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Technical Operations Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

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Technical Operations Officer SME

Sterling, VA

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability ... CompTIA Security+, CISSP) Bachelor's degree in a technical field (e.g. computer science, electrical ...

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Technical Operations Scientist information

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$52.5K

$115.8K

$143K

How much do technical operations scientist jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical operations scientist in Reston, VA is $115,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,300.00 and $142,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Technical Operations Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Technical Operations Scientist, you need a strong background in life sciences or engineering, analytical problem-solving abilities, and relevant industry experience, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), process validation, and quality control tools is typically required, along with knowledge of regulatory standards such as GMP. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help you collaborate effectively and troubleshoot complex operational issues. These competencies ensure processes run smoothly, products meet quality standards, and regulatory compliance is maintained in a high-stakes technical environment.

What are some typical challenges Technical Operations Scientists face when transitioning from research-focused roles?

Technical Operations Scientists often encounter challenges when shifting from research to operations, such as adapting to a faster-paced environment with strict timelines and regulatory requirements. Unlike pure research roles, this position emphasizes process optimization, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, quality assurance, and engineering teams. Success often depends on strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly resolve issues to maintain seamless production. Embracing these new responsibilities can offer valuable career growth and exposure to large-scale product development.

What are Technical Operations Scientists?

Technical Operations Scientists are professionals who bridge the gap between scientific research and operational processes in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or manufacturing. They focus on ensuring that scientific procedures are efficiently translated into scalable production systems, maintaining product quality and compliance. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting process issues, optimizing workflows, supporting technology transfer, and liaising between research, development, and production teams. This role is critical for maintaining seamless operations and supporting continuous improvement in technical environments.

What is the difference between Technical Operations Scientist vs Laboratory Scientist?

AspectTechnical Operations ScientistLaboratory Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, Chemistry, or related fields; often requires technical certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Life Sciences, Chemistry, or related fields; certifications vary by specialization
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, biotech companies, or research labs focusing on process optimization and technical supportResearch labs, clinical labs, or academic settings conducting experiments and analyses
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries; involved in technical operations and process troubleshootingAcademic, clinical, or research institutions; focused on experimental work and data collection

The Technical Operations Scientist and Laboratory Scientist roles share educational backgrounds and work in scientific environments. However, the Technical Operations Scientist emphasizes process support, technical troubleshooting, and manufacturing operations, while the Laboratory Scientist focuses on experimental research and data analysis. Both roles are essential in biotech and pharma industries but serve different functions within the research and production pipeline.

What are popular job titles related to Technical Operations Scientist jobs in Reston, VA? For Technical Operations Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Technical Operations Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Technical Operations Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Technical Operations Scientist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Technical Operations Scientist job openings:
Technical Operations Scientist jobs near you
STO Analyst (Special Technical Operations)

STO Analyst (Special Technical Operations)

KBR, Inc.

Springfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

KBR rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 351 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
STO Analyst (Special Technical Operations)
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

This is a contingent position based upon contract award
KBR is seeking a Special Technical Operations (STO) Analyst to support classified national security space operations by executing mission-critical, compartmented activities in support of our customers' operational and planning objectives.
This role focuses on producing accurate, timely reporting and operational products that inform decision-makers across the customer enterprise. The analyst coordinates with mission operations centers and Intelligence Community partners to support planning, assessments, and integration of space capabilities. The position contributes operational insight and feedback to acquisition and mission partners regarding system performance and mission impacts.
This role is performed full-time on site at a government facility in Springfield, Virginia, and is contingent upon contract award.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Execute day-to-day compartmented STO activities in support of national security space operations
  • Develop, validate, and disseminate operational reports, briefings, and mission products to internal and external stakeholders
  • Support planning and deconfliction of mission operations with Intelligence Community operations centers
  • Assist in the administration and compliance of Alternate Compensatory Control Measures (ACCM) within approved security frameworks
  • Conduct operational assessments to identify system performance issues, operational gaps, and mission risks
  • Provide operational feedback to acquisition and mission partners on requirements, limitations, and mission impacts
  • Support integration of new capabilities, tools, or processes into ongoing STO mission activities
  • Participate in operational exercises, rehearsals, and readiness events as required

Required Qualifications:
  • Intermediate-level experience:
    • Master's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise
    • Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise
    • No degree with 10+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise
  • Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with adjudicated polygraph
  • Experience supporting Special Technical Operations, space operations, or other highly classified national security missions
  • Experience working within the Intelligence Community or Department of Defense operational environments

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting space mission operations, planning activities, or operational assessments
  • Familiarity with ACCM environments and handling of highly controlled classified materials
  • Experience with space system operations, space surveillance missions, or threat assessment related to space or ground systems

Additional Compensation:
KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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