Encapsulation Operator

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd; Opelika (AL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Pharmavite is seeking an Encapsulation Operator to support production of health and wellness products in the United States. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, fluent English, and the ability to read instructions, perform precise arithmetic, and operate with manual dexterity on encapsulation equipment.

Candidates should have experience in encapsulation or related machinery, with 4–6 months of training or about a year of related work. A 6pm–6:30am rotating shift is expected.

Qualifications

• Fluent English to read/understand instructions and communicate problems.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to perform accurate arithmetic for weights and timings.
• Experience with encapsulation or related machinery preferred.
• Willingness to work 6pm–6:30am on rotating shifts.

Responsibilities

• Ensure materials are correct and fed to encapsulation machinery as per procedures.
• Adjust equipment using hand tools and monitor process quality.
• Troubleshoot equipment and perform quick resolutions to maintain output.
• Perform changeovers and clean/assemble equipment for next batch.
• Maintain logs and data entry using computer systems.

Skills

Fluent English

Arithmetic skills

Manual dexterity

Mechanical aptitude

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand Tools

Job description

Help us bring the gift of health to life. Working at Pharmavite is an experience like no other. With a focus on complete nutrition for all, each endeavour is urgent and every day counts. You’ll have the opportunity to work on the #1 selling national vitamin and supplement brand, NatureMade, as well as an exciting portfolio of other products that are shaping the future of the healthy living industry. Consumer-driven innovation, high quality products and a promising portfolio, all driven by a team with a shared sense of purpose -- that’s Pharmavite. Join us to bring the gift of health to life.

This role is not available for any form of immigration sponsorship or support, including completion of the FormI-983 training plan required for STEM OPT.

Encapsulation Operator Responsibilities

• Ensures materials are correct and fed to encapsulation machinery in accordance with specific procedures.
• Uses hand tools to adjust equipment controls and operating parts as appropriate to the product.
• Continuously monitors the production process, ensuring the ribbon thickness meets standards, temperature is appropriate to the product, and weight and size of finished product meet specifications.
• Troubleshoots any equipment/process problems and resolves as quickly as possible.
• Performs changeovers from one product or batch to another; disassembles equipment and cleans according to procedures; reassembles and makes ready for next batch; works with tooling/set-ups.
• Scoops capsules onto trays; spreads them into a single layer; and stacks for drying; completes stack cards accurately and completely.
• Lifts containers of in-process, raw, finished, or waste products and transports within department as necessary.
• Maintains required logs and other records accurately and completely.
• Uses computer to enter data.
• Performs all duties in compliance with safety rules, standard operating procedures, and good manufacturing practices.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.

Certification: None.

Experience: Complete working knowledge of the encapsulation process, typically resulting from a minimum of one year of experience in related jobs (e.g., encapsulation, injection molding or other similar machine operations) and/or requires four to six months of training and experience in this job under close supervision.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Fluent English skills to read/understand written instructions, and other information; to maintain routine written records, and to communicate problems effectively to supervisors.
• Accurate arithmetic skills (addition, subtraction, division) to calculate shell and fill weights, and calculate the time a tank will run out of gel or medicine.
• Manual dexterity to manipulate controls, disassemble/assemble equipment using a variety of hand tools.
• Physical ability to stand/walk for much of the work shift, and push/pull/lift large containers weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot and fix equipment malfunctions.

Physical Requirements

• Stand/walk for most of the work shift.
• Perform repetitive job duties that require constant attention to the manufacturing process.
• Periodically push/pull containers weighing up to 500 pounds and lift containers up to 50 pounds.
• Adjust to distractions and interruptions and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Must be able to work 6pm to 6:30am on a 2-2-3 rotational schedule.

Environment: Constant exposure to noise levels loud enough to require employees to wear hearing protection. Warm temperature levels, fumes, vibration, etc., sufficient to cause minor discomfort, oily/wet conditions. Employees to wear protective eyewear, hair nets, uniforms, steel-toed shoes, and gloves.

Safety: Incumbents must be able to perform this job safely by following standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices without endangering the health or safety of themself or others.

OUR OFFER

Here, career paths aren’t predefined, and bureaucratic limitations don’t exist— you have the opportunity to grow, learn from industry pioneers, and develop the way you want to. Pharmavite is investing more in the development of our team— to help us deliver on our purpose and help you achieve your career aspirations. Our environment is geared to fuel curiosity, encourage experimentation, and generate learning as this is the way we develop ourselves and our organization. Pharmavite is committed to meeting the needs of our employees and their families with a total rewards package that’s as comprehensive as the vitamins and supplements we deliver to consumers. With competitive compensation programs and standout benefits, we provide employees with optimal health and well‑being— as well as peace of mind. These rewards— plus our new recognition program— ensure employees feel supported both at work and home.

The salary range for this position is $37,000.00-$60,000.00. Actual compensation will take into account a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic location, education, experience, qualifications, and job-related skills. It is not typical for an individual to be hired above the midpoint of the range for their role, and compensation decisions depend on the facts and circumstances of each case. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with state and local laws. Base pay is only one component of our total rewards offerings, and we will take the full offering into consideration when presenting an offer of employment.

Our total rewards package for this position may also include an annual performance bonus, Medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401(k) match, and other wellness benefits. Pharmavite provides compensation for all overtime hours worked by non-exempt (hourly) employees in accordance with state and federal law. The need to work overtime hours will be determined by management, based on customer and business necessity to meet the needs of our business. Pharmavite may require employees to work overtime. Voluntary overtime requested by non-exempt employees must be approved in advance by the employee’s supervisor.

Health and wellness begins with us. Pharmavite is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit employment discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, and any other basis protected by state and federal law. Pharmavite recruits, hires, employs, trains, promotes, and compensates individuals solely based on job-related qualifications and abilities. Pharmavite also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws.

CALIFORNIA FAIR CHANCE ACT: Qualified Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the LosAngeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

More than 50 years ago, our founders aimed to improve health & wellness by focusing on the basics—good nutrition and essential vitamins & minerals. Since that day, we’ve become a leader in the health and wellness industry and have earned the trust of consumers, healthcare professionals, and retailers alike. Our sole purpose then and now is to bring the gift of health to life, by helping people achieve a healthier way of living. This purpose is our passion and priority. Helping people live healthier, fulfilling lives is no simple task. Guiding us on our journey are our core beliefs. Simply put, we believe energy and vitality fuel the pursuit of happiness. We believe our world of plenty is creating a poverty of health, but good health should be within reach for all. We also believe in achieving good health through the power of complete nutrition—not quick fixes—and that you can’t have trust without truth. Culture isn’t something that’s easily explained, but you know it when you feel it. And at Pharmavite, we like our people to feel supported. PRO-GROWTH You deserve opportunities to excel and grow professionally, no matter what role you play at Pharmavite. So we offer training and development opportunities to help you pursue your goals. FULLY DIVERSE Everyone has a different view of the world, and we love that. Having a workplace where everyone is heard is key to good collaboration and meaningful participation. HEALTH-MINDED Health isn’t something we deliver only to customers. Our employees and their families are on the receiving end too, through wellness programs that help us practice what we preach.