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Materials Science Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

S. in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field * 1+ years of experience conducting research in a laboratory ...

S. in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field * 1+ years of experience conducting research in a laboratory ...

Materials Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

As a Materials Engineer on our team, you'll apply materials science and engineering principles to develop, process, and test materials to support internal initiatives and government customers by ...

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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

See Washington, DC salary details

$60K

$140.4K

$195.9K

How much do materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science in Washington, DC is $140,412.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,900.00 and $189,100.00 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.
Infographic showing various Materials Science job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,412 per year, or $67.5 per hour.

$69K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Materials Science Engineer

The Opportunity:

Perform as a member of our team to build next-generation technologies for our defense clients working on materials and science engineering efforts. Participate in a dynamic team responsible for developing, integrating, and testing solutions to create emerging technologies and products for the next generation of warfighters. Develop, characterize, and support the scale-up of advanced materials, various levels of testing for characterization, and process development for manufacturing of materials. Advise organizational leadership on emerging technologies and market targets of opportunity for marketing and implementation. Work alongside leadership to ensure soldier solutions are fully integrated to increase business capability and value, reduce cost and risk, foster innovation, and maximize accountability and return on investment. Interact frequently with internal and external management and senior-level customer representatives concerning Booz Allen customer projects, operational decisions, scheduling requirements, and contractual clarifications. Maintain responsibility for evaluating technical specifications relating to the design objectives of processes or products, and evaluate the impact of materials processing on the environment.

You Have:

  • Experience with materials science engineering or materials chemistry
  • Experience with materials testing, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical compatibility
  • Knowledge of materials production, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation
  • Ability to provide solutions for multiple clients and stakeholders simultaneously
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
  • Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering and 2+ years of experience in materials engineering, or Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering and 1+ years of experience in materials engineering

Nice If You Have:

  • Experience with advanced materials, including metals, ceramics, composites, and polymers
  • Experience with data-informed analysis on government specification documents such as Mil-Specs, Mil-Standards, Purchase Descriptions (PDs), and Commercial Item Descriptions (CIDs)
  • Experience identifying, selecting, and recommending materials for various extreme conditions and environments
  • Experience with the in-product testing process and improving overall testing process improvements
  • Knowledge of Agile project management, Lean Six Sigma, or Kanban
  • Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Secret clearance is required.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $69,400.00 to $158,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.


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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914