AV Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and talented Computer Scientist to join our team in support of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), specifically the Biomaterials Branch. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge defense research by developing and maintaining innovative computational solutions.
About the Role
As a Computer Scientist, you will play a crucial role in enabling scientific research by applying your skills in modern computing environments. You will be instrumental in developing the tools and infrastructure necessary for researchers to process, analyze, and model complex biomaterials data.
Key Responsibilities
Software and Code Development: Design, develop, test, and deploy software and scripts to support artificial-intelligence driven data analysis, agent-based environments and process automation.
Utilize large language models and assess their utility towards scientific computing.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Cloud Environments: Work within remote HPC clusters and cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) to optimize and execute large-scale computational tasks.
Successfully manage and make consistent progress on multiple concurrent projects, demonstrating strong organizational and prioritization skills.
Work closely with AFRL scientists and engineers to understand their computational needs and translate them into robust, efficient software solutions.
Assist with the maintenance, configuration, and troubleshooting of computational resources and software dependencies.
Required Qualifications
US Citizen
Education: MSc in Computer Science, Computational Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a closely related field or Bachelor’s degree with 4 years of experience.
Technical Skills:
Fluency in high-level programming languages (e.g., Python is highly preferred, Rust, Go are desirable).
Familiarity with working in a Linux/UNIX command-line environment.
Experience with prompt/context engineering and development of AI agents.
Understanding of version control (e.g., Git).
Proven ability to manage time effectively and handle a diverse workload of projects simultaneously.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desired (But Not Required) Skills
Experience with molecular dynamic simulation modeling
Experience with physics-based computational modeling
Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Apptainer).
Experience with parallel programming (e.g., MPI, OpenMP).
Agentic software experience (N8N).
Exposure to cloud service architectures and resource provisioning.
Prior experience in a production computing environment.

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 youre 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