Operations Technician

Job Description For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way. Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do. 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. Position Description This mid-shift Technician position is available within the SUB (single-use bioreactor)-processing Department at our company's Animal Health facility in De Soto, Kansas, located near Kansas City metropolitan area. The DeSoto facility is expanding operations to manufacturing vaccines and biologics for large and companion animals. Leveraging an experienced and innovative team environment, the key technologies at the site are biologics production using fermentation and cell culture platforms, filling and packaging. The De Soto facility is part of our company's Animal Health Manufacturing Division network and is a key contributor to the manufacturing of animal health products. Working as a Technician in the SUB (single-use bioreactor)-processing team you will learn the manufacturing processes associated with the large-scale manufacture of M.Hyo antigen as well as be expected to be able to contribute to the daily completion and schedule adherence of other production activities within the team. The antigen manufacturing operation is made up of teams that carry out the production activities for the preparation and sterilization of equipment, preparation and sterilization of media components, fermentation of bacterial antigens, downstream processing of bacterial antigens and serial batching of antigens to blend the final vaccines prior to sterile filling. This department is responsible for the end-to-end production of an antigen at De Soto, which is a key component of swine vaccines manufactured at the site. Primary tasks for the team will include fermentation activities from breakout to large scale fermentation, set up and operation of SUBs and neutralization vessels and downstream processing of the antigen using ultrafiltration methods. This position requires someone who can demonstrate good attention to detail and achieve a consistent error-free execution of daily job responsibilities, be able to complete documentation using Good Documentation Practices and be able to identify opportunities for process improvement and employ basic problem-solving skills. Education: High school diploma or GED required Associate or Bachelor's degree within a science discipline or equivalent preferred Required Experience and Skills: Proficient oral and written communication skills. Able to follow/comply with Manufacturing Directions, Standard Operating Procedures, Company/Corporate/Regulatory Policies. Can demonstrate basic skills in effective time management to meet given deadlines. Can demonstrate the ability to perform basic laboratory procedures. Can demonstrate the ability to work effectively with team members and show initiative to support others on the team when needed. Proficient computer skills including MS Word and MS Excel. Preferred Experience and Skills: Experience working in a manufacturing environment. Experience working with cell culture techniques or protein separation. A good understanding of aseptic processes used in manufacturing. Experience using quality improvement tools and continuous improvement processes and site quality metrics. Experience working with single-use bioreactors and mixers. Shift and Hours Monday to Friday | Mid Shift 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM Occasional weekend work is required. #MSJR The salary range for this role is: $48,600 - $76,600 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: Analytical Problem Solving, Analytical Problem Solving, Biological Manufacturing, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Cell Cultures, Cleanroom Gowning, Computer Literacy, Disease Prevention, Global Manufacturing, GMP Operations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Laboratory Analysis, Laboratory Processes, Laboratory Testing, Machinery Operation, Mammalian Cell Culture, Manufacturing Quality Control, Meeting Deadlines, Packaging Operations, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Primary Cell Culture, Process Improvements, Production Scheduling, Regulatory Policies {+ 2 more} Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. 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: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts 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: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 2nd - Evening Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): n/a Job Posting End Date: 07/17/2026 *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. Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.