Ceramics Researcher

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Ceramics Researcher to develop novel materials and processing methods for national defense. You will process ceramic materials and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team on challenging engineering tasks. Qualifications include a BS in a related field and 2+ years of experience with advanced ceramics. The position offers competitive pay ranging from $85,000 to $195,000 annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package including education assistance and flexible work-life balance.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience synthesizing and processing advanced ceramics.
• Knowledgeable of standard materials forming and densification methods.
• Able to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Processing ceramic materials including densification and characterization.
• Documenting technical work in detail.
• Assisting in the evaluation of materials development.

Skills

Material synthesis

Processing materials

Excellent communication skills

Education

BS in Materials Science & Engineering

MS in Materials Science & Engineering

Tools

Additive manufacturing

High temperature processing techniques

Job description

Description

Are you interested in developing and processing advanced ceramic materials for demanding applications?

Are you looking to apply your materials skills in a collaborative setting focused on solving complex engineering and materials challenges?

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

We are seeking a Ceramics Researcher to help us develop novel materials and processing methods that will benefit our nation and the world. In this role, you will work hands‑on with material synthesis, forming, densification, and characterization, contributing to the development of new materials and processing approaches. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to translate materials concepts into solutions across a range of extreme applications. Within our dynamic and supportive research environment, you will contribute to projects that require both fundamental understanding and practical execution, helping evaluate and improve materials based on performance and processing outcomes.

As a Ceramics Researcher in the Material Sciences Group (R1A), your primary responsibility will be:

• Processing of ceramic materials including raw material conditioning, material forming, densification, and characterization.
• Helping to develop new procedures and methods for forming and sintering ceramic materials.
• Documenting technical work in detail (reports, briefs, procedures, etc.) and presenting to internal and external team members.
• Assisting in the evaluation of materials development and processing through analysis of resultant properties.
• Exploring and creating new ideas that will help us make substantial contributions to our nation's toughest challenges.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

• Possess a BS in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramics, Composites, or related field.
• Have 2+ years of experience synthesizing and processing materials, particularly advanced ceramics, graded materials, ceramic matrix composites, or high temperature oxide and non-oxide based materials.
• Are knowledgeable of standard materials forming and densification methods (i.e., isostatic pressing, dry pressing, slip casting, hot pressing, EFAS/FAST/SPS, additive manufacturing, pressureless sintering, etc.).
• Understand the interplay between structure, processing and properties for the design and processing of tailored materials.
• Are a reliable teammate with excellent communication skills.
• 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:

• Possess a MS with 2+ years of experience in Materials Science & Engineering, Ceramics, Composites, or related field.
• Have significant and relevant experience in additive manufacturing of ceramics and/or composites.
• Have experience with extreme test environments (e.g., arc jet, wind tunnel, flight tests, ballistic or blast testing, nuclear etc.).
• Have experience with modeling and validation of the behavior of materials in complex environments (e.g., aero-thermal, oxidative, high radiation, etc.).
• Have direct experience characterizing the electromagnetic properties of materials.

About Us

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 at http://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 contact [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

$195,000 Annually