Scientist – Materials Characterization

avav; Upper Valley Trailer Court (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

401(k) with company matching

Medical/dental/vision

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. seeks a Staff Scientist to join its advanced microscopy team. The role offers mentorship from senior researchers and a growth-focused path to master electron-optics technologies, including device and defect characterization.

You will contribute to automating data collection, build high-throughput workflows using Velox and GMS3, and develop data pipelines for large datasets from cutting-edge detectors.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience with TEM/STEM imaging and diffraction.
• FIB-based TEM lamella preparation (lift-out).
• Proficiency in Python or similar scripting for data manipulation.

Responsibilities

• Advanced Electron Microscopy & Spectroscopy: primary technical support and operation of TEM/STEM; analyze with EDS/EELS; characterize devices and defects.
• Precision Sample Preparation: FIB lamella prep with in-situ lift-out and thinning/cleaning protocols.
• Automation & Digital Innovation: develop automation routines using APIs and scripting (Python, DM Script); integrate Velox/GMS3 for high-throughput workflows.
• Research Partnership & Technique Development: collaborate with researchers; develop novel analytical techniques and new protocols for advanced materials.

Skills

TEM/STEM imaging

Python scripting

EDS/EELS data analysis

FIB lamella preparation

Data analysis & automation

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science/Physics/EE

Tools

Velox

GMS3

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

The Materials Characterization Facility (MCF) is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to join our advanced microscopy team. This role is designed as a growth-oriented position, offering the unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of electron optics while receiving direct mentorship from senior research staff to develop world‑class technical mastery.

The successful candidate will bridge the gap between high‑end instrument operation and active research development, focusing on the characterization of advanced electronic devices and material defects. A key pillar of this role involves leveraging state‑of‑the‑art software to develop automation routines that increase facility throughput and data precision.

Key Responsibilities

1. Advanced Electron Microscopy & Spectroscopy

• Expert Operation: Provide primary technical support and high‑level operation of Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM/STEM).
• Analytical Spectroscopy: Execute and interpret complex chemical and structural analysis using EDS and EELS.
• Device Characterization: Perform detailed analysis of electronic devices, specifically targeting defect characterization, interfacial phenomena, and dopant/strain mapping.

2. Precision Sample Preparation

• FIB Operations: Utilize Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems for the site‑specific preparation of high‑quality TEM lamellae.
• Advanced Thinning: Master in‑situ lift‑out and precision thinning/cleaning protocols to ensure optimal samples for aberration‑corrected imaging.

3. Automation & Digital Innovation

• Routine Development: Develop and deploy custom automation routines using manufacturer APIs and scripting (e.g., Python, DM Script) to streamline data collection.
• Software Integration: Leverage state‑of‑the‑art software suites (e.g., Velox, GMS3) to implement high‑throughput workflows.
• Data Pipelines: Establish standardized processing pipelines to handle large datasets generated by high‑speed detectors.

4. Research Partnership & Technique Development

• Direct Research Support: Partner with the research team to develop novel analytical techniques tailored to specific materials of interest.
• Methodology Innovation: Transition from executing established protocols to authoring new ones for beam‑sensitive or complex heterostructured material.

Mentorship & Career Growth

• Partner with senior scientists to acquire specialized technical intuition in advanced TEM and aberration‑corrected microscopy.
• Be empowered to dedicate time to mastering new hardware, such as in‑situ biasing or heating holders.
• Grow into a technical leadership role within the facility, with opportunities for co‑authorship on high‑impact publications.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required due to the nature of the work and customer requirements.
• Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience with TEM/STEM imaging and diffraction.
• Functional knowledge of EDS and EELS data acquisition and quantification.
• Hands‑on experience with FIB‑based TEM lamella preparation (lift‑out).
• Proficiency (or strong aptitude) in Python or similar scripting for data manipulation.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with electronic device failure analysis and defect engineering.
• Familiarity with 4D‑STEM or other emerging electron optic modalities.
• Strong communication skills and a desire to work in a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary environment.

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, 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, 401(k) 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.