Research Chemist - Autonomous Discovery of Organic Materials

Worker Type

Regular

AV has an opportunity available for a Research Chemist that will be an integral member of the Polymers and Responsive Materials Team. The primary responsibilities include designing, synthesizing, and characterizing novel functional organic polymers and materials using advanced digital chemistry approaches. This will involve parallelized or high‑throughput experimentation, automated materials science, and data‑driven optimization, utilizing both conventional synthetic methods and machine learning‑driven approaches.

Specific emphasis will be placed on flow chemistry and robotic platforms. Experience integrating open‑source hardware with advanced characterization techniques is essential, including automated spectroscopic methods (e.g., FTIR, UV‑Vis, NMR), chromatographic techniques (e.g., GPC, HPLC), and mechanical property analysis (e.g., tensile testing, rheology).

Emphasis areas include developing novel synthesis/test strategies for functional organic polymers and materials, implementing high‑throughput characterization techniques, and applying AI/ML and optimization algorithms to predict performance and optimize synthetic pathways. A background in organic polymer synthesis, materials characterization, and data‑driven materials research is preferred. Familiarity with AI/ML models, optimization algorithms, and a willingness to learn programming languages such as Python is also desirable.

• Building experimental hardware using open‑source software and projects.
• Characterizing polymer and nanomaterial properties through techniques such as GPC, NMR, DMA, tensile testing, FTIR, and AFM.
• Incorporating AI/ML models to optimize material synthesis and performance prediction.
• Applying a deep understanding of polymer chemistry, nanomaterials, and machine learning to advance the development of innovative, resilient materials.

• This position will involve working within a government facility and requires U.S. Citizenship.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field is required.
• Experience level: 0–2 years after graduation.
• Python programming (entry level or higher).
• Advanced data visualization techniques.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn and develop new approaches and techniques.

No Clearance

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental and vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:

We also encourage you to review our company website to learn more about us:

Based in California, Aero Vironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul Mac Cready, 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.

Building on a history of technological innovation, Aero Vironment 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.

Aero Vironment, 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.

U.S. Citizenship required.