Ceramics Researcher

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab seeks a Ceramics Researcher devoted to developing advanced ceramic materials for diverse applications. This role requires proficiency in material synthesis and forming, with a strong emphasis on teamwork to tackle engineering challenges.

Ideal candidates have a BS in Materials Science & Engineering and at least 2 years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $85,000 to $195,000 annually, depending on experience.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Processing ceramic materials including raw material conditioning and densification.
• Developing new procedures for forming and sintering ceramic materials.
• Documenting technical work and presenting to team members.

Skills

Materials synthesis and processing

Ceramics and composites knowledge

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Education

BS in Materials Science & Engineering or related field

Tools

Isostatic pressing

Additive manufacturing

Hot pressing

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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 (e.g., 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.

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].

Minimum Rate: $85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $195,000 Annually