Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Role Overview
The primary responsibility of this role is to prepare, operate, and maintain equipment for manufacturing a range of custom bioproducts. Working alongside senior specialists, scientists, and engineers, the associate scientist will help transition bioproducts from bench-scale laboratory workflows into pilot-scale industrial operations.
Core Responsibilities
Operate microbial fermenters at the 0.25-liter, 10-liter, and 100-liter scales for research trials and pilot biomanufacturing runs.
Execute downstream processing unit operations, including cell lysis, biomass recovery, separation, and biomolecular purification.
Operate and maintain pilot-scale equipment such as steam-in-place fermenters, continuous flow centrifuges, high-pressure homogenizers, tangential flow filtration units, depth filtration stacks, and console lyophilizers.
Support lab operations through tasks like solution preparation, glassware washing, and sterilization.
Ensure equipment is ready for use by performing startup, commissioning, routine cleaning, maintenance, and minor facility repairs.
Collaborate with scientists and engineers on process optimization and bioproduct characterization using analytical tools such as mass spectrometry, HPLC/FPLC, gel electrophoresis, and electron microscopy.
Draft, revise, and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and product-specific protocols. Maintain strict adherence to protocols.
Support facility business functions, including consumable supply ordering, shipping, and inventory tracking.
Present findings and work progress at internal and external scientific meetings and conferences.
Document processes using standard batch records.
Required Qualifications
This position is working within a government facility and requires U.S. Citizenship
Associate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., biomanufacturing, microbiology, chemical engineering, or bioengineering).
1+ years of experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting food or bioprocessing equipment.
Hands-on experience with microbial fermentation and protein purification at the laboratory scale.
Comfort and capability working with industrial equipment in an industrial setting.
Strong understanding of research methodology, principles, and data interpretation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Proficiency with standard word processing and spreadsheet software.
Desired Qualifications
2+ years of pilot-scale or production facility experience in food or biomanufacturing.
Direct experience with industrial fermentation, bioproduction, and spray-drying.
Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE), process optimization, and bioproduct characterization tools.
Physical & Environmental Demands
Ability to comfortably lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to stand for extended periods, climb, and interact with equipment at various heights.
Ability to work safely in hot, cold, or wet environments, and in close proximity to heated equipment.
Capacity to safely handle, store, and dispose of industrial chemicals and solvents in volumes up to 10 liters.
Ability to consistently wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended durations during processing runs.
Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Occasional nights, weekends, or extended hours as operational needs require (very rarely).
Clearance Level
No Clearance
The salary range for this role is:
$69,500 - $106,000
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
