Materials Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Materials Engineer jobs in Virginia are in strong demand, concentrated in defense and aerospace systems, semiconductor fabrication, and advanced manufacturing, with openings at every level from entry-level process roles through senior principal engineers. The heaviest hiring activity is in the Northern Virginia corridor, Hampton Roads, and the Richmond metro, where established employers like Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and Newport News Shipbuilding maintain sustained materials engineering workforces. The most sought-after specialties in the Virginia market are failure analysis, corrosion engineering, and composite materials development tied to defense platform programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 15+ Materials Engineer jobs
How you will contribute:
- Communication: Communicate with VDOT staff as well as external staff (consultants, localities, etc.) to proactively resolve issues. Advise supervisor on critical developments and field observations.
- Engineering Technology: Apply advance principles and practices of engineering technology to assigned program areas. Interpret policies and procedures and apply in daily work assignments.
- Equipment Maintenance: Maintain testing equipment inventory. Perform routine maintenance and repairs on testing equipment. Follow appropriate guidelines for equipment storage, use, and transportation.
- Field Operations Inspection: Perform, inspect, and approve materials placement techniques, testing, and equipment at project site. Train or assist field staff on proper testing procedures and preparation of samples for materials testing. Compute and document test results, compare with plans and specifications, and advise of substandard performance results.
- Field Reviews and Inspections: Review or inspect field work being performed by VDOT staff or contractors. Determine compliance with policies, procedures and standards.
- Laboratory Testing: Perform laboratory tests on materials samples collected from plants and project sites. Compute, analyze, and document test results. Compare with specifications and advise of substandard performance results.
- Production Plants Inspection: Inspect materials production at plant. Perform statistical sampling and analysis in accordance with VDOT quality assurance program. Process data analysis and prepare reports for distribution. Review and approve mix designs based on current specifications and guidelines. Keep supervisor informed of plant performance and maintain updated quality assurance and quality control plans for plants.
- Project Documentation: Document, enter and complete required data such as work orders , schedules or records. Provide technical assistance to field staff and contractors and provide training.
- Records Maintenance: Compile and maintain automated and written reports and project records for assigned program areas. Records are maintained in accordance with guidelines and policies.
- Records Maintenance: Compile and maintain automated and written reports and project records for materials sampling and testing conducted in production plants, on project sites, and in the laboratory.
- Technical Assistance: Address questions, policies and procedures related to assigned program area. Provide support to field personnel. Provide guidance related to VDOT policy and standards.
What will make you successful:
- Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and maintain data. Ability to prepare or review technical reports.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures related to VDOT's program areas.
- Ability to interpret plans, drawings, manuals, VTM/ASTM/AASHTO test methods, and VDOT specifications.
- Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
- Ability to provide training and guidance to other technicians.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
- Ability to train others.
- Ability to work independently and in teams, including VDOT Construction, Contractor, and Producer personnel.
- Knowledge of highway construction and maintenance materials.
- Knowledge of materials sampling and field testing methods and procedures.
- Knowledge of materials test methods and procedures. Skill in preparing samples and performing laboratory tests.
- Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance concepts and practices.
- Skill in the use of computers and job-relevant software programs.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to work in the area of low-level ionizing radiation.
- Ability to work with and train others.
- Knowledge of highway construction, maintenance methods, materials and usage.
- Knowledge of materials sampling and testing procedures.
- Materials certifications vary by position. Ability to obtain combination of certifications that apply to specific materials position within 12 months of employment.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
- Skill in the use of materials sampling and testing equipment.
- Valid driver's license.
Additional Considerations:
- A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering, or related field desired.
- Ability to interpret plans, drawings, manuals, test methods and specifications.
- Current possession of required materials certifications.
- Knowledge of materials quality control and quality assurance practices.
- Prior experience in materials testing, construction, maintenance or a related field. Experience working in teams with VDOT Construction, Contract or Producer personnel.
Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
Competency Model
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
VDOT Code of Ethics
Standards of Conduct
How you will contribute:
- Communication: Communicate with VDOT staff as well as external staff (consultants, localities, etc.) to proactively resolve issues. Advise supervisor on critical developments and field observations.
- Engineering Technology: Apply advance principles and practices of engineering technology to assigned program areas. Interpret policies and procedures and apply in daily work assignments.
- Equipment Maintenance: Maintain testing equipment inventory. Perform routine maintenance and repairs on testing equipment. Follow appropriate guidelines for equipment storage, use, and transportation.
- Field Operations Inspection: Perform, inspect, and approve materials placement techniques, testing, and equipment at project site. Train or assist field staff on proper testing procedures and preparation of samples for materials testing. Compute and document test results, compare with plans and specifications, and advise of substandard performance results.
- Field Reviews and Inspections: Review or inspect field work being performed by VDOT staff or contractors. Determine compliance with policies, procedures and standards.
