Biochemistry Laboratory Technician

Worker Type Regular Job Description POSITION OVERVIEW The Biological Materials and Processing Research Team is seeking a Biochemistry Laboratory Technician to help build biological methods for extracting critical minerals. This work will play a key role in developing cutting-edge biotechnologies that generate products of high commercial and national-security value. This role will report to the project’s technical lead and will independently execute established laboratory procedures with limited supervision, Work will involve executing standard molecular biology workflows, preparation of reagents, and performing general lab maintenance. Work will primarily occur Monday-Friday during regular business hours, but some weekend and evening work will be required . The successful candidate will be organized, an independent worker, and willing to learn new skills. The individual will join a group of collaborative scientists and should have strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Independently execute protein expression and purification workflows from microbial hosts using established protocols, applying technical judgment to identify and address routine and less-routine process issues. Perform and document biochemical assays using established methodologies, evaluate results for expected performance, and troubleshoot deviations or unexpected results using established procedures and prior experience. General laboratory support/housekeeping Independently operate , maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment, resolving routine and less-routine issues within established procedures and escalating complex or novel issues as appropriate . Follow employee health and safety requirements Document laboratory activities, experimental results, and observations and manage data storage Independently execute a range of laboratory assignments, including less-routine or atypical work, using established technical processes and prior experience to determine appropriate approaches and troubleshoot issues. Coordinate laboratory activities with scientists and other team members and clearly communicate technical information, results, issues, and dependencies to support project objectives . Serve as an informal technical resource to colleagues with less experience, while escalating complex or novel issues to the technical lead as appropriate . REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS B.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field OR 2–5 years of related laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Demonstrated proficiency in a range of molecular biology, biochemical, or related laboratory processes and procedures Ability to independently execute established laboratory procedures with limited supervision and seek guidance for complex or unfamiliar assignments Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to learn and apply new laboratory systems, equipment, techniques, and procedures Ability to troubleshoot less-routine laboratory issues using established procedures, methodologies, and prior experience Strong time management skills Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and unit conversions PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience producing DNA constructs. Experience expressing and purifying recombinant proteins from microbial hosts. Experience performing biochemical assays. WORKING CONDITIONS Most tasks will occur within a laboratory environment Working with/around hazards: chemical (e.g., oxidizers, caustics, acids and bases), physical (high pressure/ high temperature ), and electrical (high voltage/wattage) Lifting of 50LBS or less No travel required Ability to comfortably stand, sit, or kneel (with a pad) for reasonable periods of time Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $25 - $38 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: . We also encourage you to review our company website at 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