Biomaterials Student Internship - PhD Student

Worker Type

Job Description

 

This internship focuses on how the nano- and microstructures found in mammalian hair (e.g., Musk ox) and avian feathers (e.g., European Starling) generate complex physical phenomena. By bridging the gap between biological morphology and optical modeling, you will help lay the groundwork for the next generation of bio-inspired structural materials.

Key Responsibilities

As a Research Intern, you will execute a multidisciplinary workflow to "decode" biological structures:

Characterization

Utilize Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to document keratin layer thickness, melanosome distribution, and air pocket morphology.

Spectrophotometry & Polarimetry: Measure reflectance across the UV, Visible, and NIR spectrums to identify iridescence and solar reflectivity properties. Computational Modeling: Use COMSOL or Lumerical to conduct Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) light simulations.

Parameter Sweeps: Experimentally vary structural parameters (aspect ratio, density, spacing) in virtual environments to determine which specific arrangements drive observed biological functions.

Qualifications

US Citizenship Required Academic Status

Currently enrolled in a PhD program in related STEM field

Technical Skills

Experience with advanced microscopy (SEM/TEM).

Familiarity with optical modeling software (COMSOL, Lumerical, or similar FDTD tools).

Knowledge of spectrometry and/or polarimetry is a plus.

Mindset:

A strong interest in biomimicry—the ability to translate "design rules" from the natural world into human-engineered solutions.

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 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