Worker Type

Job Description

 

Fermentation Laboratory Technician

Position Overview

AeroVironment Inc. is seeking a Fermentation Laboratory Technician as a member of the Biological & Nano Scale Team in Dayton, Ohio. This position will work closely with the Technical Lead to support biomanufacturing activities, related process development, and other activities using laboratory and industrial equipment.

This work will contribute to the development and execution of biomanufacturing processes and the production of biologically derived components of commercial and military value. The successful candidate will apply established procedures and technical knowledge to operate, monitor, and maintain fermentation systems; prepare solutions and media; perform laboratory analyses; and document process and laboratory activities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide general laboratory support, including housekeeping, organization, and maintenance of a clean and orderly work environment.
• Maintain and operate fermenters and associated systems in accordance with established processes, protocols, and safety requirements.
• Prepare solutions and media using established protocols, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and proper documentation.
• Operate laboratory analyzers and instrumentation using established protocols and document results accurately.
• Perform aseptic operations involving Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) organisms in accordance with established procedures.
• Document laboratory operations, equipment use, process conditions, observations, and results in accordance with established documentation practices.
• Execute laboratory and biomanufacturing tasks independently using established processes and protocols.
• Operate high-energy equipment in accordance with established processes, protocols, and safety requirements.
• Follow employee health and safety requirements and applicable laboratory procedures.

• Requires the ability to execute assigned tasks independently, recognize deviations from established procedures, and communicate issues to the Technical Lead.
• Perform work with limited or little oversite or supervision.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in life sciences or related engineering field, or four (4) years of relevant hands-on experience working in a chemical or biological research laboratory or an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interpret and follow written and verbal instructions, technical procedures, and established protocols.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document laboratory activities, communicate technical observations, and explain technical information clearly and effectively.
• Ability to execute assigned tasks independently in accordance with established processes and protocols.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, using a calculator, as well as unit conversions.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety requirements and established procedures for handling biological and chemical materials.
• Ability to problem solve situations that are atypical or occur infrequently.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience operating laboratory- or pilot-scale fermentation equipment.
• Proficiency working with process equipment incorporating integrated control systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel, for graphing, data manipulation, and basic data analysis.
• Proficiency measuring and monitoring critical kinetic and metabolic indicators in bioprocesses, such as oxygen uptake rate (OUR), oxygen transfer rate (OTR), carbon dioxide evolution rate (CER), and respiratory quotient (RQ).
• Proficiency maintaining accurate laboratory records and following established quality, safety, and documentation practices.

Work Environment and Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in a chemical and biological laboratory and industrial or manufacturing environment, supporting biomanufacturing, fermentation, and related process development activities.
• The work environment may involve exposure to chemical hazards, including oxidizers, caustics, acids, and bases; physical hazards, including high-pressure and high-temperature equipment; and electrical hazards associated with high-voltage or high-wattage equipment.
• The position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• The position requires the ability to stand, sit, kneel, and perform other physical activities necessary to operate and maintain laboratory and process equipment.
• Work will primarily occur Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Some evening and weekend work will be required, up to but not exceeding two weekends per month, based on operational and biomanufacturing requirements.
• The position may require occasional travel between AeroVironment facilities to support laboratory and biomanufacturing operations.
• Employees must comply with applicable laboratory safety procedures, personal protective equipment requirements, and site-specific health and safety practices.

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