Materials Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Materials Engineer jobs in Maryland concentrate in aerospace and defense, federal contracting, and advanced manufacturing, with demand at levels from early-career to principal engineer across the state. The largest hiring metros are Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Washington D.C. suburbs, where employers such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory maintain deep engineering workforces. The most sought-after specialties in Maryland are composites engineering, failure analysis, and materials characterization for defense and space systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/ . We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us .
Job Description
X-energy LLC is hiring a Materials Engineer to join its Nuclear Engineering team. This role is responsible for performing engineering tasks associated with selecting, qualifying, and conducting lifetime assessment analyses for materials in a nuclear reactor and nuclear facility.Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities
- Develop and implement methodologies to qualify and characterize materials, especially metallic alloys, graphite, composites, and welding materials for nuclear reactor applications including in high temperature environments.
- Support selection of appropriate materials, test methods, codes and standards, and prepare material specifications for component procurement.
- Inform development of and assist in oversight of materials testing programs to collect material properties and establish basis for material qualifications.
- Use engineering tools, including appropriate simulation software, hand calculations, and engineering judgment, assess microscale behavior, grain boundaries, surface effects, degradation behavior (corrosion, oxidation kinetics, neutron damage, etc.), and lifetime performance of materials.
- The role may include specialization in one or more of the following areas:
- Metallurgy
- Perform and assist metallurgical analysis for the alloys selected for metallic systems, structures, and components of X-energy developed reactors, including pressure vessels and piping, reactor internals, heat exchangers, and other systems and components.
- Collect and use data to support the generation of constitutive material models and perform and assist structural integrity, creep-fatigue, and strain evaluations for metals at high temperatures.
- Graphite
- Perform and assist material degradation analysis for graphite and composite components of X-energy developed reactors, including graphite core assemblies, and assessment of as-manufactured, irradiated, and oxidized data.
- Collect and use data to support the generation of constitutive material models / analytical tools and perform and assist structural integrity, cracking, dimensional change, and stress/deformation evaluations for irradiated graphite.
- Chemistry
- Perform system-level and component-level analyses to support impurity inventory calculation and assessment of oxidation, corrosion, and associated material property evolution for these and other relevant degradation mechanisms through the life of the reactor.
- Collect and use data to support the generation of models / analytical tools and perform and assist oxidation, corrosion, particulate, and impurity inventory management evaluations for systems and components.
- Nuclear
- Perform system-level and component-level analyses to support assessment of radiation aging / embrittlement, and associated material property evolution for these and other relevant degradation mechanisms through the life of the reactor.
- Collect and use data to support the generation of models / analytical tools and perform and assist radiation effects life assessment evaluations for system and components.
- Metallurgy
- Support the assessment of SSCs for response to environmental conditions at the direction of project leads.
- Consider effects of tribology and material property evolution on system and component design as a function of temperature and environment.
- Write and develop design and analysis documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures, as well as industry publications and engagement in professional forums.
- Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolsets.
- Perform work in accordance with X-energy quality procedures for design and configuration management to ensure project quality requirements are met.
- Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
- Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
- Perform other duties as assigned by manager.
Minimum Qualifications
- Level I: Typically zero to two years of experience in an engineering role required.
- Level II: Typically three years of experience in an engineering role required.
- Level III: Typically five years of experience in an engineering role required.
- Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., chemical, nuclear, mechanical etc.) from an accredited institution.
- A master’s degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
- A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
- Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.
- Experience and/or knowledge in a minimum of one of the following areas:
- Metallurgy
- Experience with metallurgical analysis and strong familiarity with metallic alloy material behavior
- Graphite
- Experience with nonmetallic materials behavior (e.g. ceramic / composite / graphite / brittle materials)
- Chemistry
- Experience with assessment of oxidation, corrosion, and associated material property evolution for relevant degradation mechanisms.
- Nuclear
- Experience with assessment of radiation aging and associated material property evolution for relevant degradation mechanisms.
- Metallurgy
Preferred Qualifications
Experience using modeling and simulation software like Aspen and COMSOL.
E xperience designing or evaluating graphite and carbon-based materials for high‑temperature environments.
A background in oxidation kinetics, corrosion science, or materials degradation mechanisms.
Familiarity with laboratory methods for characterizing high‑temperature oxidation behavior (e.g., TGA, DSC, SEM/EDS).
Prior work experience in nuclear, aerospace, or advanced energy systems involving graphite or refractory materials is a plus.
Location: 9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg MD
Work Site Expectations: 4 days a week in office
Travel Expectations: Up to 10% as needed
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm, Mon-Fri
Compensation
As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.
Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual’s qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:
Level I: $80,063- 103,688; Level II: $93,188- $122,063; Level III: $131,250- $149,625Position Job Classification
Full time - ExemptBenefits
X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.
Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)
E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All applications will be submitted via our company career page, www.x-energy.com/careers/ . We will never ask you to provide payment information as part of the recruiting process. If anyone claiming to represent X-energy directs you in a manner otherwise, please contact us at www.x-energy.com/contact-us .
Job Description
X-energy LLC is hiring a Materials Engineer to join its Nuclear Engineering team. This role is responsible for performing engineering tasks associated with selecting, qualifying, and conducting lifetime assessment analyses for materials in a nuclear reactor and nuclear facility.Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities
- Develop and implement methodologies to qualify and characterize materials, especially metallic alloys, graphite, composites, and welding materials for nuclear reactor applications including in high temperature environments.
- Support selection of appropriate materials, test methods, codes and standards, and prepare material specifications for component procurement.
- Inform development of and assist in oversight of materials testing programs to collect material properties and establish basis for material qualifications.
- Use engineering tools, including appropriate simulation software, hand calculations, and engineering judgment, assess microscale behavior, grain boundaries, surface effects, degradation behavior (corrosion, oxidation kinetics, neutron damage, etc.), and lifetime performance of materials.
- The role may include specialization in one or more of the following areas:
- Metallurgy
- Perform and assist metallurgical analysis for the alloys selected for metallic systems, structures, and components of X-energy developed reactors, including pressure vessels and piping, reactor internals, heat exchangers, and other systems and components.
- Collect and use data to support the generation of constitutive material models and perform and assist structural integrity, creep-fatigue, and strain evaluations for metals at high temperatures.
- Graphite
- Perform and assist material degradation analysis for graphite and composite components of X-energy developed reactors, including graphite core assemblies, and assessment of as-manufactured, irradiated, and oxidized data.
- Collect and use data to support the generation of constitutive material models / analytical tools and perform and assist structural integrity, cracking, dimensional change, and stress/deformation evaluations for irradiated graphite.
- Chemistry
- Perform system-level and component-level analyses to support impurity inventory calculation and assessment of oxidation, corrosion, and associated material property evolution for these and other relevant degradation mechanisms through the life of the reactor.
- Collect and use data to support the generation of models / analytical tools and perform and assist oxidation, corrosion, particulate, and impurity inventory management evaluations for systems and components.
- Nuclear
- Perform system-level and component-level analyses to support assessment of radiation aging / embrittlement, and associated material property evolution for these and other relevant degradation mechanisms through the life of the reactor.
- Collect and use data to support the generation of models / analytical tools and perform and assist radiation effects life assessment evaluations for system and components.
- Metallurgy
- Support the assessment of SSCs for response to environmental conditions at the direction of project leads.
- Consider effects of tribology and material property evolution on system and component design as a function of temperature and environment.
- Write and develop design and analysis documentation including design basis documents, technical reports, calculations, and drawings in accordance with applicable procedures, as well as industry publications and engagement in professional forums.
- Develop Verification and Validation (V&V) plans for analytical tools and support qualification of toolsets.
- Perform work in accordance with X-energy quality procedures for design and configuration management to ensure project quality requirements are met.
- Provide independent reviews and acceptance reviews of engineering deliverables and data.
- Maintain professional demeanor and behavior at all times in all forms of communication.
- Perform other duties as assigned by manager.
Minimum Qualifications
- Level I: Typically zero to two years of experience in an engineering role required.
- Level II: Typically three years of experience in an engineering role required.
- Level III: Typically five years of experience in an engineering role required.
- Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering, or related engineering discipline (e.g., chemical, nuclear, mechanical etc.) from an accredited institution.
- A master’s degree in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of two years of experience.
- A Ph.D. in engineering or related field (may include a combination of experience obtained through an academic institution, e.g., design projects, research, or design teams, as well as professional experience) may be in lieu of three years of experience.
- Previous experience at X-energy exceeding performance standards may be in lieu of years of experience.
- Experience and/or knowledge in a minimum of one of the following areas:
- Metallurgy
- Experience with metallurgical analysis and strong familiarity with metallic alloy material behavior
- Graphite
- Experience with nonmetallic materials behavior (e.g. ceramic / composite / graphite / brittle materials)
- Chemistry
- Experience with assessment of oxidation, corrosion, and associated material property evolution for relevant degradation mechanisms.
- Nuclear
- Experience with assessment of radiation aging and associated material property evolution for relevant degradation mechanisms.
- Metallurgy
Preferred Qualifications
Experience using modeling and simulation software like Aspen and COMSOL.
E xperience designing or evaluating graphite and carbon-based materials for high‑temperature environments.
A background in oxidation kinetics, corrosion science, or materials degradation mechanisms.
