Associate Technician, Operations

Merck; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 43,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in the United States is seeking an Associate Technician, Operations to support manufacturing and packaging. You will operate equipment, monitor quality, and complete tasks per GMP/SOPs under the guidance of the Operations Manager, collaborating with teammates for safe, timely production of high-quality products.

The role emphasizes learning safety and quality guidelines, performing line clearance, documentation, and equipment setup as needed in a multi-shift environment.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willing to work irregular hours to support multi-shift operation.
• Basic computer literacy required (email, browsers).
• Capable of collaborating effectively in a team.
• Must pass vision exam and color vision requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate manufacturing and packaging equipment to meet production standards under GMP/SOPs.
• Complete line clearance, cleaning, inspection, and documentation.
• Assist in machine setup and transport of materials as needed.
• Document activities to meet data integrity requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Identify equipment issues and communicate for timely resolution.

Skills

Basic computer literacy

Teamwork

GMP awareness

Line clearance

Safety training

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cleanroom gowning

PAPR training

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Basic Functions & Responsibility Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

The Associate Technician, Operations is a great entry-level job for recent graduates or those with experience who want to work in manufacturing and packaging. This role involves hands‑on activities that support the manufacturing and packaging process.

Key responsibilities include following manufacturing and packaging requirements, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and completing daily tasks according to established procedures under the Operations Manager's guidance while collaborating with team members to ensure safe and timely production of high-quality products.

The technician will operate equipment, monitor quality during production, clean work areas, and moving materials accurately and efficiently.

A willingness to learn and follow safety and quality guidelines is important for success in this role.

PRIMARY ACTIVITIES

• Operations
• Operate various manufacturing and packaging equipment to routinely achieve production standards while following GMPs and SOPs.
• Complete effective line clearance, cleaning and inspection including the completion of required documentation.
• Observe and assist in basic set up of machines when required.
• Transports all required processing equipment, materials, supplies and products needed to support manufacturing and packaging.
• Perform and document equipment challenges per current procedures.
• Perform visual inspections of products, packaging, and production areas during line clearance, in-process checks, repackaging, and material reintroduction. These tasks require distinguishing

fine visual details, printed information, and product or component colors.

• Identify equipment malfunctions, product defects and process issues; communicate appropriately for timely resolution to minimize downtime.
• Observe and assist in troubleshooting of equipment.
• Complete all process related documentation promptly and accurately to meet data integrity requirements.
• Organize, clean and maintain the designated work area to ensure a clean and orderly working environment.
• Carry out Our Company's site mission by assuring finished goods and services are of the highest quality, optimal cost, and delivered on schedule.
• Compliance
• Conducts all manufacturing and packaging operations in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), site Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Divisional policies and guidelines.
• Strictly adheres to all site policies on personal conduct and attendance.
• Follow health and safety policies, including proper gowning procedures and the use of safety equipment.
• Take accountability for personal and others' safety, reporting unsafe conditions, and participating in safety investigations.
• Promptly identify and report any compliance, environmental, safety, and process deviations as appropriate and elevate to appropriate personnel.
• Actively participate in and complete EHS and quality-related compliance training in a timely manner.
• Maintains work area in constant state of compliance with respect to proper housekeeping, material segregation, and personal gowning including required protective equipment.
• Document manufacturing and packaging activities in accordance with Good Documentation Practices including ensuring data integrity requirements are met.
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Collaborates with peers and other employees at various levels throughout the organization to achieve company, site and departmental goals.
• Participate in improvement activities, and projects to improve manufacturing and packaging operation processes.
• Attends and actively participates in safety & housekeeping walkthroughs, 5S, GEMBA, or any other operations, lean six-sigma, quality, safety or environmental training/initiatives as required.
• Participates in projects to enhance manufacturing and packaging equipment functionality and operational processes.

SKILLS (include specific skill levels to apply Our Company's Leadership Principles):

• Education Requirements
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Requirements
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be willing to work irregular hours to support multi-shift operation and/or weekends as needed.
• Must be able to demonstrate basic computer literacy (internet browsers, e-mail, word processing).
• Capability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Must pass a vision exam and be free of color blindness.
• Must be equivalent to 20/20 correctable close vision acuity.
• Must be medically cleared and physically capable of passing annual occupational health evaluations for respirator usage, including use of a PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator).
• Preferred Skills
• Manufacturing/Production/Packaging shop floor experience preferred.

#MSJR

VETJOBS

#SHPE2026

The salary range for this role is: $43,100 to $67,800

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Required Skills

Cleaning Equipment, Cleanroom Gowning, Computer Literacy, Equipment Monitoring, Equipment Set Up, Equipment Troubleshooting, Material Selection, Packaging Operations, Packaging Processes, Packaging Supplies, Process Equipment, Process Improvements, Product Improvements, Product Inspections, Production Tracking, Proper Documentation, Quality Control Management, Quality Inspections, Quality Monitoring, Safety Measures, Safety Procedures, Shift Work

Preferred Skills

Communication, Documentations, GMP Compliance, GMP Documentation, GMP Operations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Manufacturing, Organizing, Packaging, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Visual Inspections

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

Requirements

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

San Francisco Residents Only

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Los Angeles Residents Only

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.