Thermo Fisher

Sr Technical Operator - Third Shift

Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA Full time

Work Schedule

Third Shift (Nights)

Environmental Conditions

Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Loud Noises (Equipment/Machinery), Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.

Location/Division Specific Information:

CTD partners with pharmaceutical and biotech customers around the world to ensure the right patients get the right therapies in the right doses at the right time – a concept that we internally embrace as “There is a Patient Waiting.” Our unique blend of services includes project management, packaging, distribution, transportation management and specialty logistics, ancillary supply management, clinical supply optimization, bio-repository storage and much more. Our more than 3000 employees in over 15 countries work hard every day knowing that what they do matters.

Position Summary

The Senior Technical Operator is an advanced-level role responsible for operating, troubleshooting, and optimizing high-complexity manufacturing and packaging equipment in a cGMP environment. This position plays a critical role in equipment reliability, production efficiency, and the mentoring of junior operators and technicians.

The Senior Technical Operator serves as a technical expert for production equipment and processes, provides hands-on training, and collaborates with engineering and quality teams to drive process improvements and ensure regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis on high-speed manufacturing, packaging, and supporting equipment.
  • Conduct complex preventative and predictive maintenance tasks, ensuring compliance with manufacturer and internal standards.
  • Lead equipment changeovers and set-ups, optimizing downtime and ensuring accuracy in product configurations.
  • Collaborate with Engineering to recommend and implement process improvements for efficiency, safety, and quality enhancement.
  • Maintain detailed maintenance and repair logs, ensuring compliance with cGMP documentation standards.
  • Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for assigned equipment lines, assisting with capital project planning and validation activities.
  • Mentor and train Technical Operators and other junior staff on troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, and cGMP best practices.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to reduce waste and improve throughput.
  • Assist Quality and Safety teams with investigations, CAPAs, and risk assessments.

Education & Experience

Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in a manufacturing, operations, or production environment, with at least 3 years in a cGMP-regulated facility.
  • Demonstrated experience in mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic troubleshooting.

Preferred:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or related field.
  • Advanced training or certifications in maintenance technology, PLC programming, or Lean Six Sigma.
  • Experience in pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, with proficiency in diagnosing and repairing complex automated systems.
  • Skilled in using precision measuring devices and interpreting technical manuals, schematics, and diagrams.
  • Knowledge of PLC-based control systems and automated production equipment.
  • Proficiency in technical writing, including the ability to create clear, concise, and accurate documentation.
  • Ability to lead projects, mentor staff, and work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams.
  • Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and documentation skills.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform repetitive movements.
  • Ability to stand, walk, and work in production environments for extended periods.
  • Work may involve exposure to temperature-controlled areas, noise, and production chemicals.

What We Offer

Compensation

  • Competitive pay rate commensurate with senior-level skills and experience.
  • Additional shift differential for 2nd shift and 3rd shift positions
  • Annual performance-based bonus
  • Annual merit performance-based increase

Excellent Benefits

  • Benefits & Total Rewards | Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits-effective Day 1
  • Paid Time Off & Designated Paid Holidays
  • Retirement Savings Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Opportunities for career advancement into leadership or technical specialist roles.