Fermentation Laboratory Technician

AeroVironment•Dayton, OH

6d•$25 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

AeroVironment Inc. is seeking a Fermentation Laboratory Technician to join the Biological & Nano Scale Team in Dayton, Ohio. The role works closely with the Technical Lead to support biomanufacturing activities, process development, and related work using laboratory and industrial equipment. The work contributes to developing and executing biomanufacturing processes and producing biologically derived components of commercial and military value. The technician applies 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. Work is primarily performed in a chemical and biological laboratory and an industrial or manufacturing environment. The position may involve chemical, physical, and electrical hazards, and requires lifting up to 50 pounds and performing physical activities needed to operate and maintain equipment. Work is primarily Monday through Friday during regular business hours, with some evening and weekend work required, up to but not exceeding two weekends per month. Occasional travel between AeroVironment facilities may be required. Applicants must meet applicable ITAR/EAR requirements as a U.S. person or be eligible for an export license; the posting also states that U.S. citizenship is required. The stated salary range is $25–$38. AeroVironment offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in life sciences or a related engineering field, or four years of relevant hands-on experience 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 documenting laboratory activities, communicating technical observations, and explaining technical information clearly and effectively.
Ability to execute assigned tasks independently in accordance with established processes and protocols.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations using a calculator and complete unit conversions.
Ability to follow laboratory safety requirements and established procedures for handling biological and chemical materials.
Ability to problem-solve atypical or infrequent situations.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand, sit, kneel, and perform other physical activities necessary to operate and maintain laboratory and process equipment.
Compliance with applicable laboratory safety procedures, personal protective equipment requirements, and site-specific health and safety practices.
Must meet ITAR/EAR requirements as a U.S. person or be eligible for an export license; the posting states U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

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 bioprocess kinetic and metabolic indicators, including 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.

Responsibilities

Provide general laboratory support, including housekeeping, organization, and maintaining 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 according to 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.
Recognize deviations from established procedures and communicate issues to the Technical Lead.
Perform work with limited or little oversight or supervision.