Composite Materials Prep Technician

AV; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, seeks a Composite Sample Prep Technician to join the Materials and Processing Team. The role collaborates with material scientists and engineers to characterize ceramic and polymer matrix composites, including grinding and polishing of samples.

The position emphasizes laboratory safety, accurate reporting, and hands-on testing using SEM, XRD, and optical profilometry, with a focus on quality control of synthesized materials and adherence

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• BS in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering, or an associate degree with 1–2 years of laboratory experience.
• Ability to follow written SOPs and verbal instructions.
• Provide technical written reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time management skills.

Responsibilities

• General laboratory support and housekeeping.
• Prepare samples for SEM, XRD, and Optical Profilometry analysis.
• Follow employee health and safety requirements.
• Quality control of scaled synthesized materials.
• Duties include sample prep and grinding/polishing of composites.

Skills

Written reports

Communication skills

Time management

SOP follow-through

Laboratory safety

Education

BS in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering

Associate degree + 1–2 years lab experience

Job description

AeroVironment, based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, seeks a Composite Sample Prep Technician to join the Materials and Processing Team. The role collaborates with material scientists and engineers to characterize ceramic and polymer matrix composites, including grinding and polishing of samples.

The position emphasizes laboratory safety, accurate reporting, and hands-on testing using SEM, XRD, and optical profilometry, with a focus on quality control of synthesized materials and adherence