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 10+ Materials Engineer jobs
We are Delta Star! The largest, American-owned medium power transformer manufacturer in the United States and the premier manufacturer of mobile transformers and mobile power substations in North America.
We are an industry-leader that has harnessed the power of electricity to reliably connect you to an essential part of modern-day life. Giving you the peace of mind you deserve to go out and make the world a better place!
Summary
Delta Star Inc. is seeking an innovative and technically driven Materials & Components Transformer Engineer to advance the materials used in our transformer components. If you thrive at the intersection of materials science, electrical performance, and sustainability—and love developing solutions that directly enhance product reliability and efficiency—we want to hear from you!
What You'll Do
As a Materials & Components Transformer Engineer, you will research, develop, and evaluate materials used in transformer components, with a strong focus on improving performance, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability initiatives. You’ll work closely with cross functional teams to introduce new materials, enhance manufacturing processes, and ensure adherence to industry standards.
A Day in the Life
Your day will be filled with hands on experimentation, materials testing, and technical collaboration. You’ll evaluate new materials, conduct performance testing, and characterize properties that directly impact insulation performance, magnetic behavior, and long term reliability. You’ll partner with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to translate your findings into production-ready improvements—while staying ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes in material science.
Specific Duties
- Research and identify materials suitable for transformer applications with an emphasis on performance, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
- Develop, test, and validate new materials, coatings, and manufacturing processes.
- Conduct material characterization and performance testing to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate new materials into production workflows.
- Maintain detailed technical documentation and material specifications.
- Monitor industry advancements, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes in materials science.
We’re seeking a materials-focused engineer with strong analytical skills, a passion for innovation, and a deep understanding of material behavior in electrical and mechanical applications.
Position Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of material properties, fabrication techniques, and testing methodologies.
- Experience working with electrical insulation and magnetic materials.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across cross functional teams.
- Master’s degree or higher in Materials Science or a related discipline.
- Prior experience in transformer or power systems manufacturing.
- Knowledge of sustainability principles and lifecycle assessment methods.
- Strong technical and analytical capabilities in material characterization.
- Ability to interpret test results and translate them into actionable recommendations.
- Excellent documentation and specification development skills.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical topics.
- Curiosity and passion for emerging materials and sustainable solutions.
At Delta Star, you'll be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team that values professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional service. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage. Our retirement offerings vary by location but include employer contributions to retirement plans, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and a corporate bonus plan.
You'll also enjoy paid time off, sick pay, floating holidays, and access to programs such as flexible spending accounts or similar consumer benefits. Additionally, we provide education assistance to help you grow in your career.
At Delta Star, we're committed to helping you thrive both personally and professionally.
Pay Transparency
We are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Compensation for this position will be determined within the posted salary range based on factors such as candidate qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, market competitiveness, skills, and certifications. For union-represented roles, pay is established by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement
Delta Star is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
We are Delta Star! The largest, American-owned medium power transformer manufacturer in the United States and the premier manufacturer of mobile transformers and mobile power substations in North America.
We are an industry-leader that has harnessed the power of electricity to reliably connect you to an essential part of modern-day life. Giving you the peace of mind you deserve to go out and make the world a better place!
Summary
Delta Star Inc. is seeking an innovative and technically driven Materials & Components Transformer Engineer to advance the materials used in our transformer components. If you thrive at the intersection of materials science, electrical performance, and sustainability—and love developing solutions that directly enhance product reliability and efficiency—we want to hear from you!
What You'll Do
As a Materials & Components Transformer Engineer, you will research, develop, and evaluate materials used in transformer components, with a strong focus on improving performance, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability initiatives. You’ll work closely with cross functional teams to introduce new materials, enhance manufacturing processes, and ensure adherence to industry standards.
A Day in the Life
Your day will be filled with hands on experimentation, materials testing, and technical collaboration. You’ll evaluate new materials, conduct performance testing, and characterize properties that directly impact insulation performance, magnetic behavior, and long term reliability. You’ll partner with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to translate your findings into production-ready improvements—while staying ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes in material science.
Specific Duties
- Research and identify materials suitable for transformer applications with an emphasis on performance, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
- Develop, test, and validate new materials, coatings, and manufacturing processes.
- Conduct material characterization and performance testing to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate new materials into production workflows.
- Maintain detailed technical documentation and material specifications.
- Monitor industry advancements, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes in materials science.
We’re seeking a materials-focused engineer with strong analytical skills, a passion for innovation, and a deep understanding of material behavior in electrical and mechanical applications.
Position Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of material properties, fabrication techniques, and testing methodologies.
- Experience working with electrical insulation and magnetic materials.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across cross functional teams.
- Master’s degree or higher in Materials Science or a related discipline.
- Prior experience in transformer or power systems manufacturing.
- Knowledge of sustainability principles and lifecycle assessment methods.
- Strong technical and analytical capabilities in material characterization.
- Ability to interpret test results and translate them into actionable recommendations.
- Excellent documentation and specification development skills.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical topics.
- Curiosity and passion for emerging materials and sustainable solutions.
At Delta Star, you'll be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team that values professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional service. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage. Our retirement offerings vary by location but include employer contributions to retirement plans, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and a corporate bonus plan.
You'll also enjoy paid time off, sick pay, floating holidays, and access to programs such as flexible spending accounts or similar consumer benefits. Additionally, we provide education assistance to help you grow in your career.
At Delta Star, we're committed to helping you thrive both personally and professionally.
Pay Transparency
We are committed to fair and transparent pay practices. Compensation for this position will be determined within the posted salary range based on factors such as candidate qualifications, relevant experience, internal equity, market competitiveness, skills, and certifications. For union-represented roles, pay is established by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement
Delta Star is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
See All 10 Materials Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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 ECS Limited, Allan Myers, and Electra Aero, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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, Chesapeake, and Charlottesville 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 20% of materials engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 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 10 Materials Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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