Research Scientist Physical Organic Chemistry and Materials Characterization

Worker Type Regular Job Description AV is seeking an entry-level Research Scientist to join our multidisciplinary team at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The Polymers and Responsive Materials Team is seeking a highly versatile and computationally-fluent scientist to work at the intersection of Physical Organic Chemistry and Materials Physics. This role is designed for a researcher who thrives on applying advanced analytical toolkits, ranging from AI/ML to advanced spectroscopy techniques, across a diverse portfolio of research initiatives. As a key member of our lab, you will not be siloed into a single project. Instead, you will provide the digital-first characterization and mechanistic evaluation necessary to advance materials discovery for extreme environments, bio-inspired elastomers, and autonomous laboratory workflows. You will drive the characterization and data-driven analysis for several high-impact research areas, including:

Space Survivability:

Investigating how extreme stressors, such as atomic oxygen and ionizing radiation, interact with and degrade organic surfaces.

Hierarchical Materials:

Mapping the nanostructure and self-assembly of peptide-based synthetic rubbers and hybrid polymers.

Closed-Loop Discovery:

Integrating laboratory hardware with AI/ML optimization to automate the discovery of resilient, functional materials.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Advanced Spectroscopy:

Use XPS, FTIR, and NMR to identify molecular-level degradation pathways.

Structural Physics:

Design and execute experiments at synchrotron facilities using Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) to probe the morphology of soft matter.

Digital Integration:

Leverage Python to automate data processing from complex analytical instruments and implement AI/ML models for performance prediction.

Mechanical Characterization:

Correlate chemical changes with macro-scale performance through DMA, tensile testing, and rheological analysis.

Hardware Innovation:

Modify or build experimental hardware interfaces using open-source tools to enable automated, high-throughput characterization.

REQUIREMENTS

This position requires working within a government facility and requires U.S.

Citizenship Education:

MS or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field with 0-1 years of experience

Digital Proficiency:

Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis, modeling, or laboratory automation.

Analytical Depth:

Expertise in spectroscopy and a strong foundational understanding of physical organic chemistry or polymer physics. Experience with X-ray or neutron scattering (or a strong desire to lead beamline experiments), preferred Familiarity with the physics of elastomers, rubbers, or soft matter, preferred Demonstrated interest in Machine Learning or Bayesian optimization as applied to physical sciences, preferred Understanding of polymer degradation mechanisms in response to oxidation or radiation, preferred This is a pipeline requisition posted in advance of approved headcount for future hiring needs.

Note:

Our team is always interested in speaking with exceptional candidates though please note this is a Pipeline posting with more of an eye towards our future needs rather than necessarily being an immediate hire. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

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, 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. Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty - and succeed. What We Do Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. 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 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