Sr Technical Operator - Third Shift

3M HEALTHCARE; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Shift differential

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific in Allentown, PA is seeking a Senior Technical Operator to run and optimize high-complexity manufacturing and packaging equipment in a cGMP environment. You will mentor junior operators, support process improvements, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role emphasizes equipment reliability, production efficiency, and collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to drive quality outcomes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; strong mechanical/electrical aptitude.
• Associate’s or Bachelor's in Engineering Technology or Industrial Maintenance preferred.
• Experience in mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic troubleshooting in cGMP settings.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis on high-speed manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Lead preventive and predictive maintenance tasks in accordance with GMP standards.
• Manage equipment changeovers and start-ups to minimize downtime and ensure correct configurations.
• Collaborate with Engineering on process improvements for safety and quality.
• Maintain detailed maintenance logs and cGMP documentation.
• Mentor junior staff and support validation activities when needed.
• Support Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste and improve throughput.
• Assist Quality and Safety teams with investigations and CAPAs.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Technical writing

Leadership

Education

High school diploma

Engineering Technology or Industrial Maintenance degree

Tools

PLC programming

Automation equipment

Job description

Work Schedule

Third Shift (Nights)

Environmental Conditions

Ability to lift 40 lbs. without assistance.

Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards.

Loud Noises (Equipment/Machinery).

Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.

Location/Division Specific Information

CTD partners with pharmaceutical and biotech customers around the world to ensure the right patients get the right therapies in the right doses at the right time – a concept that we internally embrace as “There is a Patient Waiting.” Our unique blend of services includes project management, packaging, distribution, transportation management and specialty logistics, ancillary supply management, clinical supply optimization, bio-repository storage and much more. Our more than 3000 employees in over 15 countries work hard every day knowing that what they do matters.

Position Summary

The Senior Technical Operator is an advanced-level role responsible for operating, troubleshooting, and optimizing high-complexity manufacturing and packaging equipment in a cGMP environment. This position plays a critical role in equipment reliability, production efficiency, and the mentoring of junior operators and technicians.

The Senior Technical Operator serves as a technical expert for production equipment and processes, provides hands‑on training, and collaborates with engineering and quality teams to drive process improvements and ensure regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis on high-speed manufacturing, packaging, and supporting equipment.
• Conduct complex preventative and predictive maintenance tasks, ensuring compliance with manufacturer and internal standards.
• Lead equipment changeovers and set‑ups, optimizing downtime and ensuring accuracy in product configurations.
• Collaborate with Engineering to recommend and implement process improvements for efficiency, safety, and quality enhancement.
• Maintain detailed maintenance and repair logs, ensuring compliance with cGMP documentation standards.
• Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for assigned equipment lines, assisting with capital project planning and validation activities.
• Mentor and train Technical Operators and other junior staff on troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, and cGMP best practices.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to reduce waste and improve throughput.
• Assist Quality and Safety teams with investigations, CAPAs, and risk assessments.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in a manufacturing, operations, or production environment, with at least 3 years in a cGMP-regulated facility.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic troubleshooting.

Preferred

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or related field.
• Advanced training or certifications in maintenance technology, PLC programming, or Lean Six Sigma.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, with proficiency in diagnosing and repairing complex automated systems.
• Skilled in using precision measuring devices and interpreting technical manuals, schematics, and diagrams.
• Knowledge of PLC‑based control systems and automated production equipment.
• Proficiency in technical writing, including the ability to create clear, concise, and accurate documentation.
• Ability to lead projects, mentor staff, and work cross‑functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams.
• Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and documentation skills.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work in production environments for extended periods.
• Work may involve exposure to temperature‑controlled areas, noise, and production chemicals.

What We Offer

• Compensation: Competitive pay rate commensurate with senior‑level skills and experience.
• Additional shift differential for 2nd shift and 3rd shift positions.
• Annual performance‑based bonus.
• Annual merit performance‑based increase.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits effective Day1.
• Paid Time Off & Designated Paid Holidays.
• Retirement Savings Plan.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Employee Referral Bonus.
• Opportunities for career advancement into leadership or technical specialist roles.