Production Operator

Job Title: Production OperatorJob Description

The Production Operator mixes chemicals and operates encapsulation equipment to support particulate-level coating of pharmaceutical and food powders in a regulated production environment. This role involves setting up and running fluid bed units, accurately measuring and weighing raw materials, monitoring process parameters, and thoroughly documenting each production run in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and standard operating procedures (SOPs). The Production Operator also disassembles and cleans equipment and production suites between campaigns to maintain a cleanroom environment and prevent cross-contamination.

Responsibilities

• Set up the encapsulation fluid bed unit, including assembling the pump system, identifying and correctly installing all parts, and preparing equipment according to detailed SOPs.

• Run production equipment and units after training, ensuring safe, consistent, and efficient operation throughout each production campaign.

• Measure, weigh, and mix chemicals and raw materials accurately, using decimals and calculations to prepare batches in line with batch records and process instructions.

• Handle and process 55-pound bags of raw material and move up to 175-pound drums of raw material by pushing or pulling, using team lifting when appropriate.

• Monitor production parameters on the computer during runs, including temperature, mixing speed, pump performance, and other critical process readings.

• Document production runs thoroughly by recording time stamps, weight checks, temperature readings, mixing speeds, and other required data in batch records and logs.

• Follow GMP regulations and SOPs at all times to ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and consistent production standards.

• Disassemble equipment and units after production is complete, preparing them for cleaning and inspection.

• Clean and sanitize the production suite and equipment after each production run or campaign, including power washing and sanitizing all necessary surfaces and components.

• Work in separate production suites to prevent cross-contamination, following all cleanroom protocols and gowning procedures.

• Climb multiple flights of stairs within three-story production suites during production activities as required by the process layout.

• Collaborate with team members during training and daily operations, following guidance from trainers and supervisors to continually improve process understanding and performance.

• Maintain high attention to detail by verifying measurements, documentation entries, and equipment settings to minimize errors and ensure accurate records.

• Demonstrate reliability by maintaining consistent attendance and work performance in line with operational needs and production schedules.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience working in a GMP environment or in a food or pharmaceutical production environment where chemicals are mixed and SOPs are followed.

• At least 1 year of experience documenting production runs and following batch records, including recording weights, temperature checks, and mixing speeds.

• Proficiency in basic math, including working with decimals, to calculate and adjust chemical additions and batch quantities accurately.

• Experience mixing chemicals in a production, pharmaceutical, or food industry setting.

• Ability to follow detailed SOPs and GMP requirements consistently throughout production and documentation activities.

• High attention to detail, demonstrated through accurate measurements, careful documentation, and adherence to procedures.

• High school diploma or equivalent education.

• Demonstrated reliability, with a stable work history and consistent attendance verified through references.

• Ability to lift 55-pound bags of raw materials and push or pull drums weighing up to 175 pounds, with team lifting as needed.

• Comfort working with hazardous chemicals, including narcotics and other pharmaceutical compounds, while following safety and handling protocols.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience as a compounder or production operator in a chemical, pharmaceutical, or food production environment.

• Experience working in a cleanroom environment with strict contamination control procedures.

• Familiarity with using computer systems to monitor production processes, including tracking temperature, mixing speed, and pump performance.

• Ability to work effectively on different shifts, including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts, and to complete 3-4 months of training on 1st shift before transitioning.

• Willingness to perform extensive cleaning, including disassembly, power washing, and sanitizing of equipment and production suites.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple production steps, documentation requirements, and cleaning tasks within defined timelines.

Work Environment

The Production Operator works in a cleanroom setting designed for particulate-level coating of pharmaceutical and food powders. Operators work in separate, three-story production suites to prevent cross-contamination, and they regularly climb two flights of stairs during production activities. The role involves working around hazardous chemicals, including narcotics and other pharmaceutical compounds, with strict adherence to safety, handling, and contamination control procedures. Operators wear lab coats, hairnets, and booties over their shoes, and they must keep a dedicated pair of shoes at the facility for use there only; uniforms are provided. The environment includes frequent cleaning, with suites and equipment power washed and sanitized between production campaigns. Work is full-time with multiple shift options: 1st shift runs from 7:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday; 2nd shift runs from 3:00 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. Monday through Friday with a 6% shift differential; and 3rd shift runs from 11:00 p.m. to 7:15 a.m. Sunday through Thursday with a 10% shift differential. Training typically takes place on 1st shift for about 3-4 months before transitioning to 2nd or 3rd shift. The position offers a minimum starting wage with pay based on experience, shift differentials for 2nd and 3rd shifts, and a bonus structure that provides a total of $2,000 over the first 12 months of employment. Full-time employees accrue up to 17 days (136 hours) of paid time off in their first year, increasing to 22 days (176 hours) after the first 12 months, with PTO rolling over year to year and available for use as soon as it is accrued, subject to supervisor approval.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

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.