Associate Bio Process Operations Technician

Job Description

Position Description

Our Manufacturing Operations teams are the people that make our products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a Safety First, Quality Always" mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local plant connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates and finished products.

The BioProcess Operations Technician is responsible for providing shop floor operations support to the aseptic manufacturing areas of the Rota POD manufacturing facility at the Wilson, NC Site. Responsibilities will include direct operational support for manufacturing and packaging activities including CIP / SIP, aseptic primary filling, inspection, packaging, and other operations activities as needed. This position will also be responsible for performing various supporting roles within the facility such as executing routine room and equipment disinfection and managing the movement of gowning, disinfectants, and materials to support the manufacturing areas. In addition to supporting operations activities, the role will be responsible for ensuring that EHS and GMP compliance is maintained within their area of assignment.

This position will be an individual contributor and member of the Operations team within the integrated process team (IPT). This position is also considered an entry pathway into a sterile fill packaging / production career path.

This position is for 3rd Shift Wilson Rota POD IPT. Hours are Sunday - Thursday 10pm to 6:30am. Current hours for this position are Sunday - Thursday 2pm to 10:30pm and will transition to 3rd shift hours in May 2026.

Primary Responsibilities

Delivery

• Execute manufacturing operations, environmental monitoring, and facility disinfection within the Pod vaccine manufacturing facility
• Set up and operate CIP / SIP, aseptic primary filling, packaging, inspection and additional support equipment within qualified parameters
• Identify potential equipment problems and partner with other Bio Process Maintenance Technicians to ensure appropriate resolution
• Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot process, electronic systems and equipment for routine and basic problems
• Perform other duties as requested by the Operations coach

Compliance

• Responsible for performing work in a safe manner, following identified safety procedures (hazardous work permitting, LOTO, HECPs), and using applicable safety equipment / personnel protective equipment (PPE)
• Execute operations functions in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Complete documentation in batch records, electronic logs, or other systems in accordance with site procedure
• Maintain good housekeeping and 5S in assigned work area
• Adhere to the highest level of data integrity while performing duties
• Identify potential quality or safety issues. Escalate as per IPT management processes and assist in the investigation, root cause determination, and CAPA implementation

Cost

• Ensure that startup activities for area of assignment are executed such that project deliverables and timelines are met
• Closely monitor team / process performance and improve reliability through problem solving and continuous improvement
• Set up and operate equipment in alignment with established training and procedures to ensure reliable operation with minimal delays or discards
• Identify and help implement continuous improvement and productivity enhancements within the IPT

Team

• Partner with Technicians and cross-functional support groups for assigned area to maintain an inclusive and positive work environment
• Demonstrate a high degree of maturity and personal integrity. Strictly adhere to all site policies on personal conduct and attendance
• Train, develop, and mentor other team members to share experience and best practices
• Pursue knowledge and skills in assigned area from an operations perspective and share that information readily with team
• Maintain a culture of continuous improvement / MPS focused on standard work, making problems visible, minimizing waste, reducing process variability, and problem solving
• Routinely demonstrates leadership and conflict-resolution ability. Demonstrates a willingness to provide and receive constructive feedback in 360° performance review

Education Minimum Requirement

High School diploma or equivalent and previous experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and/or repairing industrial equipment is preferred | Associates degree in Business, Science, or Technology-based field and/or bio-pharma focused certificates such as Bioworks preferred

Required Experience and Skills

• Previous experience in a GMP environment (working in an FDA regulated industry is preferred)
• Must be able to successfully pass aseptic gowning qualification. Aseptic gowning requires that all skin and hair be covered through wearing the following: Beard/mustache cover, hair net, hood and face mask, goggles, jumpsuit, gloves, and boots.
• Must be willing and able to lift 50 lbs, bend, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb ladders, and wear a respirator
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to demonstrate basic computer literacy (internet browsers, e-mail, word processing, machine interfaces, etc.)
• Interpersonal skills with ability to influence and support others through a culture of inclusion, feedback, and empowerment
• Leadership ability, peer training experience, and/or productivity improvement activities strongly preferred.
• Must be able to successfully pass aseptic gowning qualification. Aseptic gowning requires that all skin and hair be covered through wearing the following: Beard/mustache cover, hair net, hood and face mask, goggles, jumpsuit, gloves, and boots.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Aseptic filling, visual inspection systems, CIP / SIP systems, packaging equipment and similar aseptic formulation and filling operations
• Working in a regulated environment (FDA, etc.) and basic knowledge of cGMPs as they apply to the pharmaceutical industry
• Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Problem Solving, and/or Right First-Time methodologies
• SAP /MES /electronic log book basic knowledge from a production execution perspective
• Ability and drive to work autonomously and help organize priorities and work with other team members
• Outstanding communication skills both within direct team and across multiple shifts to ensure success of overall team
• Ability to support technical writing of documents such as standard operating procedures (SOPs)

#MSJR

The salary range for this role is:

$42,200 - $66,500

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days

Required Skills:
Accountability, Accountability, Chemical Plant Operations, Cleanroom Gowning, CNC Operations, Computer Literacy, Conventional Machining, Data Integrity, Drilling Machines, Equipment Set Up, Global Manufacturing, GMP Compliance, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Material Selection, Operations Support, Packaging Equipment, Process Improvements, Production Scheduling, Productivity Improvements, Quality Monitoring, Safety Procedures, Shift Work, Shop Floor Management, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) {+ 3 more}

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as remote".

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:
No

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable

Shift:
2nd - Evening

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
N/A

Job Posting End Date:
01/28/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R380821