Graduate Student Research Assistant- Polymers and Responsive Materials

Posted:
2/24/2026, 5:40:58 AM

Location(s):
Ohio, United States

Experience Level(s):
Entry Level/New Grad ⋅ Mid Level

Field(s):
AI & Machine Learning

Worker Type

Regular


Job Description

 

Graduate Student Research Assistant- Adaptive Materials & Structures

AV has an opportunity available for a Graduate Student Research Assistant to support research on adaptive materials and structures at the Materials & Manufacturing Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Dayton, Ohio. The candidate should demonstrate a driven interest in STEM fields, especially through previous and planned course work. Experience with computational modeling, machine learning techniques, and design optimization is highly desired.

Requirements:
- This position involves working within a government facility and requires US citizenship
- Must be working toward a MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline
-Experience with computational modeling, machine learning techniques, and design optimization preferred

Hourly Rate Range:

$23-$25


Clearance Level

 

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$0 - $0

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

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

AeroVironment

Website: https://www.avinc.com/

Headquarter Location: Monrovia, California, United States

Employee Count: 1001-5000

Year Founded: 1971

IPO Status: Public

Last Funding Type: Post-IPO Equity

Industries: Aerospace ⋅ Air Transportation ⋅ Drones ⋅ Electric Vehicle ⋅ Electronics ⋅ Energy ⋅ Government ⋅ Manufacturing