2026 BS/MS Graduate - Associate Materials Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

9d • Onsite

About The Position

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:

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level