Radiation Effects Scientist

AeroVironment, Inc.; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 138,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical

dental vision

401K with company matching

a 9/80 work schedule

paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Albuquerque, NM seeks a Radiation Effects Scientist to join our defense-focused team. You will analyze radiation effects on electronics, support design decisions, and mentor newer staff. The role requires advanced degrees and strong communication, with the ability to obtain US security clearance.

Candidates will work across disciplines to assess components, develop test plans, and contribute to program requirements and risk reviews, within a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or another relevant field.
• 6+ years of experience with Master’s Degree, 4+ years of experience with PhD.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support radiation effects decisions based on radiation on electronics performance.
• Perform TID, SEE, DDD analyses to support electronics design.
• Evaluate COTS and radiation hardened components for mission suitability.
• Interact with program teams to align tasks with schedule and deliveries.
• Present radiation design risks and performance at program milestones.
• Develop radiation test plans and review data.
• Assist with testing efforts, test station setup, and validation and verification.
• Develop standard practices for radiation hardness and mission assurance.
• Collaborate on program requirements and training materials.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the division.
• Participate in conferences and industry organizations to stay current.

Skills

Radiation effects analysis

TID/SEE/DDD analysis

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or another relevant field

PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or another relevant field

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary

AV provides a full suite of exquisite, space-qualified hardware trusted to fly in the most extreme environments space presents across GEO, MEO, LEO and Cislunar orbits. With hundreds of systems flying in space, our customers turn to AV when a mission can't fail. Our team is expanding to do the big things that have never been done before - the things the nation and the world are counting on us to deliver. Join the transformation and help us make this impact now. We are seeking a skilled Radiation Effects Scientist to join our team in Albuquerque. The selected candidate will join a dynamic team working to put Great Systems on Orbit with capabilities to perform leading edge tasks in laser communications, space electronics and sensors.

Position Responsibilities

Support engineering decisions based on radiation effects on overall system performance. Perform TID, SEE, DDD, and related radiation analyses to support design of electronics systems. Work with interdisciplinary teams to ensure radiation effects on electronics systems are understood and characterized. Evaluate COTS and radiation hardened components for mission suitability. Interact with program teams and program managers to ensure assigned tasks align with program schedule and deliveries. Present radiation design risks and performance at program milestone reviews. Develop radiation test plans and provide review and analysis of data. Assist with testing efforts, test station setup, and validation and verification efforts. Develop standard practices for our radiation hardness and mission assurance program. Collaborate on program requirements development. Assist in developing training materials and tools for new hires. Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the division and business unit. Participate in relevant conferences and industry organizations to maintain awareness of current state of research and make contributions to the industry. All other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Competencies)

• Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or another relevant field.
• 6+ years of experience with Master's Degree, 4+ years of experience with PhD.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or another relevant field.
• Written and verbal communication skills necessary to present designs to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office, laboratory, and production environment (constant). Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent). Clearance Level No Clearance.

The salary range for this role is: $137,500 - $209,750.

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

• medical
• dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• a 9/80 work schedule
• 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—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.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. 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.

ITAR U.S. Citizenship required

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.

Careers at AeroVironment