1

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

Science, engineering, technical, management, and professional support * Broad situational awareness of research and development efforts involving Advanced Materials * Financial and technical ...

Build agent frameworks supporting scientific discovery in areas like subsurface geology, supply chain intelligence, and materials science. Here is what you need: * US Citizen or Dual citizen (Public ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Materials Science information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$54.6K

$127.8K

$178.3K

How much do materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science in Silver Spring, MD is $127,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,400.00 and $172,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Materials Science job?

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 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 the Materials Science position, and why are they important?

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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,769 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Advanced Materials Program Analyst

ARA

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Mission Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an experienced Advanced Materials Program Analyst to provide technical, analytical, and programmatic support to the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)). The analyst will work closely with senior officials and technical experts across the Department of War's Science & Technology (S&T) enterprise to assess, guide, and communicate the state of advanced materials research and its impact on emerging capabilities for the warfighter. The role includes maintaining awareness of cutting-edge materials science, evaluating S&T investments, and contributing to strategic planning and roadmap development. The analyst will also participate in program reviews, supply chain analyses, and cross-organizational technical deep dives.
This immediate-fill position is for a hybrid environment with regular on-site work in the National Capital Region. This position requires a candidate with experience leading and performing a variety of tasks to support Government leaders, providing:
  • Science, engineering, technical, management, and professional support
  • Broad situational awareness of research and development efforts involving Advanced Materials
  • Financial and technical assessment of Advanced Materials S&T investments
  • Support of DoD and interagency program reviews and leadership of cross-organizational deep dives on high-priority technologies
  • Analytical products, directives, meeting minutes, briefings, reporting documentation, or other requirements necessary for the efficient management of DoW materials S&T efforts
  • Specialized expertise support, g., DoW supply chains, critical materials, AI/ML
  • Development of materials science roadmaps supporting critical emerging capabilities to the Department of War

Required Qualifications:
  • BS/BA degree in scientific, technical, business management, or other related technical discipline
  • Technical background including exposure to advanced materials.
  • 8-10 years of relevant experience
  • Secret security clearance with willingness to apply for and obtain a TS/SCI clearance
  • Experience supporting US Government clients
  • Experience coordinating across multiple organizations

Desired Qualifications:
  • Ten+ years of progressive experience, 5 of them in project management
  • TS/SCI security clearance
  • Experience with DoW's PPBE processes and systems
  • Experience developing or managing emerging military technologies
  • MS/MA or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline

This position is contingent upon customer acceptance of your resume and potential interview. Position is expected to start in May 2026.
COMPANY INFORMATION:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company's success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Advanced Materials Program Analyst position.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.