Materials Science Engineer

Reports to: Engineering Manager

Location: MATSYS HQ

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.

Description

• 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

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• Participate in business development activities, such as proposal writing (as required)
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Required

• 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
  
  

Preferred

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• 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
  
  

Competencies

• Skills in project execution and management, shown by effective planning, resource management, and scheduling
• Strong team impact, shown by firm accountability, a collaborative and team building approach, responsiveness to differing opinions, and strategic thinking
• Technical expertise and development through a dedication to continual learning

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• Exemplary communication skills demonstrated by effective, quality, and respectful written and verbal communication; internal and external customer relations; and technical reporting
• Sound and autonomous judgment and decision-making accompanied by strong analytical skills, creativity, flexibility, critical problem-solving, strategic prioritization, and risk management
• Commitment to MATSYS core values and ideals:

• Safety: Safety is at the forefront of our decision-making. We hold each other responsible to ensure the health and safety of our team at all times.
• Quality: We stake our reputation on our impeccable standards. We provide the utmost quality in everything that we do and deliver above expectations, both as individuals and as a team.
• Integrity: We are accountable, transparent, and act with respect and in the best interests of our customers, communities, and employees.
• Teamwork: Good ideas come from everyone and great ideas come from us working together.
• Impact: We are responsive and effect positive and ground-breaking change, delivering excellence every step of the way.
  

About MATSYS Inc.

As a frontrunner in next-generation materials and manufacturing processes, MATSYS excels in developing advanced materials and manufacturing processes, setting itself apart through innovation and problem-solving. With a culture built on collaboration, transparency, and excellence, we prioritize client satisfaction through open communication and integrity, fostering enduring partnerships. Our team’s diverse skills in material development, powder processing, and design fabrication enable us to deliver comprehensive solutions to complex problems. Our future vision includes expanding production capabilities, establishing strategic integrations with industry leaders, and driving continuous innovation and growth. MATSYS prides itself on its dynamic team, its ability to push boundaries and the commitment of its employees to excellence, innovation and teamwork.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (male or female), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, and business needs—never on protected characteristics.

MATSYS uses E-Verify to verify right-to-work.

MATSYS is a Drug-Free Workplace. Candidates are required to pass a pre-employment background investigation and drug test prior following receipt of a conditional job offer.