Research Scientist - Polymer Chemistry & Hybrid Materials

Worker Type

Regular
Job Description

Research Scientist – Polymer Chemistry & Hybrid Materials

Position Overview

AeroVironment (AV) advances innovative technologies through scientific research, engineering, and cross-functional collaboration to address complex challenges in defense, aerospace, and national security. The Research Scientist – Polymer Chemistry & Hybrid Materials will support research and development activities focused on polymer chemistry, hybrid materials, and advanced material systems. This position will contribute to the synthesis, preparation, processing, and characterization of polymer-based and hybrid materials to support the development and evaluation of new materials and technologies.

Working under the guidance of senior scientists and technical leads, the Research Scientist will conduct laboratory experiments, follow established research methods, analyze experimental results, and document findings. The position will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support ongoing research initiatives, troubleshoot routine experimental challenges, and contribute to the development and optimization of material formulations and processing techniques.

Key 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.

Required 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.

Preferred Qualifications

- Familiarity with analytical and characterization techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), or other relevant methods.
- Exposure to materials processing, coating development, surface modification, or structure-property relationships.
- Experience with laboratory data analysis, scientific reporting, and technical presentations.
- Familiarity with laboratory quality practices, standard operating procedures, and safe chemical handling.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Foundational understanding of polymer chemistry, materials science, and experimental research principles.
- Ability to execute defined research tasks and laboratory experiments with appropriate supervision.
- Ability to recognize inconsistencies in experimental results and escalate non-routine technical issues.
- Basic data analysis and scientific interpretation skills.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage assigned laboratory tasks and priorities.
- Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to scientific and nontechnical audiences.
- Commitment to laboratory safety, research integrity, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Work Environment

- This position performs work in a laboratory and research environment.
- Duties involve handling chemicals, preparing material samples, operating laboratory instruments, and working with research equipment in accordance with appliable safety requirements.
- This role may require occasional collaboration with other laboratories, engineering, or manufacturing teams.

Clearance Level
No Clearance

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

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.

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.

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