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Technical Operations Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

Veros Technologies, LLC

Data Scientist

Reston, VA · On-site

... and technical operations consulting services to enable Intelligence Community programs and ... In the Data Scientist role, you will work in a dynamic environment and leverage your experience ...

Veros Technologies, LLC

Data Scientist

Reston, VA · On-site

... and technical operations consulting services to enable Intelligence Community programs and ... In the Data Scientist role, you will work in a dynamic environment and leverage your experience ...

NewGen

Cloud Operations Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

This position requires strong leadership, technical acumen, and the ability to coordinate cross ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or High School ...

KBR

Technical Targeter

Dulles, VA · On-site

$195K - $238K/yr

Technical Targeter Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides ... KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management ...

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All JobsTechnical Operations Scientist JobsTechnical Operations Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

Technical Operations Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$52.5K

$115.8K

$143K

How much do technical operations scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 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 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 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 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 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 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
Senior Director, Manufacturing Science and Technology, Cell Therapy Technical Operations

Senior Director, Manufacturing Science and Technology, Cell Therapy Technical Operations

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 73 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

AstraZeneca is seeking a Senior Director of Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) to serve as senior-technical leader for the end-to-end Cell Therapy manufacturing across a global network of AstraZeneca's manufacturing sites. You will be responsible for the technical oversight of cell therapy manufacturing processes from at-scale process validation through commercialization and life cycle management of cell therapy products manufactured at internal and external sites. This is a leadership position responsible for developing and managing a team.
Your group will own the cell therapy manufacturing lifecycle from tech transfer of the pivotal manufacturing process to the process validation, commercialization, and post-approval process improvements partnering with Late-stage Process Development, site Manufacturing Science and Technology, and Manufacturing Operations teams.
Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & Strategy
  • Define and execute the Global MSAT function strategy aligned with Cell Therapy Technical Operations to enable development and supply objectives across clinical and commercial stages.
  • Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing Global MSAT team with deep expertise in cell therapy technical development and operations.
  • Serve as a core member of the CMC lifecycle management team, contributing to long-range supply planning, risk mitigation, and operational excellence.
  • Develop technical standards and templates for the process validation and market approval workflow including, authoring of validation master plan, validation protocols, validation and manufacturing campaign summary reports.

Development and Manufacturing Interface
  • Represent Global MSAT in the technology transfer and process characterization teams to ensure successful commercialization of cell therapy products
  • Represent Manufacturing Operations in the CMC team, ensuring high-quality and timely program deliverables (clinical & commercial supply, site approvals)
  • Develop PPQ readiness and PPQ execution technical framework for the site MSAT team and oversee execution at the manufacturing sites
  • Develop and implement Proactive Process Analysis (PPA) and Continued Process Verification (CPV) strategies across manufacturing sites to ensure continued process understanding and process control across all manufacturing sites

Lifecycle Management
  • Provide technical oversight across cell therapy manufacturing lifecycle - from pivotal manufacturing readiness to commercial and post-approval.
  • Develop and manage post-approval process optimization initiatives, comparability strategies, ensuring scientific rigor and managing regulatory risks.
  • Identify and implement process improvements that improve process robustness, cost of goods, plant throughput, and supply continuity.
  • Proactively identify and mitigate technical and operational risks; drive lessons-learned cycles and standardization across sites and teams.

Regulatory & Quality Support
  • Serve as the senior accountable MSAT leader for regulatory submissions - Pivotal INDa, BLA, MAA, and supplements - authoring and approving CMC sections with high efficiency and optimal content.
  • Lead MSAT preparedness and technical support for health authority inspections and audits.
  • Partner with quality and regulatory to maintain full compliance with cGMP, ICH guidelines, and global regulatory expectations.
  • Develop and defend sound scientific justifications for the integrated control strategy, and lifecycle changes.
  • Lead global Change Controls and ensure timely implementation and compliance working with site MSAT team

Cross-Functional Partnerships:
You will work in close partnership with:
  • Quality - ensuring process compliance and product quality standards
  • CMC Regulatory - aligning on submission strategy and regulatory positioning
  • Supply Chain - informing long-range supply planning and risk mitigation
  • CMC Leadership - providing MSAT input for late-stage development and commercial readiness
  • Governance - participate in Change Controls and Technical Governance Committees

Qualifications:
Education
  • B.S or M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, or a closely related discipline. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience
  • 12+ years of progressive experience for cell therapy/biologics/vaccines modalities in technical development, manufacturing operation, CMC leadership or CMO management areas.
  • Technical expertise in cell therapy manufacturing processes and technologies is highly desirable. Experience in the biologics or viral vectors or vaccines will be considered.
  • Extensive background in GMP manufacturing operations, process validation, PPQ, CPV, and regulatory submission preparation.
  • Proven record of building, leading, and mentoring high-performing technical and cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrated success authoring and defending CMC sections for major regulatory filings (INDa, BLA, MAA) and leading health authority inspections.

Leadership Competencies
  • Strategic thinker with the discipline and execution focus to translate vision into operational results.
  • Skilled at leading through influence - particularly in remote and matrixed environments.
  • Executive-level communication skills; equally effective with scientific peers, manufacturing partners, regulatory agencies, and senior leadership.
  • High standards of quality, accountability, and urgency - with the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced cell & gene therapy field.
  • Collaborative, team-oriented approach balanced with the decisiveness required of a senior technical authority.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $216,996.00 - 325,494.00. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related experience. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and we reserve the right to modify base salary (and any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
Date Posted
25-Jun-2026
Closing Date
16-Jul-2026
Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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