Research Chemist – Materials Synthesis and Characterization

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

AV has an opportunity available for a Research Chemist who will be an integral member of the Polymers and Responsive Materials Team at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. AFRL consists of a multidisciplinary team of chemists, materials scientists, chemical engineers, and physicists working on new technologies for advanced defense applications. Primary responsibilities for this position include the synthesis, crystallization, and characterization of materials to enhance performance and introduce advanced functionalities. The position utilizes both conventional synthetic methods and machine learning-driven approaches for material design and optimization. Extensive experience with nanomaterial characterization techniques is essential, including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) for crystal structure analysis, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) for molecular weight analysis, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) for structural characterization, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) for viscoelastic profiling, tensile testing for mechanical properties, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for functional group identification, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for nanoscale surface characterization.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Synthesis
• Microgravity simulation for synthesis and crystal growth
• Characterizing nanomaterial properties through techniques such as XRD, GPC, NMR, DMA, tensile testing, FTIR, and AFM.
• Functionalizing nanomaterials to enhance mechanical, electrical, or chemical properties for specific applications.
• Incorporating AI/ML models to optimize material synthesis and performance prediction.
• Applying a deep understanding of chemistry, nanomaterial functionalization, and machine learning to advance the development of innovative, resilient materials.
• Knowledge of peptide-based materials preferred.

Qualifications:

• This position will involve working within a government facility and requires U.S. Citizenship.
• M.S. or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field of study required
• Python programming (entry level+)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to learn and develop new approaches and techniques

Clearance Level

 

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

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.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. B