Associate Production Technician

MSD UK; Upper Hutt; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, is seeking an Associate Production Technician to support antigen and/or vaccine production in a regulated environment. You will work with the team to follow schedules, maintain documentation and apply continuous improvement practices.

The role emphasizes collaboration across teams, adherence to SOPs, quality and safety standards, and hands-on production tasks. A shift roster and strong English/math skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Team player with strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong planning skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Good math and English competency.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook; SAP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver on technical area targets.
• Anticipate and solve production and operational problems.
• Challenge processes and procedures to identify quality, safety, cost and process improvements.
• Participate in Tier 1, On-Point and 8-Step Problem Solving activities.
• Communicate effectively to ensure alignment and collaboration within the team.
• Manufacture antigen and/or vaccine to required standards and production schedules.
• Participate in shift roster and operate equipment per SOPs.
• Document tasks in batch records and logbooks per Good Documentation Practice.
• Assist with deviation investigations and implement corrective/preventive actions.

Skills

Teamwork

Regulated environment

Planning

Math

English

Manufacturing

Microsoft Office

Tools

SAP

Job description

Job Description

Associate Production Technician

• Permanent full-time role with competitive remuneration and benefits
• Based in Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand
• Work in a regulated manufacturing environment supporting the delivery of antigen and/or vaccine production
• Be part of a collaborative team focused on quality, safety and continuous improvement

As an Associate Production Technician, you will play a key role in manufacturing antigen and/or vaccine to required standards and according to set production schedules. You will work closely with stakeholders across the team to support operational performance, problem solving, documentation and process improvement.

What You Will Do

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Leadership and Collaboration

• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver on technical area targets
• Anticipate and solve production and operational problems
• Challenge processes and procedures to identify quality, safety, cost and process improvements
• Participate in Tier 1, On-Point and 8-Step Problem Solving activities
• Communicate effectively to ensure alignment and collaboration within the team

Production and Operations

• Manufacture antigen and/or vaccine to required standards and production schedules
• Participate in the shift roster applicable to your area
• Operate equipment in accordance with SOPs
• Perform tasks and processes in accordance with SOPs
• Maintain good housekeeping
• Plan daily workload
• Work in the area of greatest need to achieve schedules
• Ensure best practice cleaning, preparation and sterilisation standards are maintained and discards are minimised

Documentation and Compliance

• Document all tasks in batch records, worksheets and logbooks in accordance with Good Documentation Practice
• Assist with deviation investigations as required
• Use process knowledge and problem-solving techniques to identify and mitigate potential deviations
• Identify, implement and support corrective and preventative actions
• Author or review assigned SOPs and documentation within required timeframes
• Effectively train temporary contractors to help reduce deviations

Communication and Team Support

• Communicate clearly and in a timely manner with team members and other IPT/COE groups to ensure the smooth flow of product, samples and documentation

What You Must Have

• Team player with strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a regulated manufacturing environment
• Strong planning skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Good math and English competency
• Experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, with SAP preferred

What You Can Expect

• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful production outcomes in a regulated environment
• A collaborative team culture with a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement
• Support to develop your technical skills and grow in your role

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing talented and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Required Skills

• Adverse Event Reporting System
• Buffer Preparation
• Fermentation Process Development
• Fermentation Tanks
• Filtering Equipment
• Machinery Operation
• Manufacturing Documentation
• Media Preparation
• Process Control
• Production Scheduling
• Purification Methods
• Safety Practices
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Writing

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting End Date: 09/1/2026*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.