Materials Engineer

Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, or a closely related discipline. REQUIREMENTS: * 2-5+ years of relevant engineering experience in ...

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Materials Science information

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$55.1K

$129K

$180K

How much do materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science in Reston, VA is $128,976.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,300.00 and $173,700.00 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.
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What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Materials Science jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Materials Science job openings:
Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Science job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,976 per year, or $62 per hour.

Metallurgist & Materials Science Engineer

Vision Point Systems, Inc.

Bethesda, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Vision Point Systems is seeking a Materials Science Engineer with expertise in metallurgy and 0-5 years of experience in performing metallurgical studies in a laboratory environment. This position will be primarily supporting the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division's advanced manufacturing branch, concentrated on additively manufactured Naval structural steels and other corrosion-resistant alloy systems. Highly qualified candidates will be able to demonstrate fundamental understanding of physical metallurgy, mechanical properties, and failure analyses. Typical duties of this position are related to those activities associated with metallurgical investigations, such as:

  • Metallographic sample preparation, including sectioning, mounting, grinding/polishing, etching, and light-optical microscopy of grain structures, precipitates, or other features of interest.
  • Evaluating the microstructure of additively manufactured materials, including failure analysis on microstructural defects.
  • Operating testing equipment for metallurgical studies, e.g., hardness, dilatometry, calorimetry.
  • Operating an SEM and using associated detectors for microstructural investigation such as EDS, WDS, and EBSD.
  • Data analysis, modeling, and visualization using R, Python, or similar software.

This position shall include additional responsibilities in assisting with the operation of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division's metal and polymer additive manufacturing systems. Experience operating additive manufacturing systems, including hobbyist-grade FDM 3D printers, is a plus but not required. Highly qualified candidates are expected to support the operation of a variety of additive manufacturing systems, with anticipated duties including:

  • Assisting with the design, manufacturing, and post-processing of additively manufactured components.
  • Thermomechanical and microstructural modeling of additive manufacturing processes through commercial ICME tools.
  • Technical writing support for additive manufacturing project proposals, journal articles, and/or standards document development.
  • Analyzing large datasets using Python, machine learning, or similar methodologies.

Requirements

  • 0-5 years of experience in a metallurgical lab environment.
  • Bachelor's degree in metallurgy, materials science/engineering, or similar is required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. US Citizenship required.
  • Must be able to communicate at a high level in both written and verbal formats.


Desired skills:

  • A master's degree with concentration in ferrous metallurgy and/or experience in ferrous metallurgy and steel characterization is desired.

Benefits

Full time employees with Vision Point Systems qualify for a generous benefits plan to include medical, dental, 1x your salary in life insurance, and short and long term disability. VPS also offers 401k participation and matching. Highly contributing team members are also rewarded with flexible work hours, travel, and training opportunities when available.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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