Pharmaceutical Packaging Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Packaging Machine Operators Needed in West Caldwell, NJ on All 3 Shifts!

Position: Machine Operator

Shift:

1st: 6am-2:30pm (Monday-Friday)

2nd: 2pm-10:30pm (Monday-Friday)

3rd: 10pm-6:30am (Sunday Night - Friday morning)

Location: West Caldwell, NJ

Pay: $22-$24/hour ; Overtime: $33-$36/hour

Job Description

The Packaging Operator plays a key role in pharmaceutical manufacturing by operating vial filling, fabrication, and secondary packaging equipment in a cleanroom environment. This role focuses on accurate and efficient packaging, strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and meticulous documentation to ensure product quality and compliance. The position requires hands-on work with packaging lines, labeling, inspection, and general production activities.

Responsibilities

• Operate vial filling machines, fabrication machines, and secondary packaging equipment, including labeling systems and semi-automatic packaging equipment, in accordance with GMP and standard operating procedures.
• Clean, set up, and prepare manufacturing and packaging equipment prior to production runs to ensure proper operation and product safety.
• Verify that all calibration stickers on equipment are current and accurate before use.
• Record all required information in appropriate logbooks and batch records in a clear, accurate, and timely manner.
• Palletize completed work and transport finished product to the warehouse as needed, following established handling procedures.
• Complete downtime logs accurately and contemporaneously, documenting reasons for delays or stoppages and actions taken.
• Meet established scrap rate goals by following procedures, monitoring equipment performance, and handling materials carefully.
• Communicate effectively with IPC Operators and relevant team members regarding quality concerns, component issues, and machine performance.
• Ensure that all reconciled labeling materials, including pouch stock, inserts, shipper labels, and waste, are properly accounted for and documented.
• Report and communicate mechanical issues, production status, and other relevant information to incoming and outgoing shifts to support smooth handovers.
• Apply knowledge of all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) in daily activities and ensure practical, compliant execution of tasks.
• Perform visual inspection of products and packaging to identify defects or nonconformities and take appropriate corrective actions.
• Use basic tools and equipment to make minor adjustments or perform routine tasks on the packaging line as required.
• Follow gowning procedures and other cleanroom protocols to maintain a controlled and compliant manufacturing environment.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of pharmaceutical packaging experience, including work on packaging lines and in GMP-regulated environments.
• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Demonstrated ability to operate vial filling machines, fabrication machines, and secondary packaging equipment, including labeling and semi-automatic packaging systems.
• Experience working in a cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge and practical application of relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Basic reading, writing, and verbal communication skills to follow instructions and complete documentation accurately.
• Basic mathematical skills for counting, reconciliation, and recording production data.
• Basic proficiency in using tools and equipment for routine tasks and minor adjustments on the production line.
• Good manual dexterity to handle small components and packaging materials safely and efficiently.
• Strong visual acuity to perform inspections and identify quality issues.
• Ability to lift or move 25 to 49 pounds as part of regular job duties.
• Ability to gown appropriately for manufacturing and adhere to cleanroom requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with general production and packing activities in a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with GMP documentation practices, including batch records, logbooks, and downtime logs.
• Comfort working on pharmaceutical packaging lines, including labeling, inspection, and reconciliation of packaging materials.
• Attention to detail and strong focus on accuracy in both production tasks and documentation.
• Ability to work effectively on a second-shift schedule and coordinate information across multiple shifts.
• Reliability and consistency in meeting production goals and scrap rate targets.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Caldwell, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Caldwell,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.