Materials Science Engineer – Metallurgy (0-5 yrs)

About the role

Vision Point Systems is looking for a Materials Science Engineer with a focus on metallurgy to support the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. The role involves laboratory‑based metallurgical investigations of additively manufactured naval steels and corrosion‑resistant alloys.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare metallographic samples – sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching and light‑optical microscopy.
• Evaluate microstructures of additively manufactured components and conduct failure analyses on defects.
• Operate testing equipment such as hardness testers, dilatometers and calorimeters.
• Run SEM analyses using EDS, WDS and EBSD detectors.
• Analyze and visualise data with R, Python or similar tools.
• Assist with design, manufacturing and post‑processing of metal and polymer additive‑manufacturing builds.
• Perform thermomechanical and microstructural modelling using commercial ICME software.
• Provide technical writing support for proposals, journal articles and standards documents.

Required profile

• 0‑5 years of experience in a metallurgical laboratory.
• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgy, materials science or a related field.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Master’s degree or experience in ferrous metallurgy is a plus.

Required skills

• Metallographic sample preparation
• Hardness testing, dilatometry, calorimetry
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with EDS, WDS, EBSD
• R and Python programming for data analysis
• Additive manufacturing systems (including FDM 3‑D printers)
• Thermomechanical and microstructural modelling (ICME tools)
• Machine‑learning techniques for large‑dataset analysis
• Technical writing

What we offer

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• Life insurance equal to one‑times salary
• Short‑ and long‑term disability plans
• 401(k) participation with company match
• Flexible work hours, travel opportunities and training programs