- Laboratory Testing: Perform laboratory tests on materials samples collected from plants and project sites. Compute, analyze, and document test results. Compare with specifications and advise of substandard performance results.
- Production Plants Inspection: Inspect materials production at plant. Perform statistical sampling and analysis in accordance with VDOT quality assurance program. Process data analysis and prepare reports for distribution. Review and approve mix designs based on current specifications and guidelines. Keep supervisor informed of plant performance and maintain updated quality assurance and quality control plans for plants.
- Project Documentation: Document, enter and complete required data such as work orders , schedules or records. Provide technical assistance to field staff and contractors and provide training.
- Records Maintenance: Compile and maintain automated and written reports and project records for assigned program areas. Records are maintained in accordance with guidelines and policies.
- Records Maintenance: Compile and maintain automated and written reports and project records for materials sampling and testing conducted in production plants, on project sites, and in the laboratory.
- Technical Assistance: Address questions, policies and procedures related to assigned program area. Provide support to field personnel. Provide guidance related to VDOT policy and standards.
What will make you successful:
- Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and maintain data. Ability to prepare or review technical reports.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures related to VDOT's program areas.
- Ability to interpret plans, drawings, manuals, VTM/ASTM/AASHTO test methods, and VDOT specifications.
- Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
- Ability to provide training and guidance to other technicians.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
- Ability to train others.
- Ability to work independently and in teams, including VDOT Construction, Contractor, and Producer personnel.
- Knowledge of highway construction and maintenance materials.
- Knowledge of materials sampling and field testing methods and procedures.
- Knowledge of materials test methods and procedures. Skill in preparing samples and performing laboratory tests.
- Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance concepts and practices.
- Skill in the use of computers and job-relevant software programs.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to work in the area of low-level ionizing radiation.
- Ability to work with and train others.
- Knowledge of highway construction, maintenance methods, materials and usage.
- Knowledge of materials sampling and testing procedures.
- Materials certifications vary by position. Ability to obtain combination of certifications that apply to specific materials position within 12 months of employment.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
- Skill in the use of materials sampling and testing equipment.
- Valid driver's license.
Additional Considerations:
- A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering, or related field desired.
- Ability to interpret plans, drawings, manuals, test methods and specifications.
- Current possession of required materials certifications.
- Knowledge of materials quality control and quality assurance practices.
- Prior experience in materials testing, construction, maintenance or a related field. Experience working in teams with VDOT Construction, Contract or Producer personnel.
Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
Competency Model
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
VDOT Code of Ethics
Standards of Conduct
See All 15 Materials Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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Find Materials Engineer JobsMaterials Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Materials Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in materials engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline
- Experience with failure analysis, materials characterization, or nondestructive evaluation techniques
- Familiarity with defense or aerospace materials standards such as MIL-SPEC or ASTM specifications
- Proficiency with materials testing equipment and laboratory data analysis software
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, required by many Virginia defense contractors
- Professional Engineer licensure through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation preferred for senior roles
Materials Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a materials engineer in Virginia?
The standard path is a bachelor's degree in materials science or materials engineering from an ABET-accredited program, followed by entry-level work in a Virginia industry such as defense contracting, shipbuilding, or semiconductor manufacturing. Virginia does not require a mandatory state license to work as a materials engineer, but senior and lead roles at many employers prefer or require a Professional Engineer license issued through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, which involves passing the FE and PE exams.
How much do materials engineers make in Virginia?
Materials engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $116,720 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,490 for the lowest 10% to over $170,210 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire materials engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring materials engineers in Virginia right now include Allan Myers, ECS Limited, and Framatome North America, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense prime contractors and naval shipbuilding operations makes it one of the more consistent states for sustained materials engineering demand.
Which Virginia cities have the most materials engineer jobs?
Lynchburg, Marion, and Chesapeake have the most materials engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia leads because of its dense cluster of defense and federal contractor offices, Hampton Roads draws significant volume from naval shipbuilding and warfare systems programs at facilities like Newport News Shipbuilding, and Richmond contributes through advanced manufacturing and semiconductor-related operations in the broader metro corridor.
Are there remote materials engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Materials engineering is largely a hands-on discipline requiring laboratory access, physical testing, and on-site collaboration with manufacturing or program teams, which limits remote eligibility. About 50% of materials engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most of those being analytical, specification-writing, or failure review roles that don't require daily lab presence.
How can I get hired as a materials engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a new-graduate role or engineering development program at one of Virginia's large defense primes, where Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and Huntington Ingalls Industries all run structured rotational or associate engineer programs that accept recent ABET graduates. Internships or co-ops at Virginia facilities during school significantly improve competitiveness. Adjacent roles like quality engineer, nondestructive testing technician, or manufacturing process engineer can also serve as lateral entry points, and holding an active FE credential from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to materials engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to materials engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 15 Materials Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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