Associate Materials Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an Associate Materials Researcher to contribute to the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials, including those produced via additive manufacturing, powder processing, and other emerging techniques. In this role, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team focused on developing solutions to pressing materials problems in national security and beyond. You will have the opportunity to build hands-on experience with fabrication and testing methods, contribute to project execution, and grow into an independent technical leader. Our group emphasizes collaborative innovation and supports career development through mentorship, proposal development opportunities, and access to powerful facilities.

Requirements

Possess a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
Have 4+ years of relevant experience in materials research, including processing and characterization.
Demonstrate a foundational understanding of how processing influences microstructure and material performance.
Are comfortable working in laboratory environments, eager to develop hands-on skills with synthesis and test equipment, and able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms while collaborating on cross-disciplinary teams.
Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Have experience with additive manufacturing, or powder metallurgy processes.
Are familiar with ceramics or functional composite systems in addition to structural metals.
Have supported development or qualification efforts involving mechanical or thermal materials testing.
Are interested in applying machine learning or data science to accelerate materials discovery and process optimization.

Responsibilities

Supporting experimental research programs through hands-on materials synthesis, processing, and characterization.
Contributing to the development and discovery of advanced materials including, but not limited to, metals, ceramics, and composites.
Collaborating with senior researchers to explore new concepts and refine manufacturing approaches
Participating in data collection, analysis, and reporting to internal and external collaborators.
Maintaining strong lab practices, safety protocols, and high-quality documentation of experimental workflows.