Research Scientist Mechanical Engineer

AeroVironment•Bath Township, OH

38d•$74,500 - $113,500•Onsite

About The Position

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. We are seeking an innovative and hands-on R&D Engineer to join our Adaptive Structures team. In this role, you will design, prototype, and rigorously test next-generation deployable structures. From origami-inspired RF reflectors and solar arrays to self-erecting shelters, you will bridge the gap between theoretical kinematics and physical reality, creating mechanisms that pack small and perform big.

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 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.
U.S. Citizenship required

Nice To Haves

Expertise in additive manufacturing, composite layup techniques, and computational modeling
Experience with adaptive structures
Experience with prototype formation

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.