Research Scientist - Polymer Chemistry & Hybrid Materials

AeroVironment, Inc.; Bath Township (OH); On-site; USD 89,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Research Scientist in polymer chemistry and hybrid materials to advance R&D in defense and aerospace applications. You will conduct polymer synthesis, material formulation, and hybrid material development in a collaborative lab environment.

The role involves designing experiments, analyzing results, documenting findings, and presenting progress to project teams, with emphasis on safety, accuracy, and effective communication within a multidisciplinary group.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related scientific or engineering discipline which includes laboratory research or industry experience in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, or a related field
• Experience conducting laboratory experiments, preparing samples, collecting data, and documenting experimental results.
• Experience with laboratory safety practices, chemical handling, and proper use of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to follow established experimental procedures, interpret technical instructions, and identify routine experimental issues.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate and organized laboratory records.
• Effective written, verbal, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory experiments involving polymer chemistry, polymer synthesis, material formulation, and hybrid material preparation using established procedures and research methods.
• Assist with the development, preparation, and evaluation of polymer-based materials, composites, and hybrid material systems.
• Perform routine laboratory procedures related to material synthesis, sample preparation, processing, purification, and testing.
• Characterize materials using appropriate analytical and laboratory techniques to evaluate chemical composition, physical properties, morphology, thermal behavior, and material performance.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data to identify trends, evaluate results, and support research objectives.
• Assist with optimizing material formulations, reaction conditions, and processing parameters under the direction of senior scientists.
• Troubleshoot routine experimental issues and communicate unexpected results, deviations, and technical challenges to the appropriate technical lead.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, experimental records, technical reports, and research documentation in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepare materials, samples, data summaries, and presentations to communicate experimental progress and findings to project teams.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, and other cross-functional team members to support research and development activities.
• Follow established laboratory safety procedures and applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and work areas to support safe and efficient research operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Laboratory experiments

Data analysis

Documentation

Laboratory safety

Team collaboration

Education

Graduate degree in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Materials Science or related field

Tools

FTIR

DSC

TGA

SEM

Job description

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Research Scientist in polymer chemistry and hybrid materials to advance R&D in defense and aerospace applications. You will conduct polymer synthesis, material formulation, and hybrid material development in a collaborative lab environment.

The role involves designing experiments, analyzing results, documenting findings, and presenting progress to project teams, with emphasis on safety, accuracy, and effective communication within a multidisciplinary group.