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Materials Science Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Experience preparing technical reports, briefing materials, scientific communications, and stakeholder‑facing deliverables, and supporting stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, or ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMaterials Science JobsMaterials Science Jobs in Springfield, VA

Materials Science information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$55.4K

$129.5K

$180.7K

How much do materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science in Springfield, VA is $129,493.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,700.00 and $174,400.00 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 cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Materials Science jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Materials Science job openings:
Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Science job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,493 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Senior Staff Engineer, Survivability Materials

Shield AI

Washington, DC

$170K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

At Shield AI, we are building intelligent autonomous aircraft designed to operate and survive in highly contested environments. We are seeking a Survivability Materials Engineer to lead the selection, qualification, specification, and production implementation of low-observable and signature-control materials for next-generation autonomous aircraft.


This role is ideal for an engineer with experience in radar-absorbing materials, specialty coatings, electromagnetic material characterization, and aerospace manufacturing processes. You will work across survivability analysis, design engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and sustainment teams to ensure material solutions meet signature-performance requirements while remaining producible, inspectable, durable, and supportable throughout the aircraft lifecycle.

What you'll do:
  • Conduct material surveys and evaluate radar-absorbing materials, conductive materials, dielectric materials, specialty coatings, adhesives, sealants, and other survivability-related material systems.
  • Develop and maintain a survivability materials database containing performance, cost, supplier, part-number, availability, application, and sustainment information.
  • Partner with survivability analysis, design, manufacturing, and program teams to down-select materials based on signature performance, durability, producibility, weight, cost, and supply-chain risk.
  •  Develop material qualification plans and oversee electromagnetic, electrical, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and environmental testing.
  • Establish and maintain laboratory capabilities for material characterization, process development, receiving inspection, and production verification.
  • Provide hands-on production support for material application, inspection, troubleshooting, repair, supplier coordination, and sustainment.
Required qualifications:
  • B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in aerospace materials engineering, low-observable materials, electromagnetic materials, specialty coatings, or a related field.
  • Working knowledge of radar-absorbing materials, conductive coatings, dielectric materials, adhesives, sealants, or specialty surface treatments.
  • Understanding of how complex permittivity, complex permeability, conductivity, and thickness affect electromagnetic and radar-signature performance.
  • Experience with material characterization, laboratory testing, production inspection, or supplier qualification.
  • U.S. Citizenship and active Secret clearance required.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience developing or qualifying radar-absorbing materials, low-observable coatings, structural RAM, conductive treatments, or signature-control appliqués.
  • Experience measuring electromagnetic material properties using free-space, waveguide, coaxial, resonant-cavity, or reflectivity-based test methods.
  • Familiarity with vector network analyzers, free-space measurement systems, conductivity equipment, coating-thickness instruments, environmental chambers, and mechanical test equipment.
  •  Active Secret, Top Secret, or SCI security clearance.
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.