Encapsulation Operator

Catalent; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off and holidays

WellBeing program

Job summary

Catalent is hiring an Encapsulation Operator in St. Petersburg, FL to operate and maintain encapsulation machines and produce high‑quality softgels in a 12‑hour rotating shift. You will follow batch records, document every step, troubleshoot issues, and ensure a clean, safe work environment on site.

The role requires attention to detail, ability to lift, sit/stand, and work in a GMP setting with potential overtime and weekend work. 100% on‑site position.

Qualifications

• Experience in GMP‑regulated manufacturing preferred.
• Willingness to work rotating 12‑hour shifts and on‑site only.
• Ability to follow batch records and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain encapsulation machines to produce softgels.
• Follow batch records and cGMP standards with accurate documentation.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues to maintain quality and uptime.
• Coordinate machine changeovers and perform teardown/setup as needed.
• Monitor materials and ensure expiration limits; replenish supplies.
• Maintain a clean work area and perform in-process quality checks.
• Handle and stage trays of softgels; stock department supplies.
• Manage hazardous and regulated materials per safety protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About Site

St. Petersburg in the primary softgel development and manufacturing facility in North America. The site has the capability to develop lipid formulations in a dedicated pilot plant which supports rapid transition from laboratory scale to clinical supply. Liquid in bottle, as well as Liquid fill Hard shell capabilities at the facility provide diversification and offerings that increase the speed to clinic. Within the Catalent network, we offer a broad range of integrated formulation and analytical services to solve your most difficult development and manufacturing challenges. Our analytical laboratory provides a full service offering from development of analytical methods to routine QC testing, supporting commercial and development stability studies. With capacity to generate over 18 billion softgels per year and servicing over 100 markets globally, the St. Petersburg site can handle any Over the Counter (OTC), Prescription (Rx), Medical Device, Controlled Substance, or Dietary Supplement manufacturing needs. The facility also contains a segregated hormone manufacturing area that meets current regulatory requirements. In addition to the manufacturing of traditional animal based gelatin softgels, St. Petersburg site manufactures products in non-gelatin based OptiShell® and Vegicaps® to expand the range of molecules that can be encapsulated.

About Site

St. Petersburg in the primary softgel development and manufacturing facility in North America. The site has the capability to develop lipid formulations in a dedicated pilot plant which supports rapid transition from laboratory scale to clinical supply. Liquid in bottle, as well as Liquid fill Hard shell capabilities at the facility provide diversification and offerings that increase the speed to clinic. Within the Catalent network, we offer a broad range of integrated formulation and analytical services to solve your most difficult development and manufacturing challenges. Our analytical laboratory provides a full service offering from development of analytical methods to routine QC testing, supporting commercial and development stability studies. With capacity to generate over 18 billion softgels per year and servicing over 100 markets globally, the St. Petersburg site can handle any Over the Counter (OTC), Prescription (Rx), Medical Device, Controlled Substance, or Dietary Supplement manufacturing needs. The facility also contains a segregated hormone manufacturing area that meets current regulatory requirements. In addition to the manufacturing of traditional animal based gelatin softgels, St. Petersburg site manufactures products in non-gelatin based OptiShell® and Vegicaps® to expand the range of molecules that can be encapsulated.

Position Summary

We have an opportunity for an Encapsulation Operator to join our team. In this role, you will operate and maintain encapsulation machines to produce high‑quality softgels. You will follow batch record instructions and cGMP standards while ensuring accurate documentation. This position requires attention to detail, troubleshooting skills, and a commitment to maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

Shift: Rotating 12-hour shift from 7:00AM to 7:00PM EST, operating on a two-week cycle. Week 1 includes Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; Week 2 includes Wednesday and Thursday. 100% on-site

Location: St. Petersburg, FL

100% Onsite

The Role

• Operate and maintain up to two encapsulation machines, covering up to four during breaks.
• Manufacture softgels by following batch record instructions and cGMP standards, completing all required documentation.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues to maintain consistent product quality and minimize downtime.
• Coordinate with crib mechanics during machine changeovers; perform teardown and setup when utilities are unavailable.
• Monitor material and gel usage, ensuring components are used within expiration limits and replenishing solvents and lubricants as needed.
• Maintain a clean work area, perform in-process quality checks, and ensure timely transport of empty receivers.
• Assemble, handle, and stage tray stacks with manufactured softgels; ensure department supplies are stocked.
• Handle non-hazardous, hazardous, and DEA-regulated materials and waste in compliance with safety protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Candidate

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift up to 30 lbs regularly during a 12-hour shift; must be able to access the manufacturing floor.
• No lifting over 44.09 lbs without assistance; must be able to push or pull up to 500 kg (approximately 1,100 lbs).
• Must pass Ishihara Color Vision Screening and achieve 20/30 visual acuity (near and far), with or without corrective lenses.
• Primary workstation is in a high-noise manufacturing area with exposure to industrial chemicals, detergents, flammable materials, and potent drug compounds; annual physical required for handling potent compounds.

Preferred Skills & Background

• Previous manufacturing experience in a GMP‑regulated industry preferred.
• Work schedule may include nights, weekends, and overtime as needed.

Why You Should Join Catalent

• Positive and fast‑paced working environment focusing on continually improving processes to remain innovative and dynamic.
• Competitive Paid Time Off plus 8 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits effective day one of employment.
• Tuition Reimbursement – support to finish your degree or earn a new one.
• Employee Resource Groups focusing on Diversity and Inclusion.
• Environmentally friendly, community engagement green initiatives including regular participation in Beach Clean‑up.
• Defined career path and annual performance review and feedback process with potential for career growth on an expanding team.
• WellHub program to promote overall physical and mental wellness.
• Perkspot offers exclusive or private discounts from approximately 900+ merchants in a wide array of categories.

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career!

Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life‑saving and life‑enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.

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