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Materials Science Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Masters or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related technical discipline. * 8+ years of ...

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Materials Science information

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$54.8K

$128.2K

$178.8K

How much do materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science in Silver Spring, MD is $128,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,700.00 and $172,600.00 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.

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.

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.

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 highly valued.

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, electronics, and energy, with job prospects improving through internships and specialized skills like materials characterization and CAD software. The degree provides a solid foundation for technical roles and advancement in the field.

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 Silver Spring, MD?

For Materials Science jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Materials Science jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Materials Science jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Materials Science jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Materials Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Materials Science job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,161 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

R&D Technician / Manager - Rotational Molding Materials

Specialty Powders LLC

Columbia, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description:

Position Summary

Hands-on R&D professional responsible for rotational molding material and product development, supporting new product innovation, customer problem-solving, and commercialization. This role bridges lab development, plant scale-up, and customer application needs.


Key Responsibilities


Product Development & Formulation

  • Develop and optimize roto molding formulations (PE, XLPE, advanced polymers and Special Effects PE)
  • Design materials to meet customer performance requirements
  • Modify formulations using additives, crosslinking systems, and blends
  • Lead new product development from concept to commercialization

Testing & Process Development

  • Operate R&D rotational molding equipment
  • Perform and interpret testing: impact, MFI, density, ESCR, thermal/mechanical
  • Develop test methods, specifications, and validation plans
  • Design and execute DOE to establish processing windows and scale-up correlations

Technical Support

  • Troubleshoot customer processing and performance issues
  • Recommend materials, additives, and process conditions
  • Address issues such as warpage, sintering, brittleness, and durability

Collaboration

  • Work with manufacturing, sales, customers, and leadership
  • Support plant trials, scale-up, and customer development efforts
  • Communicate technical results to diverse stakeholders

Materials Expertise

  • Strong knowledge of Polyethylene (PE) and cross-linkable PE (XLPE)
  • Familiarity with higher-value materials (PA, PC, PP, specialty polymers) preferred


Requirements:

Qualifications

  • BS in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
  • 5+ years (Technician) / 8–10+ years (Manager) experience in roto molding or plastics
  • Expertise in formulation, processing, and material testing
  • Hands-on experience with R&D and pilot-scale equipment

Preferred

  • Crosslinking systems (e.g., peroxide)
  • DOE and statistical analysis
  • Fuel tanks / regulated applications or similar
  • Scale-up from lab to production environments

Key Skills

  • Problem-solving and analytical capability
  • Strong customer-facing and communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects
  • Commercial and application-focused mindset

Additional Capabilities

  • Powder processing, stabilization, pigmentation, and aesthetics
  • Compounding: extrusion (single/twin screw), blending, feeders
  • Masterbatches, color systems, specialty visual effects
  • Quality systems and qualification processes
  • Lean / Six Sigma mindset (plus)

Travel

  • 10–30% (customers, plants, trials)

Leveling

  • Role may be filled at Technician or Manager level based on experience and leadership scope.