Senior Operations Technician (Fermentation)

MSD • De Soto, KS

1d • $65,100 - $102,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Operations Technician works within the Antigen Manufacturing Team at the company’s Animal Health facility in DeSoto, Kansas, which is part of the global Animal Health Manufacturing Division. The facility manufactures animal health products, including vaccines and biologics for large and companion animals, using fermentation and cell culture platforms. The role contributes to production activities and schedule adherence, working independently and collaboratively with a team while maintaining a Safety First, Quality Always mindset and supporting continuous improvement.

The technician is responsible for large-scale antigen production and processing in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Daily work includes aseptic material handling and culture scale-up; preparing and operating stainless-steel fermenters and processing vessels; and supporting downstream concentration processes using hollow-fiber filters. Duties also include cleaning filters, including sterilization and handling formaldehyde, and completing daily tasks accurately and consistently. The position requires compliance with manufacturing directions, standard operating procedures, and applicable corporate, company, and regulatory policies.

The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, first shift, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The role is a regular employee position. The salary range is $65,100–$102,500, with eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. The company describes benefits including medical, dental, vision, and other insurance for employees and families; retirement benefits including a 401(k); paid holidays; vacation; and compassionate and sick days. No relocation, visa sponsorship, or travel is offered or required, respectively.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to maintain good, concurrent, and complete documentation in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Good work ethic and attendance behavior.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Basic effective time-management skills to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently both independently and with team members.
• Required skills include aseptic operations, biological sciences, GMP, laboratory processes, media preparation, sterile products, and vaccine production.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Work independently and as a team member while demonstrating integrity, precision, accomplishment, motivational ambition, respect, and inclusion.
• Follow manufacturing directions and standard operating procedures, as well as applicable corporate, company, and regulatory policies.
• Produce and process large-scale antigens in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Handle aseptic materials and perform culture scale-up.
• Prepare and operate stainless-steel fermenters and processing vessels.
• Support downstream concentration processing using hollow-fiber filters.
• Clean filters, including sterilization, and handle formaldehyde.
• Execute daily job tasks accurately and consistently, with attention to detail.
• Contribute to daily completion and schedule adherence of production activities.

Benefits

• Medical insurance and other insurance benefits for employees and their families.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Retirement benefits, including a 401(k).
• Paid holidays.
• Vacation.
• Compassionate and sick days.
• Eligible for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED