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Materials Science Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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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.
What are popular job titles related to Materials Science jobs in Reston, VA? For Materials Science jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Materials Science jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Science jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Materials Science jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Materials Science job openings:
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.

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Metrology of Materials, Surfaces, and Processes for Semiconductor Adv

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title: Metrology of Materials, Surfaces, and Processes for Semiconductor Advanced Packaging
The work will entail: We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to advance measurement science for next-generation hybrid advanced packaging. This role will contribute to the development of novel surface and materials metrology methods that enable predictive control of bonding processes and heterogeneous integration. The successful candidate will work within the Dynamic Mechanical Metrology Project of the Quantum Measurement Division to help establish the quantitative foundations needed for reliable, high-density microelectronic assembly, supporting national efforts to strengthen U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging technologies.
The main responsibilities are:
  • Design, model, and performance of test methods to evaluate bond quality of bonded chip pairs using different wafer materials and bond methods.
  • Design and fabrication of test rigs for bond strength measurement.
  • Implement bond strength testing at cryogenic and high temperatures.
  • Closely coordinate with teams performing materials characterization, surface and thin film thin film characterization.

Qualifications
Necessary Qualifications:
  • PhD in mechanical engineer, physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
  • Experience with wafer and/or hybrid chip bonding processes.
  • Experience with destructive test methods, such as those utilizing materials test machines or related instruments.
  • Proficiency in finite element modeling, using tools such as COMSOL or ANSYS
  • Proficiency in CAD, using tools such as SolidWorks or Autodesk.
  • Proficiency in programming languages, such as Python, Java, or Matlab.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.

Desirable Qualifications:
  • Experience, including process development, in back-end semiconductor device fabrication, including wafer cleaning and handling.
  • Familiarity with silicon electronic and photonic device processing
  • Experience with custom infrared microscopy and optical measurement setups.
  • US citizenship strongly preferred

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004280