research
Posted 20 hours agoSenior- Scaled Inorganic Particle Synthesis Scientist
On-site
Responsibilities
- Develop scalable wet-chemical, sol-gel, vapor-phase, or solid-state synthetic routes to transition novel formulations from gram-scale research to multi-kilogram production.
- Establish quality control, stoichiometry, morphologic, and particle-size distribution parameters using automated instrumentation and process analytical technology (PAT).
- Oversee advanced material characterization techniques including XRD, SEM/EDS, TGA/DSC, BET surface area analysis, laser diffraction particle sizing, and rheometry.
- Establish inert-atmosphere chemistry protocols (Schlenk line, glovebox operations) for air/moisture-sensitive inorganic and organometallic precursors.
- Guide, mentor, and review the work products of junior scientists, engineers, and lab technicians.
- Manage project deliverables, technical risk registers, schedule milestones, and research budgets for internal research and development (IRAD) or contracted customer programs.
- Prepare and present technical progress reports and design reviews to executive leadership, DoD stakeholders, and external technical partners.
- Proven track record in the synthetic scale-up of inorganic systems (e.g., borides, carbides, nitrides, oxides, or inorganic polymers). Hands-on
Requirements
- experience with reactor design, reaction kinetics, particle nucleation/growth control, and powder processing (e.g., milling, spray drying, calcination).
- Strong expertise in air-free synthesis techniques (Schlenk lines, gloveboxes) and characterization tools (SEM, XRD, TGA).
- Qualifications Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, or a related field with 3–5+ years of industry/postdoctoral experience; OR an M.S. degree with 6–8+ years of relevant scaled-synthesis experience. U.S.
- Experience collaborating with government labs (e.g., AFRL, NRL, ORNL) on DoD or DARPA advanced materials programs. Direct
- experience with preceramic polymers or high-temperature structural ceramics for aerospace/defense applications.
- Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology and statistical process control (SPC) for chemical production routines.
- 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.
Benefits
- Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $112,500 - $171,750 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.
- benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.
- We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
Contact
- 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.
Additional details
- Founded on a legacy of groundbreaking aerospace innovation, AV redefines mission-critical capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
- Position Overview AeroVironment is seeking a Scaled Inorganic Particle Synthesis Scientist to drive advanced materials development for high-performance defense systems.
- In this role, you will lead the bridge between benchtop chemical discovery and batch/continuous scale-up of novel inorganic powders, ceramic precursors, and high-temperature functional nanoparticles.
- As a Senior scientist, you will act as a key subject matter expert (SME), operating with high autonomy while providing technical mentorship to lower-tier scientists and engineers.
- You will lead cross-functional projects, manage lab-to-pilot scale-up workflows, and collaborate closely with government research partners (e.g., Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL) and internal flight/warhead structural teams. Key
- Responsibilities Lead technical execution for the synthesis, purification, and pilot-scale batch production of advanced inorganic powders, non-oxide ceramics, and high-temperature precursors.
- Serve as the technical lead on advanced material research tasks, translating high-level program
- requirements into concrete chemical synthesis matrix plans.
- Work closely with composite, structural, and payload engineering teams to integrate synthesized powders into downstream manufacturing processes (e.g., sintering, additive manufacturing, slurry coatings).
- Citizenship: Required due to work within government facilities and access to export-controlled data. Preferred / Desired