Automation Operator

QuidelOrtho; Athens (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

QuidelOrtho is seeking an Automation Operator to operate, set up, and monitor semi-automated and automated manufacturing equipment onsite in Athens, Ohio. The role emphasizes safe production, routine maintenance, and adherence to quality and documentation standards.

The ideal candidate will have 1–2 years of related experience, basic mechanical aptitude, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions while complying with PPE and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–2 years of related experience required.
• Straightforward equipment operation skills.
• Basic mechanical aptitude.
• Standard math skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Adherence to safety rules and PPE requirements.
• This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Preferred: Secondary education in Manufacturing Technology or related field
• Exposure to high‑volume manufacturing or quality inspections is a plus
• GMP awareness and QMS understanding are a plus

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor semi-automated and automated manufacturing equipment, perform setup, changeovers, calibrations, and routine maintenance.
• Complete production, quality, and equipment documentation accurately.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant work environment following PPE and GMP procedures.
• Collaborate with Engineering on outages, QC for tests, and materials planning; mentor less experienced operators.

Skills

Equipment operation

Mechanical aptitude

Math skills

Following instructions

Safety and PPE

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Opportunity

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most - home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

The Role:

At QuidelOrtho, we're advancing the power of diagnostics for a healthier future for all. Join our mission as our next Automation Operator. The Automation Operator independently operates, sets up, and monitors semi-automated manufacturing equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant production. Performs equipment changeovers, calibrations, routine troubleshooting, preventive maintenance activities, and process adjustments while maintaining production, quality, and performance standards

This role will be located onsite in Athens, Ohio.

The Responsibilities:

• Equipment Operation & Support: Operate and monitor semi-automated & automated manufacturing equipment; perform setup, changeovers, line clearances, calibrations, routine maintenance to ensure consistent production output. Independently troubleshoots routine equipment and process issues, implements corrective actions, and supports root cause investigations.

• Quality & Documentation: Perform first article inspections and routine quality checks; accurately complete all required production, quality, and equipment documentation. Ensures documentation accuracy and compliance through proper completion, review, and maintenance of manufacturing, quality, and equipment records.

• Safety, Cleanliness & Compliance: Maintain a clean and sterile work environment; follow all safety protocols, PPE requirements, and established workflows, reporting issues as needed. Promotes a safe work environment by identifying and addressing routine safety concerns, following established safety procedures, supporting risk-reduction activities, and reinforcing safe operating practices while maintaining compliance with PPE, GMP, and equipment safety requirements.

• Team Collaboration & Materials Support: Works within immediate team. Communicates production status, safety concerns, and equipment issues to team members and supervisors. Collaborates with Engineering on equipment outages, QC for quality tests and Supply Warehouse for material requests. Provides informal mentoring and technical guidance to less experienced operators while supporting onboarding, equipment training, and adherence to standard operating procedures. Supports production planning and inventory accuracy by monitoring material availability, identifying supply issues, and reducing material waste through efficient equipment and process operation. Contributes to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process inefficiencies, participating in root cause investigations, and supporting implementation of corrective and preventive actions

• Perform other duties & projects as assigned.

The Individual

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• 1-2 years of related experience required

• Straightforward equipment operation skills

• Basic mechanical aptitude

• Standard Math skills

• Competence to follow written and verbal instructions

• Adherence to Safety Rules and PPE requirements

• This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship.

Preferred:

• Secondary education in Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Equipment Operation or related field

• Exposure to high volume-repetitive manufacturing

• Experience with Quality Inspections or first-article checks

• GMP Awareness and Understanding of QMS systems

• Understanding of Continuous Improvement Key Working Relationships:

• Internal Customers:

• Production Operations staff, Quality Operations, Facilities and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)

• External Customers:

• Equipment Vendors and Quality Auditors

The Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of a manufacturing setting with exposure to machinery and moderate noise levels. Cleanroom environment - Room temperature area with fluctuations based on settings. PPE required - Lab coat, hairnet, face mask (beard net), safety glasses, gloves, safety shoes and hearing protection (machine dependent). Noise level: Sounds or a pitch that may cause distraction. Exposures: Hazardous materials, fumes, toxic chemicals, airborne particles, odors, or other unpleasant surroundings

The Physical Demands:

Requires ability to lift up to 50 lbs on a regular basis. Requires performing repetitive manufacturing processes (loading hoppers and transferring materials between stations) up to 90% of workday. Walking, standing, and/or sitting for long periods of time (up to 75% of the workday). Other physical demands include lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, crawling, stooping, grasping, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, talking and hearing.

Equal Employment Opportunity

QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform their duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail].