Automation Operator: Precision Manufacturing Technician

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics; Athens (OH); On-site; USD 51,577,000 - 80,231,000; Full time

Job summary

QuidelOrtho in Athens, Ohio is seeking an Automation Operator to independently operate and monitor semi-automated and automated manufacturing equipment, perform set-ups, changeovers, calibrations, and routine maintenance to ensure safe, efficient production.

This role requires a high school diploma with 1-2 years related experience, basic mechanical aptitude, ability to follow written and verbal instructions, and strict adherence to PPE and GMP standards; preferred candidates have exposure to

Qualifications

• 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
• Secondary education in Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Equipment Operation or related field (preferred)
• Exposure to high volume-repetitive manufacturing (preferred)
• Experience with Quality Inspections or first-article checks (preferred)
• GMP Awareness and Understanding of QMS systems (preferred)
• Understanding of Continuous Improvement (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor semi-automatic and 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.
• Perform first article inspections and routine quality checks; accurately complete all required production, quality, and equipment documentation.
• Ensure documentation accuracy and compliance through proper completion, review, and maintenance of manufacturing, quality, and equipment records.
• Maintain a clean and sterile work environment; follow all safety protocols, PPE requirements, and established workflows.
• Promote 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.
• Work within immediate team; communicate production status, safety concerns, and equipment issues to team members and supervisors.
• Collaborate with Engineering on equipment outages, QC for quality tests and Supply Warehouse for material requests.
• Provide informal mentoring and technical guidance to less experienced operators while supporting onboarding, equipment training, and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Support production planning and inventory accuracy by monitoring material availability, identifying supply issues, and reducing material waste through efficient equipment and process operation.
• Contribute 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.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Instruction following

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Manufacturing Technology / Industrial Equipment Education

Tools

Quality inspection tools

GMP knowledge

QMS understanding

Job description

QuidelOrtho in Athens, Ohio is seeking an Automation Operator to independently operate and monitor semi-automated and automated manufacturing equipment, perform set-ups, changeovers, calibrations, and routine maintenance to ensure safe, efficient production.

This role requires a high school diploma with 1-2 years related experience, basic mechanical aptitude, ability to follow written and verbal instructions, and strict adherence to PPE and GMP standards; preferred candidates have exposure to