Materials Science Engineer

MATSYS•Sterling, VA

8d•$90,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

MATSYS, Inc. is seeking a Materials Science Engineer to join its team of engineers, machinists, and technicians at its Sterling, VA facility. This is a hands-on role supporting the development, testing, and transition to production of advanced materials and materials-driven systems across R&D, prototype, and production programs. The position combines approximately 60–70% technical work with 30–40% project execution and cross-functional coordination. This role is best suited for someone who enjoys moving between the lab, the shop floor, test activities, documentation, and cross-functional execution. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical capabilities, a deep understanding of engineering principles, and exhibit an interest in defense industry standards and requirements. You will be expected to collaborate closely with government stakeholders, program managers, and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure system performance, reliability, and compliance with rigorous specifications. Experience with reactive or energetic materials is a plus. Candidates with strong metals, composites, or process-development backgrounds and an interest in learning defense-specific materials systems are encouraged to apply. This role requires adaptability, creativity, and a commitment to excellence in a fast-paced, security-sensitive environment. The successful candidate will be hired as an Engineer II–IV based on experience and skillset. This position is on-site. Relocation packages may be available.

Requirements

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field
3+ years of hands-on experience in materials engineering, materials/process development, product development, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical role
Experience with design for manufacturability and materials processing for metal components
Experience working closely with manufacturing teams (machinists/technicians) to support design implementation and troubleshooting
Experience with advanced metallic and composite materials development relevant to defense applications
Strong technical writing and data presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate design intent and results
Demonstrated ability to solve complex engineering problems and drive practical, manufacturable solutions

Nice To Haves

Active security clearance
7+ years of experience in a closely related position
Master’s degree in Materials Science Engineering or closely related field
Experience with reactive or energetic materials (e.g., reactive metal–metal or metal–polymer systems), including safe handling practices, processing, and performance testing
Experience with rapid prototyping, manufacturing, process scale-up, and quality control in commercial or government programs
Familiarity with machining processes and how material selection and properties affect manufacturability, tooling, tolerances, and part performance, especially for high-strength alloys and composites
Experience transitioning designs from R&D to production
Experience working in a fast-paced prototype or low-volume production environment
Experience collaborating with CAD/design teams to support material-integrated components and assemblies
Experience with MRP systems

Responsibilities

Support the development of new metallic, composite, and reactive material technologies and the lifecycle of materials-centric products from conceptual design through prototyping, materials/process qualification, testing, and transition to production
Design, analyze, and validate metallic and composite material systems and their integration into mechanical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding defense applications
Plan and execute material characterization, processing trials, and test campaigns; analyze results and translate findings into practical material and process improvements, including transition to repeatable, production-ready methods
Develop and maintain material specifications, process specifications, and associated documentation for metallic and composite materials (and, as applicable, reactive materials) in compliance with internal and external quality standards
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including machinists, materials engineers, engineering technicians, program managers, and others
Technical project management including planning, scheduling, and execution of projects within program requirements
Prepare technical documentation, design reviews, and reports to support contract deliverables
Ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and quality regulations
Interface with customers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with project goals and timelines
Participate in on-site testing and validation activities as required
Participate in business development activities, such as proposal writing (as required)
Other duties as assigned