Packaging Operator Trainee - MDI - 3rd Shift

Merck & Co.; Fall River (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Health insurance

HSA/FSA

PTO

Paid holidays

Disability

Parental leave

Employee discounts

Career development

Job summary

Cipla invites applicants to join the Packaging Operations Trainee Program in Fall River, MA. This 6-month immersive program covers warehousing, manufacturing, and packaging, with hands-on exposure to cGMP, SOPs, and right-first-time practices.

Trainees work under production managers to build cross-functional technical skills for long-term careers in pharmaceutical operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's degree preferred.
• Trade School, Community College and Military Veterans welcomed.
• No prior experience required; some machine operation or manufacturing industry experience is a plus.
• Basic math and computer skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently or in a team.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Understanding of cGMP and safety procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, required.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and verify Inbound/outbound shipments and documentation; manage material flow between Quarantine, Released, and Rejected areas.
• Safely operate material handling equipment to pick, deliver, and stage materials per production schedules, ensuring compliance with GMP standards.
• Assist in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes including granulation, compression, coating, encapsulation, and batch execution per SOPs and BMR requirements.
• Perform machine changeovers, cleaning, line clearance, and preventive maintenance while monitoring equipment calibration and pressure differentials.
• Operate packaging equipment for oral solid dose (OSD) and dry powder inhalation (DPI) products; ensure proper labeling, documentation, and adherence to cGMP and quality standards.
• Maintain workplace cleanliness, safety, and sanitation regulations to minimize product rejection and support continuous compliance.

Skills

Basic math

Computer skills

Documentation

cGMP knowledge

Teamwork

English communication

Learning agility

Following instructions

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's degree preferred

Trade/Tech school welcome

Job description

NOTICE: The posting for local applicants only - is not for those applying for a global assignment and/or for employees working outside of Cipla's U.S. Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

Title: Packaging Operations Trainee - MDI - 3rd Shift

Location: Fall River, MA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Department(s): Production (inclusive of Manufacturing, Packing and Warehouse)

Reports To: Manager, Production

Salary Range: $19.00/hour (based on experience and rotation)

Benefits: 401(k) with match, Health insurance, HSA/FSA, PTO, Paid holidays, Disability, Parental leave, Employee discounts, Career development

Work Schedule: Flexible shifts (first, second, third) and schedules (Mon-Fri, Tues-Sat)

Equal Opportunity: Cipla welcomes individuals of all abilities and provides reasonable accommodations.

Program Overview

The Pharmaceutical Operations Trainee Program offers 6 months of immersive, hands-on training across three key areas of pharmaceutical operations: Warehousing, Manufacturing, and Packaging. Trainees gain direct exposure to cGMP standards, SOP compliance, and practices that ensure operational excellence in a regulated environment. Located in Fall River, MA, the program provides experience in the production of meter dose inhalers (MDI). Participants work under the guidance of production managers and department leaders to reinforce compliance and promote right-first-time execution.

This program is designed to prepare individuals for long-term careers in pharmaceutical operations, equipping them with cross-functional technical expertise.

Responsibilities & Learning Objectives

Job responsibilities may include but not limited to:

Warehouse Operations

• Inspect and verify Inbound/outbound shipments and documentation (BOL, Packing List, PO); manage material flow between Quarantine, Released, and Rejected areas.
• Safely operate material handling equipment (pallet jacks) to pick, deliver, and stage materials per production schedules, ensuring compliance with GMP standards.

Manufacturing Operations

• Assist in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes including granulation, compression, coating, encapsulation, and batch execution per SOPs and BMR requirements.
• Perform machine changeovers, cleaning, line clearance, and preventive maintenance while monitoring equipment calibration and pressure differentials.

Packaging Operations

• Operate packaging equipment for oral solid dose (OSD) and dry powder inhalation (DPI) products; ensure proper labeling, documentation, and adherence to cGMP and quality standards.
• Maintain workplace cleanliness, safety, and sanitation regulations to minimize product rejection and support continuous compliance.

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required;
• Associate's degree preferred.
• Trade School, Community College and Military Veterans welcomed.

Experience

No prior experience required; some machine operation or manufacturing industry experience is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Basic math and computer skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently or in a team.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Understanding of cGMP and safety procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, required.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, bending, and lifting.
• Ability to wear PPE and respiratory devices as required.
• Comfortable working in a pharmaceutical environment with active ingredients.
• 6-8 hours standing while performing the task
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work with pharmaceutical powders.

About Cipla

Cipla is a leading global pharmaceutical company, dedicated to high-quality, branded, and generic medicines. We are trusted by healthcare professionals and patients across geographies. Over the last eight decades, we have strengthened our leadership in India's pharmaceutical industry and fortified our promise of strengthening our global focus by consolidating and deepening our presence in the key markets of India, South Africa, the U.S., and other economies of the emerging world. Driven by the purpose 'Caring for Life', Cipla's focus has always been on making affordable, world-class medicines with a reputation for uncompromising quality standards across the world. In the last 85 + years, Cipla has emerged as one of the most respected pharmaceutical names in India as well as across more than 100 countries. Cipla is a fast-growing pharmaceutical company with a continued focus on the expanse of our strong legacy. Over the last five years, Cipla has significantly expanded its portfolio and presence in the U.S. with both a generic and brand division.

InvaGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

InvaGen Pharmaceuticals is a Cipla subsidiary engaged in the development, manufacture, marketing, and distribution of generic prescription medicines with focus on a range of therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, anti-infective, CNS, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-depressants. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in Central Islip and Hauppauge, New York. In October 2020, InvaGen established its project site in Fall River, Massachusetts to support the launch of Cipla's respiratory business in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status. At Cipla, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact the recruiter.

About the Salary/ Pay Range

The salary range mentioned above is an anticipated base salary range for this position. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for benefits and participation in a bonus program based on performance and company results.