Senior Operations Technician (Fermentation)

Merck; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

401(k) retirement

Paid holidays & vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck Animal Health in Desoto, Kansas, seeks a Fermentation Senior Operations Technician to join the Antigen Manufacturing Team. You will help scale up aseptic production, operate stainless-steel fermenters, and support downstream processes with a safety-first, quality-focused mindset.

The role involves following GMPs, maintaining accurate documentation, and collaborating with a dedicated team to meet production schedules.

Qualifications

• One+ year in a manufacturing environment.
• Good GMP documentation practices.
• Strong work ethic and reliable attendance.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Clear verbal and written communication.
• Time management to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Aseptic material handling and culture scale up.
• Operate stainless-steel fermenters and processing vessels.
• Support downstream processing (hollow fiber filters).
• Sterilization and handling of formaldehyde.
• Maintain accurate daily documentation.

Skills

Experience in manufacturing

Documentation (GMP)

Work ethic & attendance

Computer skills

Verbal & written communication

Time management

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree in science or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way. Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do. We are seeking a Growth and Improvement minded Fermentation Senior Operations Technician that can help drive our Strategic Operating Priorities.

Summary, Focus And Purpose

This Fermentation Senior Operations Technician position is available within our Antigen Manufacturing Team, at our Company's Animal Health (AH) facility in Desoto Kansas, located near the Kansas City metropolitan area. The Animal Health facility is part of the global Animal Health Manufacturing Division network and a key contributor to the manufacturing of animal health products. We are expanding operations in the manufacturing of vaccines and biologics for large and companion animals, and leveraging an experienced and innovative team-oriented work environment using fermentation and cell culture platforms. Team members work with a "Safety First, Quality Always" mindset while striving for continuous improvement to ensure products of the highest quality, working within one of the manufacturing operation teams requires the ability to work independently while also part of a team to contribute to the daily completion and schedule adherence of production activities.

Key Functions

• Work Independently and as a Team member with Integrity | Precision | Accomplishment | Motivational Ambition | Respect | Inclusion
• Follow and comply with Manufacturing Directions and Standard Operating Procedures, along with applicable Corporate, Company, and Regulatory Policies
• Responsible for large scale antigen production and processing in accordance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
• Primary daily tasks will include aseptic material handling and culture scale up. Preparation and operation of stainless-steel fermenters and processing vessels. This position will also require supporting downstream processing steps for concentration using hollow fiber filters. Filter cleaning, including sterilization and handling of formaldehyde.
• Attention to detail to achieve a consistent error-free execution of daily job tasks

Education

• Required | High school diploma or GED
• Preferred | Associate's degree within a science discipline or equivalent

Experience | Skills | Knowledge

Required

• One (1)+ year of experience working in manufacturing environment
• Good concurrent and complete documentation using Good Manufacturing Practices
• Good work ethic and attendance behavior
• Proficient computer skills
• Principled verbal and written communications
• Demonstrate basic skills in effective time management to meet given deadlines
• Work effectively and efficiently both individually and with team members

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience working within a GMP manufacturing environment
• Good comprehension of aseptic procedures
• Experience with single use gamma radiated materials

Shift and Hours

• Monday to Friday | 1st Shift 7:00AM to 3:30 PM

#MSJR

The salary range for this role is: $65,100 - $102,500

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Required Skills: Aseptic Operations, Biological Sciences, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Laboratory Processes, Media Preparation, Sterile Products, Vaccine Production

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

San Francisco Residents Only:

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

11/16/2026

• A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID: R426200

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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