Machine Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Manufacturing Associate Job Description

The Manufacturing Associate (Production Operator) is responsible for operating pharmaceutical production equipment and performing a wide range of manufacturing activities to produce drug products in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), customer requirements, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This role follows established procedures to complete tasks that may vary in scope and complexity, applies technical skills to recognize issues, and actively contributes to improving efficiency, throughput, and product quality. The Manufacturing Associate runs processes to meet defined standards and production schedules, participates in debriefs when targets are not met, assists in troubleshooting process issues, and ensures all work is executed safely and accurately.

• Operate pharmaceutical production machinery in accordance with SOPs, including weighing, blending, dispensing, mixing, pellet coating, granulating, drying, milling, compressing, encapsulating, and coating, including work with potent compounds.
• Follow written SOPs and cGMP guidelines to ensure the purity and quality of materials throughout the manufacturing process.
• Use all scales correctly, including performing printouts, zeroing, setting tares, and conducting daily calibration verification as required by SOPs.
• Examine Product ID labels, Quality Control release tags, and Batch Production Records to verify that issued and staged raw materials are approved and suitable for production.
• Clean manufacturing equipment, production areas, and related facilities according to established SOPs to maintain a controlled and compliant environment.
• Execute machine changeovers between batches, ensuring proper setup, cleaning, and configuration for the next production run.
• Sample batches for quality testing when required and perform in-process product quality checks, documenting results accurately and promptly.
• Run manufacturing processes to meet assigned schedules, standards, and routers, and participate in debriefs to analyze and correct issues when targets are not achieved.
• Complete all documentation associated with manufacturing processes, including batch records, protocols, and logbooks, with a high level of detail, accuracy, and legibility.
• Meet documentation requirements for all applicable Batch Production pages, ensuring completion and attachment of dispensary and weight verification tickets.
• Verify manufacturing process steps on Batch Production Records (BPR) in an accurate and timely manner to support product traceability and compliance.
• Provide status updates on production progress and operational challenges using status boards and other communication tools.
• Assist in troubleshooting process and equipment issues to support continuous improvement and minimize downtime.
• Perform visual inspections of equipment, materials, and product as part of general production and quality control activities.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and guidelines to ensure safe and efficient execution of job duties in a GMP cleanroom environment.

• Hands-on experience with production and general manufacturing operations in a regulated environment.
• Ability to operate pharmaceutical production machinery, including equipment used for weighing, blending, dispensing, mixing, pellet coating, granulating, drying, milling, compressing, encapsulating, and coating.
• Knowledge of and adherence to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Proficiency in using measuring equipment and scales, including zeroing, setting tares, and performing daily calibration verification.
• Capability to work in a cleanroom and GMP facility while following all required procedures and controls.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in completing batch records, protocols, logbooks, and other manufacturing documentation.
• Ability to perform in-process quality checks, inspections, and sampling and to document results clearly.
• Skill in reading and interpreting Product ID labels, Quality Control release tags, and Batch Production Records.
• Problem-solving skills to recognize process issues and participate in troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
• Ability to follow structured procedures while managing tasks that vary in scope, sequence, complexity, and timing.
• Effective communication skills to provide status updates and share operational challenges with the team.

• Experience working with potent pharmaceutical compounds in a production environment.
• Familiarity with machine changeovers between batches and related cleaning and setup activities.
• Comfort working with cleanroom protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to work with inspection processes and visual quality checks.
• Understanding of routers, production standards, and scheduling in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience documenting manufacturing activities in Batch Production Records and related logs within a GMP facility.

Join a highly regulated, quality-focused pharmaceutical manufacturing environment where safety, compliance, and continuous improvement are central to daily operations. You will work within a structured framework of cGMP and SOPs that supports professional growth, skill development, and a strong culture of teamwork and accountability. The environment emphasizes precision, collaboration, and learning from each production cycle to improve processes and outcomes, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to the reliable production of important drug products.

This role is based in a GMP-compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing facility with a cleanroom environment. Team members work around production machinery and measuring equipment while following strict cGMP and SOP guidelines. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and must be worn in accordance with cleanroom and safety protocols. The work involves standing, moving between equipment and production areas, and performing tasks that demand attention to detail and adherence to controlled procedures. The environment is structured, process-driven, and focused on maintaining cleanliness, safety, and product quality throughout all manufacturing activities.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chantilly, VA.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $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 Contract to Hire position based out of Chantilly, VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Chantilly,VA.

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.