Senior Operator-Fill/Finish

Elanco; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Elanco seeks a Technician, Bio/Pharm Production at our Fort Dodge site to support aseptic biological manufacturing per cGMP standards. You will operate equipment, perform sampling, document activities, and contribute to LEAN improvements.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s in Microbiology or related field (or alternatives) with knowledge of batch records, quality, and safety requirements. Strong written and verbal communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Education as stated: BSc in Microbiology or related field, or appropriate alternatives.
• Experience with manufacturing operations and biological production processes.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow batch records, quality and safety requirements; basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform aseptic biological production activities per batch production records (BPRs).
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot production equipment and ensure release for use.
• Oversee production processes, cleaning, environmental monitoring, and in-process checks.
• Maintain accurate production documentation, SOPs, deviation reports, and ERP transactions.
• Support LEAN initiatives to improve production processes and efficiency.

Skills

Batch records interpretation

Quality & safety

Communication

Reading & following SOPs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related field

Associate’s degree + 2 years of experience

High School Diploma + 4 years of experience

Tools

Word

Excel

Electronic management systems

ERP systems

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your Role: Technician, Bio/Pharm Production

As a Technician, Bio/Pharm Production, you will support biological manufacturing operations at our Fort Dodge site to safely produce vaccines that meet product specifications and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards. In this role, you’ll be responsible for operating and troubleshooting production equipment, supporting aseptic production processes, completing required documentation, and incorporating continuous improvement practices such as LEAN into daily operations.

Your Responsibilities:

• Perform aseptic biological production activities, including weighing, measuring, calculations, sampling, and verifications in accordance with batch production records (BPRs), cGMP requirements, safety standards, and site procedures.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot production equipment, including biological processing equipment, and ensure equipment, instruments, and materials are released and available for use.
• Oversee production processes, cleaning, environmental monitoring, and in-process batch quality checks while maintaining required safety and quality practices.
• Complete and maintain accurate production documentation, SOPs, deviation reports, electronic inventory transactions, and assigned training requirements.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve workplace practices and production processes, including integration of LEAN initiatives.

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or a related field; OR Associate’s Degree plus 2 years of experience; OR High School Diploma plus 4 years of experience.
• Experience: Basic knowledge of manufacturing operations and biological production processes, including familiarity with biological equipment such as fermentation, centrifuges, and concentration units.
• Skills: Ability to read, interpret, and follow batch records, quality and safety requirements; basic computer skills including Word, Excel, electronic management systems, and applicable ERP systems.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

• Basic understanding of biological organisms and biological production equipment.
• Experience working within cGMP-regulated manufacturing and following applicable USDA, OSHA, and site requirements.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and independently perform routine production activities.
• Strong quality orientation, analytical thinking, communication, and technical competence.
• Commitment to continuous learning and identifying opportunities to improve production processes and workplace efficiency.

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.