Job Title: Manufacturing OperatorJob Description
The Manufacturing Operator plays a key role in operating pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment in a cGMP environment to produce clinical supplies and support development experiments. Working under direct supervision, this role follows strict regulatory, safety, and quality standards while contributing to batch production, documentation, equipment setup, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities
Train on and understand all applicable policies and procedures, including regulatory requirements, safety guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and related documentation.
Perform pharmaceutical manufacturing activities in a GMP or other regulated manufacturing environment in accordance with batch records and good documentation practices (GDP).
Set up production lines, perform changeovers, and operate manufacturing and packaging equipment according to established procedures.
Execute batch record steps accurately, document all activities clearly, and ensure materials and processes meet specified requirements.
Perform pharmaceutical equipment and room setup, operation, and cleaning to support production and development activities.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering controls to ensure safe operation of equipment and handling of materials.
Conduct in-process inspections and sampling to verify product quality and process performance.
Use the designated IT platform and computer systems to enter data, complete electronic documentation, and support production and quality activities.
Perform developmental manufacturing experiments under the direction of a formulation specialist or process engineer to support process development and optimization.
Support investigational and quality systems activities, including deviation investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement projects.
Assist maintenance personnel with preventative maintenance activities, basic troubleshooting, and minor repair of equipment when needed.
Participate in continuous improvement activities by identifying opportunities, making suggestions for process enhancements, and adopting new methods and tools.
Remain current with professional and industry trends relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing and cGMP requirements.
Comply with all federal and state regulations, as well as all company and site policies and procedures.
Make a positive contribution to the team by learning new skills, procedures, and processes, and by supporting colleagues in a collaborative environment.
Be available for other duties as required to support production schedules and operational needs.
Be available for overtime as needed to meet production and project timelines.
Read and interpret standard operating procedures, manuals, batch records, work instructions, and specifications accurately and consistently.
Communicate clearly in writing and orally to ensure accurate handoffs, documentation, and coordination with cross-functional teams.
Apply basic arithmetic concepts such as addition, subtraction, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to calculations required in manufacturing processes.
Identify simple and moderate problems related to job functions and escalate or resolve them using established procedures.
Apply deductive reasoning to use general rules and procedures to solve specific production or documentation issues.
Apply inductive reasoning to identify patterns, relationships, or trends in process data and operational events.
Essential Skills
Associate's degree in a scientific discipline, engineering, or a related field.
At least 2 years of experience in GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing, research and development (R&D), or pharmaceutical equipment manufacturing.
At least 2 years of experience with batch record review, quality assurance operations, and line clearance in a pharmaceutical or CDMO GMP environment.
Hands-on experience as a manufacturing operator or packaging technician in a regulated manufacturing environment.
Experience working within quality assurance and compliance requirements, including cGMP and related regulatory expectations.
Proficiency in working with batch records and good documentation practices (GDP).
Ability to read and interpret SOPs, manuals, batch records, work instructions, and specifications.
Legible handwriting and strong written documentation skills.
Clear verbal communication skills for effective interaction with supervisors, engineers, and cross-functional teams.
Ability to apply basic arithmetic, including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions, to practical manufacturing tasks.
Ability to identify and resolve simple to moderate problems related to equipment, process steps, or documentation.
Knowledge of current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and familiarity with pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
Ability to enter data into computer systems using software applications for data entry and word processing.
Ability to work efficiently while performing repetitive tasks, maintaining speed, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues across functions.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Degree in sciences or chemical engineering, or a closely related field.
Pharmaceutical or CDMO GMP experience in production, chemical processing, equipment operation, and SOP-driven environments.
Familiarity with pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and equipment, including room and equipment setup, operation, and cleaning.
Experience using IT platforms and email systems to support production, documentation, and communication.
Ability to successfully complete all required regulatory and job-specific training.
Strong deductive and inductive reasoning skills to interpret data and process information.
Demonstrated willingness to learn new skills, procedures, and processes and to adapt to evolving technologies and methods.
Positive, improvement-oriented mindset with a track record of making suggestions for process or quality enhancements.
Work Environment
This role operates in a contract manufacturing organization (CMO) environment focused on pharmaceutical production and quality. The facility is a modern, brand-new site equipped with new manufacturing and support equipment, providing a clean, controlled, and compliance-driven setting. The position works primarily on a first-shift schedule, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with overtime available as needed to support production demands. Work involves handling and processing various pharmaceutical samples and products under strict cGMP and quality standards. Employees use computer systems, IT platforms, and email tools to support documentation and communication. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, continuous improvement, and collaboration, with multiple new products and projects creating opportunities for professional growth in a rapidly expanding organization.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cranbury, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $30.00/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 Cranbury,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 27, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.
