Research Scientist Mechanical Engineer
Position Overview
AV, Inc. is seeking an entry level Research Engineer in Adaptive Structures 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.
Position Responsibilities
- Design & Prototype: Translate conceptual kinematic and folding patterns into functional physical models using rapid iteration.
- Experimental Testing: Support the development and execution of experimental test campaigns to evaluate deployment dynamics, stiction, repeatability, and structural integrity under simulated environmental conditions.
- Material Integration: Work with advanced composites, additive manufacturing materials and flexible thin-film membranes to evaluate and improve packaging efficiency and strength-to-weight performance.
- Data Analysis & Communication: Instrument prototypes with motion capture and strain sensors, analyzing dynamic deployment behavior to validate and refine finite element models.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or other related technical discipline (recent Ph.D. or MS preferred; graduate students with a defense scheduled will also be considered).
- Working knowledge or academic/research experience in one or more of the following areas: additive manufacturing, composite layup techniques, and computational modeling.
- Prior experience with technical computing languages such as Python, Matlab, and/or Julia.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills are a prerequisite for employment.
Location
Onsite in Dayton, OH.
Preferred Qualifications & Desired Competencies
- Expertise in additive manufacturing, composite layup techniques, and computational modeling.
- Experience with adaptive structures.
- Experience with prototype formation.
Physical Demands
Travel required to domestic US sites – up to 10%.
Clearance Level
No Clearance
Salary Range
The Salary Range For This Role Is $74,500 - $113,500
Benefits
AeroVironment 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.
About AV
AeroVironment is an Equal Opportunity 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
ITAR U.S. Citizenship required