The successful candidate will bridge the gap between high-end instrument operation and active research development, focusing on the characterization of advanced electronic devices and material defects. A key pillar of this role involves leveraging state-of-the-art software to develop automation routines that increase facility throughput and data precision.

Key Responsibilities1. Advanced Electron Microscopy & Spectroscopy

• Expert Operation: Provide primary technical support and high-level operation of Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM/STEM).

• Analytical Spectroscopy: Execute and interpret complex chemical and structural analysis using EDS and EELS.

• Device Characterization: Perform detailed analysis of electronic devices, specifically targeting defect characterization, interfacial phenomena, and dopant/strain mapping.

• FIB Operations: Utilize Focused Ion Beam (FIB) systems for the site-specific preparation of high-quality TEM lamellae.

• Advanced Thinning: Master in-situ lift-out and precision thinning/cleaning protocols to ensure optimal samples for aberration-corrected imaging.

• Routine Development: Develop and deploy custom automation routines using manufacturer APIs and scripting (e.g., Python, DM Script) to streamline data collection.

• Software Integration: Leverage state-of-the-art software suites (e.g., Velox, GMS3) to implement high-throughput workflows.

• Data Pipelines: Establish standardized processing pipelines to handle large datasets generated by high-speed detectors.

• Direct Research Support: Partner with the research team to develop novel analytical techniques tailored to specific materials of interest.

• Methodology Innovation: Transition from executing established protocols to authoring new ones for beam-sensitive or complex heterostructured material

Mentorship & Career Growth

This position is structured to foster long-term professional development. The Staff Scientist will:

• Partner with senior scientists to acquire specialized technical intuition in advanced TEM and aberration-corrected microscopy.

• Be empowered to dedicate time to mastering new hardware, such as in-situ biasing or heating holders.

• Grow into a technical leadership role within the facility, with opportunities for co-authorship on high-impact publications.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Proven experience with TEM/STEM imaging and diffraction.

• Functional knowledge of EDS and EELS data acquisition and quantification.

• Hands-on experience with FIB-based TEM lamella preparation (lift-out).

• Proficiency (or strong aptitude) in Python or similar scripting for data manipulation.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with electronic device failure analysis and defect engineering.

• Familiarity with 4D-STEM or other emerging electron optic modalities.

• Strong communication skills and a desire to work in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment.

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR.  A “U.S. person” according to their 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.

Who We Are

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

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment 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.

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