Senior Operations Technician (Fermentation)

Merck•De Soto, KS

1d•$65,100 - $102,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Operations Technician works on the Antigen Manufacturing Team at the company's Animal Health facility in De Soto, Kansas. The facility manufactures animal health products, including vaccines and biologics for large and companion animals, using fermentation and cell culture platforms. Team members follow a Safety First, Quality Always mindset and contribute to continuous improvement, product quality, daily production activities, and schedule adherence, both independently and as part of a team. The position is responsible for large-scale antigen production and processing in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Daily work includes aseptic material handling, culture scale-up, preparing and operating stainless-steel fermenters and processing vessels, and supporting downstream concentration using hollow fiber filters. Duties also include filter cleaning, sterilization, and handling formaldehyde. Consistent, accurate execution of job tasks and compliance with manufacturing directions, standard operating procedures, and applicable corporate, company, and regulatory policies are required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of experience working in a manufacturing environment.
Ability to document work accurately and completely in accordance with GMP.
Good work ethic and attendance behavior.
Proficient computer skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Basic time-management skills to meet deadlines.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently both individually and with team members.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in a science discipline or equivalent.
Demonstrated experience in a GMP manufacturing environment.
Good comprehension of aseptic procedures.
Experience with single-use gamma-irradiated materials.

Responsibilities

Produce and process antigens at large scale in accordance with GMP.
Handle materials aseptically and perform culture scale-up.
Prepare and operate stainless-steel fermenters and processing vessels.
Support downstream concentration processing using hollow fiber filters.
Clean and sterilize filters and handle formaldehyde.
Follow manufacturing directions, standard operating procedures, and applicable corporate, company, and regulatory policies.
Complete daily tasks accurately and consistently, contributing to production schedules and continuous improvement.
Work independently and collaboratively with integrity, precision, respect, and inclusion.