Associate Materials Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; West Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading defense and technology lab as an Associate Materials Researcher where you'll innovate in materials synthesis and characterization for critical national security applications. Work in a dynamic team, enhance your research skills, and take advantage of extensive career development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous benefits package

Education assistance program

Robust retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant experience in materials research
• Understanding of processing influences on material performance,
• Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance

Responsibilities

• Supporting experimental research programs through hands-on materials synthesis.
• Collaborating with senior researchers to explore new concepts.
• Participating in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Skills

Research skills

Collaboration

Materials synthesis

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field

Job description

Description

Do you love to invent and explore new materials to tackle unique challenges?

Are you driven to pursue meaningful manufacturing research that supports defense, energy, and space applications?

Do you thrive in collaborative, hands-on environments that value innovation and impact?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

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.

As an associate materials researcher, your responsibilities will include:

• 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.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

• 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.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you:

• 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.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$180,000 Annually