Material Scientist

AeroVironment, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 88,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental

Vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Material Scientist to join the Ceramics and Composites team supporting research at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). You will participate in processing, preparation, and characterization of ceramic materials and composites in a laboratory setting.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, data collection, and collaboration with government and contractor researchers to advance program objectives while maintaining rigorous records and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Academic, research, or laboratory experience with materials processing and characterization.
• Familiarity with SEM, TEM, or XRD.
• Ability to learn and apply new laboratory techniques and approaches.

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 records.
• Collaborate with government and contractor researchers to support program objectives.

Skills

Materials processing

Materials characterization

SEM

TEM

XRD

Written communication

Education

Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering

Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering (optional)

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description

AeroVironment (AV) has an opportunity for a Material Scientist to join our Ceramics and Composites team supporting research at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This position will support basic and applied research involving the processing, preparation, and characterization of ceramic and ceramic composite materials. The Material Scientist will perform laboratory activities under the direction of senior researchers and will contribute to ongoing research projects involving ceramic powder processing, sample preparation, sintering, composite layup, and materials characterization. The role requires collaboration with government and contractor researchers within the team and across related research groups. The ideal candidate is a motivated and adaptable scientist who demonstrates strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn new techniques, and the ability to work effectively in a laboratory research environment.

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 techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (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 the 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 a commitment to producing reliable and reproducible experimental results.

Minimum Educational Qualifications

• Master’s degree/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.

Basic Qualifications

• Academic, research, or laboratory experience with materials processing and characterization.
• Familiarity with one or more materials characterization techniques, such as SEM, TEM, or XRD.
• Ability to learn and apply new laboratory techniques and approaches.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to changing research objectives and priorities.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with ceramic powder processing, sintering, or ceramic/composite sample preparation.
• Familiarity with inert-atmosphere experimentation, including glovebox operation or air-free synthesis.
• Experience with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), rheometry, and/or dilatometry.
• Laboratory research experience involving the preparation, processing, or characterization of advanced materials.

U.S. Citizenship is required due to work within a government facility.

AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

Clearance Level No Clearance

The salary range for this role is: $88,500 - $135,000

ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits. We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Careers at AeroVironment