Lead Scientist, Scaled Inorganic Nanoparticle Synthesis

InvestedintheMission; Bath Township (OH); On-site; USD 113,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment is hiring a Scaled Inorganic Particle Synthesis Scientist to bridge benchtop chemistry to multi‑kilogram production of advanced inorganic powders and high‑temperature precursors. You will mentor staff, lead cross‑functional projects with AFRL partners, and drive lab‑to‑pilot scale‑ups in a defense‑focused environment.

As a senior SME, you will oversee synthesis, characterization, and process development, ensuring quality control and safe inert‑atmosphere operations while

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with 3–5+ years in industry or postdoc.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to DoD facilities access.
• Experience scaling inorganic materials to multi‑kilogram production.
• Strong lab leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead synthesis, purification, and pilot-scale production of advanced inorganic powders and precursors.
• Develop scalable wet-chemical, sol-gel, vapor-phase, or solid-state routes for scale-up.
• Serve as technical lead translating program requirements into synthesis plans.
• Establish QC, stoichiometry, morphology, and particle-size criteria with PAT tools.
• Oversee material characterization (XRD, SEM/EDS, TGA/DSC, BET).
• Establish air-free synthesis protocols (Schlenk, glovebox) for sensitive precursors.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate powders into downstream processes.
• Mentor junior scientists and manage project deliverables and budgets.
• Prepare progress reports and design reviews for DoD and partners.

Skills

Scale-up leadership

Mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Autonomy

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

M.S. in relevant field

Tools

XRD

SEM

TGA/DSC

Schlenk line

Job description

AeroVironment is hiring a Scaled Inorganic Particle Synthesis Scientist to bridge benchtop chemistry to multi‑kilogram production of advanced inorganic powders and high‑temperature precursors. You will mentor staff, lead cross‑functional projects with AFRL partners, and drive lab‑to‑pilot scale‑ups in a defense‑focused environment.

As a senior SME, you will oversee synthesis, characterization, and process development, ensuring quality control and safe inert‑atmosphere operations while