Laboratory Operations Coordinator

AeroVironment•Bath Township, OH

10d•$51,500 - $78,500•Onsite

About The Position

AeroVironment is seeking a Laboratory Operations Coordinator to join its Biological Materials and Processing Research Team at its Dayton, Ohio facility. The role supports the setup of new lab facilities and implementation of established workflows and lab-management procedures. Other work includes coordinating equipment maintenance, safety and compliance activities, procurement, inventory and logistics, and day-to-day facility operations. This salaried position works Monday through Friday during regular business hours, with occasional off-hours availability to respond to emergencies. The successful candidate is organized, can work independently on routine tasks while following established procedures, and can adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The coordinator will support scientists working on a variety of research projects. Most tasks take place in an office and laboratory environment. The role involves working with or around chemical, physical, and electrical hazards; sitting and standing for extended periods; and independently lifting, carrying, and moving objects up to 50 pounds. Heavier equipment or supplies must be moved using appropriate material-handling equipment or team lifting. Manual dexterity is needed to use computers, handle delicate laboratory equipment, and operate hand tools for light maintenance. The position requires access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR requirements. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under those regulations or be eligible for an export license; some positions may require current U.S. citizenship. The posting states that U.S. citizenship is required.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in a relevant technical, scientific, or operations/logistics field, or at least 3 years of work experience in lab operations, logistics, or lab management.
Basic knowledge of or familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, hazardous material handling, and occupational safety regulations.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and accuracy in tracking records, documentation, and maintenance schedules.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to interact professionally with scientists, engineers, facilities staff, and vendors.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to quickly learn web-based equipment-tracking databases and procurement systems.
Ability to work with or around chemical, physical, and electrical hazards.
Ability to sit and stand for long periods.
Ability to independently lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and to move heavier items using proper material-handling equipment or team lifting.
Manual dexterity to operate computers, handle delicate laboratory equipment, and use hand tools for light maintenance.
U.S. citizenship is required, as stated in the posting.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with molecular biology and biochemistry research workflows.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and a track record of bridging communication gaps.
Self-motivation and initiative to identify and communicate supply-chain bottlenecks, equipment maintenance needs, and facility issues before they disrupt research.
A tactful approach to following and reinforcing safety protocols, lab organization standards, and compliance rules while maintaining positive working relationships.
Flexibility to adjust daily priorities quickly in a dynamic defense R&D setting with evolving requirements.

Responsibilities

Maintain inventory records, monitor supply levels, and initiate reorder requests using established systems.
Support setup and physical installation of new laboratory equipment, coordinating with contractors and facilities personnel on required utilities.
Support laboratory purchasing by obtaining vendor quotes, preparing documentation, submitting requisitions, coordinating delivery, and receiving or returning equipment and supplies.
Coordinate scheduled preventative maintenance and perform routine cleaning of laboratory equipment according to established procedures.
Assist with initial laboratory safety and basic instrument orientation for new users using approved procedures and training materials.
Prepare, package, track, and process shipments of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in compliance with established procedures and regulatory guidelines.
Coordinate with internal colleagues, government researchers, facilities staff, base logistics, and corporate purchasing teams to support laboratory operations and resolve routine issues.