Quality Operator

Actalent; Portage (IN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Production & quality quarterly bonuses

Shift differentials

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Quality Operator for 2nd shift in Portage, IN. The role performs setup, operation, adjustments, and changeovers on packaging line equipment within a GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, ensuring product quality and traceability of in-process data.

Responsibilities include monitoring operations, reporting malfunctions, executing corrective actions, and supporting validation and cross-functional trials.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school is acceptable.
• Experience in the sciences is preferred, particularly for candidates interested in progressing into quality or laboratory roles over time.
• Experience in a manufacturing, production, or general labor environment is beneficial.
• Previous exposure to GMP, FDA-regulated, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments is an advantage.
• Strong people skills and the ability to work effectively within a tight-knit, collaborative team.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, stay organized, and maintain high accuracy in a fast-paced setting.
• Interest in learning pharmaceutical industry regulations and best practices, with a desire to grow into roles in QA, manufacturing quality assurance, or laboratory/office functions.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, operate, and perform changeovers on packaging machinery to support continuous production runs.
• Start packaging equipment and monitor operations to detect malfunctions.
• Stop equipment when issues arise and report malfunctions to supervision.
• Analyze problems, determine root causes, and take corrective actions per procedures.
• Test and verify equipment performance after changeovers to ensure quality operation.
• Document in-process testing results and batch progress in GMP records.
• Comply with FDA/DEA/OSHA regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Education

Associates degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school

Job description

Job Title: Quality Operator 2nd Shift

Job Description

The Quality Operator on 2nd shift (MondayFriday, 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.) sets up, operates, adjusts, and changes over packaging line equipment in a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role ensures continuous packaging operations by supplying materials, monitoring product quality attributes, performing in-process checks, and accurately documenting results in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The Quality Operator also performs minor mechanical adjustments, participates in cleaning and validation activities, and supports cross-functional trials to maintain high standards of product quality and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, operate, and perform changeovers on packaging machinery to support continuous production runs.
• Start packaging equipment and closely observe operations to detect mechanical or operational malfunctions.
• Stop equipment when issues arise and promptly report malfunctions to the Production Supervisor or appropriate personnel.
• Analyze mechanical or operational problems, determine root causes, and take appropriate corrective actions within defined procedures.
• Test and verify equipment performance after changeovers to ensure quality operation before returning to production.
• Monitor and inspect product during packaging to confirm it meets all specifications and quality standards.
• Measure and track product variables and attributes throughout the production run to ensure designated parameters are maintained.
• Document in-process testing results, batch progress, and equipment activities accurately and on time in the Packaging Batch Record and other GMP documentation.
• Comply with all internal policies and procedures, as well as applicable FDA, DEA, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following all housekeeping and safety guidelines.
• Perform required facility and equipment cleaning in accordance with the master cleaning schedule and cleanroom requirements.
• Assist with equipment and process validation efforts, including setup, execution support, and documentation as needed.
• Support Research and Development, Manufacturing Technology, and engineering teams during trials and studies on the packaging line.
• Collaborate effectively with production, quality, and other team members to meet production, quality, and safety goals.
• Use computer/PLC-controlled systems to input and monitor machine settings, track performance, and support troubleshooting activities.

Essential Skills

• Ability to set up, operate, adjust, and change over packaging machinery in a production environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills to manage multiple tasks and documentation requirements in a GMP setting.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and procedure manuals.
• Mechanical aptitude and knowledge of equipment operation to identify and address minor mechanical and operational issues.
• Experience navigating and operating computer/PLC-controlled equipment to input and monitor machine settings and performance.
• Working knowledge of vision systems used for product inspection and quality verification.
• Good written communication skills, including the ability to write routine reports and correspondence clearly and accurately.
• Good verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with team members and speak before groups of employees or customers when needed.
• Solid math skills, including the ability to calculate figures and amounts and apply basic algebra and geometry concepts to production and quality calculations.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to solve practical problems and handle a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to perform quality checks and inspections consistently and accurately.
• Capability to occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds as part of routine duties.
• Visual abilities including close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, necessary for inspection and equipment monitoring.
• Willingness and availability to work all shifts as needed and to perform daily and/or weekend overtime.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school is acceptable.
• Experience in the sciences is preferred, particularly for candidates interested in progressing into quality or laboratory roles over time.
• Experience in a manufacturing, production, or general labor environment is beneficial.
• Previous exposure to GMP, FDA-regulated, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments is an advantage.
• Strong people skills and the ability to work effectively within a tight-knit, collaborative team.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, stay organized, and maintain high accuracy in a fast-paced setting.
• Interest in learning pharmaceutical industry regulations and best practices, with a desire to grow into roles in QA, manufacturing quality assurance, or laboratory/office functions.
• Comfort working with computer-based systems and automated equipment in a production setting.
• Ability to identify recurring equipment issues and communicate insights to management to support continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This role is based in a pharmaceutical manufacturing and production environment with a strong focus on quality. Work takes place primarily in a cleanroom setting within the manufacturing, production, and quality groups. The facility manufactures and distributes controlled substance products, and operations are closely monitored and regulated by the FDA and DEA. Team members work on and around computer/PLC-controlled packaging equipment, vision inspection systems, and other automated machinery. The 2nd shift runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., with the expectation of availability for overtime, including potential daily and weekend hours. The environment requires strict adherence to gowning and cleanliness standards; employees wear hair nets, gloves, lab coats, and other cleanroom attire at all times in designated areas. The team consists of approximately 37 people across manufacturing, production, and quality functions, fostering a tight-knit, supportive culture that emphasizes upskilling, training, and career progression. After a contract-to-hire period, employees typically become eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including production and quality-based quarterly bonuses, shift differentials, paid time off, and other competitive benefits designed to support long‑term growth within the organization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portage, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portage, IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Portage,IN.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.