Ceramics & Composites Materials Scientist — Aerospace R&D

AV; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 89,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

AeroVironment (AV) is seeking a Material Scientist to join our Ceramics and Composites team, supporting research at AFRL. The role covers processing, preparation, and characterization of ceramic materials, with collaboration across government and contractor researchers.

The candidate will perform lab activities under senior researchers, contributing to powder processing, sintering, composite fabrication, and materials characterization tests such as SEM, TEM, and XRD. U.S.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with 0–2 years of relevant laboratory or research experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or a related technical discipline, with 2–4 years of relevant laboratory or research experience.

Responsibilities

• Support basic and applied research activities involving ceramic and ceramic composite materials.
• Perform routine laboratory activities related to ceramic powder processing, sample preparation, sintering, and composite fabrication.
• Assist with materials characterization using SEM, TEM, and XRD.
• Follow established laboratory procedures and safety requirements while maintaining accurate experimental records and documentation.
• Assist with the development and implementation of laboratory methods and experimental approaches under guidance of senior researchers.
• Analyze and document experimental results and communicate findings to research team members.
• Work collaboratively with government and contractor researchers to support program objectives.
• Adapt to changing research priorities and program requirements.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, materials, and work areas in accordance with established procedures.
• Demonstrate careful attention to detail and commitment to reliable, reproducible results.

Skills

Materials processing

Materials characterization

Laboratory techniques

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Self-motivation

Technical communication

Adaptability

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering / related

Bachelor’s in Materials Science / Ceramic Engineering / Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Polymer Chemistry

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Job description

AeroVironment (AV) is seeking a Material Scientist to join our Ceramics and Composites team, supporting research at AFRL. The role covers processing, preparation, and characterization of ceramic materials, with collaboration across government and contractor researchers.

The candidate will perform lab activities under senior researchers, contributing to powder processing, sintering, composite fabrication, and materials characterization tests such as SEM, TEM, and XRD. U.S.