Research Engineer- Fluid-Structure Interaction Dynamics

AV, Inc. is seeking an entry-level Research Engineer in fluid-structure interaction dynamics to work at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. The position will be performed in collaboration with the Foundational Technologies Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory.

About the role

Predicting and controlling the behavior of fluid-structure interaction dynamics on aerospace systems is a rich area of fundamental and applied research. The research performed in this position will focus on the computational design, analysis, and experimental validation of fluid-structure interaction dynamics on aeroelastic structures. This project involves reservoir computing, neural network design, bifurcation analysis, morphing structures, topology optimization methods, and data reduction techniques. Previous experience in one or more of these areas is preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. The successful candidate should be self-motivated, able to work independently on assigned tasks, receptive to technical guidance, and effective in collaborating with researchers from diverse technical backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research on the computational design, analysis, and experimental validation of fluid-structure interaction dynamics on aeroelastic structures
• Characterize and optimize the fluid-structure interaction dynamics to perform intrinsic mathematical operations, such as performing input/output classification and leveraging the local dynamics for state assessment
• Effectively collaborate with researchers from different technical backgrounds

Requirements

• This position involves working within a government facility and requires U.S. Citizenship
• An advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or other related technical discipline is desired (recent Ph.D. or MS is preferred; graduate students with a defense schedule will also be considered)
• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more of the following areas: computational fluid dynamics, dynamical systems, data reduction techniques, machine-learning-based surrogate modeling
• Prior experience with technical computing languages such as Python, Matlab, and/or C++
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are a prerequisite for employment

Desired Competencies

• Experience with finite difference and finite element (FE) methods, FE software (i.e., COMSOL, Abaqus, etc), technical computing languages (e.g., Python, Matlab, C++), and/or parallel computing

Physical Demands

• Travel required to domestic US sites – up to 10%
• Ability to work in an office and lab environment

Pay

The salary range for this role is $74,500 - $113,500. 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

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401K with company matching
• 9/80 work schedule
• Paid holiday shutdown

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.