Familiarity with laboratory methods for characterizing high‑temperature oxidation behavior (e.g., TGA, DSC, SEM/EDS).
Prior work experience in nuclear, aerospace, or advanced energy systems involving graphite or refractory materials is a plus.
Location: 9801 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg MD
Work Site Expectations: 4 days a week in office
Travel Expectations: Up to 10% as needed
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm, Mon-Fri
Compensation
As required by Maryland and other applicable state law, X Energy, LLC (X-energy) lists the expected compensation range for a publicly advertised job opportunity based upon the job requirements (e.g. education/training, experience, skill sets, etc.). Individual candidates who meet the job requirements for the posted position will be offered a salary within this range based on their respective levels of education/training, experience, and other qualifications unique to them. Salary ranges may vary based on the specific office location and region referenced in the posting to take into consideration differences in cost of living and may not be reflective of all regions. Please note that compensation ranges listed for US job postings reflect base salary only and do not include benefits or other incentives.
Offers within the posted salary range are commensurate with the individual’s qualifications for the position, along with a view on internal equity, market data, and room for growth. The salary range for this position is:
Level I: $80,063- 103,688; Level II: $93,188- $122,063; Level III: $131,250- $149,625Position Job Classification
Full time - ExemptBenefits
X Energy, LLC offers a robust benefits package that includes a 401K plan with an employer match, Medical/Dental /Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, and a Tuition Reimbursement/Professional Development policy that supports the continuing education of our employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
X Energy, LLC participates in E-Verify. Please visit the links below for more information about E-Verify and the protection of your Right to Work.
Right To Work Link: If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away (e-verify.gov)
E-Verify Participation Link: E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
See All 8 Materials Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Materials Engineer JobsMaterials Engineer Jobs by City in Maryland
Where Maryland roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Materials Engineer Job Market in Maryland
A snapshot from current Maryland openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
What Maryland Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in materials engineer jobs across Maryland.
- Bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline
- Experience with composites, metallurgy, or advanced materials testing and characterization techniques
- Familiarity with DoD or federal contractor requirements and security clearance eligibility
- Proficiency with materials analysis tools such as SEM, XRD, or fatigue testing equipment
- Knowledge of relevant industry standards including ASTM, MIL-SPEC, and ASME specifications
- Professional Engineer licensure or active pursuit of PE credentials preferred for senior-level roles
Materials Engineer Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a materials engineer in Maryland?
Most materials engineer positions in Maryland require at minimum a bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, or a related engineering field from an ABET-accredited program. Maryland does not require a state-specific license to work as a materials engineer in private industry, but engineers who offer services to the public or sign off on engineering documents must hold a Professional Engineer license issued through the Maryland Board for Professional Engineers. Many Maryland employers, particularly in defense contracting, also require or strongly prefer candidates who are eligible to obtain a federal security clearance.
How much do materials engineers make in Maryland?
Materials engineers in Maryland earn a median of about $140,640 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $79,470 for the lowest 10% to over $195,190 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire materials engineers in Maryland?
Employers hiring materials engineers in Maryland right now include Allan Myers, Peraton, and X-Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Maryland's concentration of aerospace, defense, and federal research institutions makes it one of the more active states for materials engineering roles focused on composites, failure analysis, and advanced coatings.
Which Maryland cities have the most materials engineer jobs?
The cities with the most materials engineer openings in Maryland are Bethesda, Fallston, and Adamstown. The Baltimore and Washington D.C. suburban corridor drives the majority of demand, anchored by major defense contractors, federal laboratories such as the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, and advanced manufacturing facilities concentrated along the I-95 and I-270 corridors.
Are there remote materials engineer jobs in Maryland?
Yes, but they are rare. Materials engineering work is largely hands-on, requiring direct access to labs, test equipment, and manufacturing floors, which limits remote flexibility compared to purely analytical or software roles. About 0% of materials engineer openings tied to Maryland are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be senior-level roles focused on analysis, reporting, or program management rather than laboratory or production work.
How can I get hired as a materials engineer in Maryland with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a new-graduate role or internship with a major Maryland defense contractor or federal research institution, where structured programs for early-career engineers are common. Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin both run entry-level engineering development programs that include materials engineering rotations. Adjacent roles such as materials technician, quality control engineer, or laboratory analyst at Maryland manufacturing firms can also provide the hands-on foundation employers look for. Pursuing EIT certification through the Maryland Board for Professional Engineers immediately after graduation gives candidates a competitive edge over peers without any credentials.
Where can I find and apply to materials engineer jobs in Maryland?
You can find and apply to materials engineer jobs in Maryland on Migrate Mate, which lists current Maryland openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 8 Materials Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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