Materials Characterization Engineer (RR-0/1)
legato
Annapolis Junction, Maryland, United States
Posted Sep 14, 2026
- Full-time
Job description
Legato, LLC recruiters () would love to speak with you regarding the following position: Materials Characterization Engineer in Annapolis Junction, MD. Security Clearance Required : TS/SCI w/ Polygraph Salary Range : $90,000-$160,000, depending on experience. *We are hiring for two experience levels within this role: entry level and experienced. Candidates will be considered for the level that best aligns with their education and relevant experience, with compensation determined accordingly.* What You Will Do: The Materials Characterization Engineer will perform hands-on laboratory analysis and characterization of complex hardware using advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and materials analysis techniques. This role is ideal for an analytical, technically curious engineer or scientist who enjoys working with sophisticated laboratory equipment, investigating unique technical problems, and independently determining the best approach for obtaining meaningful results. The Materials Characterization Engineer will work with a variety of imaging and characterization tools, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS/EDX), Focused Ion Beam (FIB), and optical microscopy. Because SEM is routinely used across the team, candidates should have hands-on experience with or a strong scientific understanding of SEM principles. Experience with every characterization technique is not required, but candidates should understand the underlying scientific principles and be willing to develop expertise with additional instrumentation. The Engineer will also process and analyze SEM imagery to evaluate hardware and determine functionality, select appropriate characterization methods and sample preparation techniques for unique projects, and make independent analytical determinations based on collected data. A key part of the position is taking ownership of laboratory equipment, troubleshooting instrumentation, optimizing operating parameters, researching technical issues, and coordinating with equipment manufacturers or service engineers when necessary. Our minimum requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, Mathematics, or a related discipline Experience with or a strong theoretical understanding of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Knowledge of materials imaging and characterization techniques such as SIMS, EDS/EDX, FIB, and optical microscopy Ability to analyze and process SEM data to evaluate hardware and determine functionality Strong independent analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills Ability and willingness to develop a deep technical understanding of laboratory instrumentation and troubleshoot equipment Familiarity with concepts such as vacuum systems, ion beams, mass spectrometry, gas injection systems, and elemental analysis is beneficial Coding or scripting experience is helpful but not required Entry Level: No demonstrated professional experience is required with a qualifying bachelor's degree Experienced Level: Seven (7) years of experience analyzing complex hardware systems Five (5) years of relevant hardware engineering experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree About Your New Company Legato, LLC is a dynamic small business headquartered in Columbia, near Ft. Meade, MD. Our positions include Cyber, Software, Systems, Networking, Data Science and other complex engineering capabilities. We set ourselves apart by having employees in the top of their field and who enjoy working at Legato for its attention to its employees, aggressive compensation, and upward mobility possibilities. We offer a generous benefits package including individual and family health, vision and dental benefits. A minimum of four (4) weeks of paid time off including a week of sick leave. Legato gives our employees 11 federal holidays off and a 401(k) employer match with no vesting schedule. There is an opportunity to earn referral benefits or bank hours if the contract allows. Disclaimer: The salary range provided is an estimate based on current market conditions and may be adjusted based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications. The final salary offer will be determined after a thorough review of the candidate's background and alignment with the role. Please note that this range is subject to change and should be considered as a guideline rather than a definitive figure. Legato LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.