Computational Polymer Scientist

Worker Type

Job Description

Position Overview

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a self-motivated Research Scientist to join our collaborative, multidisciplinary team supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

In this role, you will perform theoretical and computational research on the dynamics and rheology of covalent adaptable polymer networks tailored for critical Department of War (DoW) applications. You will work at the interface of chemistry, physics, and computer science, collaborating closely with leading experimentalists and academic partners to translate molecular-level design into macroscopic material predictions in support of established research objectives and under the guidance of senior technical staff as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific Research: Conduct research investigating the structural dynamics, viscoelasticity, and rheological properties of dynamic, covalent adaptable networks in support of established research objectives and technical approaches.
• Code Development: Develop and implement custom Python-based software and algorithms for GPU-accelerated rheology predictions by applying established computational approaches and modifying existing methods as needed.
• Simulation & Modeling: Utilize molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and theoretical polymer physics frameworks to model network behavior using established methodologies and guidance from senior technical staff as needed.
• Collaboration: Collaborate as a computational team member, coordinating closely with experimental chemists, materials scientists, and academic collaborators to integrate computational results with experimental findings.
• Project Communication: Support project milestones, present findings to stakeholders, and draft high-quality technical reports and peer-reviewed publications in collaboration with senior researchers and project team members.

Required Qualifications

• This position involves working within a government facility and requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Master’s degree in physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a closely related field.
• Theoretical background in polymer physics and polymer networks.
• Hands-on experience executing and analyzing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
• Strong programming proficiency in Python for code development.
• Demonstrated critical problem-solving skills and a proven track record of research via publications.
• Excellent verbal, written communication skills for active cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience with GPU-accelerated computing frameworks (e.g., CUDA, CuPy, or GPU-enabled LAMMPS).
• Familiarity with standard molecular dynamics packages (e.g., LAMMPS, GROMACS, HOOMD-blue, ESPResSo).
• Prior experience modeling dynamic/reversible covalent chemistries (such as vitrimers or self-healing polymers).

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

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