Subject Matter Expert (Materials Engineer)

Join our team as a Subject Matter Expert (Materials Engineer) and provide senior technical expertise to the Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Division as the technical authority for industrial base assessments, Section 232 investigations, and manufacturing and supply chain analyses supporting U.S. national security and trade policy. Working alongside analysts, economists, and Government leadership, you will validate technical findings, assess manufacturing capabilities and material supply chains, and develop decision-ready products that inform executive decision-making.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

**Position is contingent upon contract award**

Work Schedule and Location:

On-Site: This full-time on-site position will work Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm onsite at the Herbert C. Hoover Building in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead supporting Section 232 investigations and Defense Industrial Base assessments involving metals, advanced materials, manufacturing processes, critical minerals, semiconductors, and other strategic industries.
• Assess domestic manufacturing capabilities, production capacity, industrial processes, and material supply chains in support of national security analyses.
• Review and validate technical analyses, research findings, reports, and recommendations prepared by project analysts.
• Provide technical expertise regarding material properties, manufacturing methods, industrial technologies, and supply chain risks.
• Support development of technical reports, decision memorandums, executive briefings, presentations, and analytical products.
• Support evaluation of public comments submitted during Section 232 investigations and provide technical assessments as required.
• Assist with development of survey methodologies and technical questions supporting Defense Production Act industrial base surveys.
• Collaborate with Government personnel and multidisciplinary teams to develop technically sound recommendations supporting policy decisions.
• Support development of technical standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), guidance documents, and knowledge management products.
• Participate in technical meetings, stakeholder engagements, and interagency coordination activities as requested.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Experience supporting Section 232 investigations, Defense Production Act activities, industrial base assessments, trade analysis, or supply chain resilience initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating manufacturing processes, industrial production, materials engineering, or industrial supply chains.
• Experience conducting technical research, engineering analysis, and preparing technical reports for executive audiences.
• Knowledge of U.S. manufacturing industries, industrial processes, and strategic materials.
• U.S. Citizen.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust determination.

Desired:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience supporting the Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, or other Federal agencies.
• Familiarity with metals and alloys, semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, aerospace materials, or defense industrial base technologies.
• Experience evaluating manufacturing value chains, domestic production capabilities, and industrial market trends.
• Knowledge of HTSUS classifications, international trade data, or industrial economic analysis.

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Pay Range

Negotiable