Lead Formulation Technician

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.

About the role

The Sunnyvale site is seeking an expert and diligent Lead Manufacturing Technician to be responsible for the Column production and troubleshooting Manufacturing team. This role will focus on ensuring product performance calculating yields to improve efficiency, and troubleshooting both material and equipment issues. Additionally, the technician will work on improving the packaging column solutions. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, hands-on manufacturing experience, and leadership capabilities to drive process improvements and ensure the highest quality of column production.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mechanical, thermal, and chemical analyses to evaluate material properties and performance of columns.
• Diagnose and resolve product performance issues and equipment malfunctions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions and long-term solutions.
• Optimize packaging column solutions and ensure efficient equipment operation.
• Partner with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to integrate new products into existing production lines.
• Maintain accurate records of column testing and repairs.
• Prepare detailed reports on findings, corrective actions, and performance improvements.
• Handle NAV transaction closing work orders and generating related reports.
• Actively participate in shift pass downs and utilize email, MS suite files for communication.
• Provide leadership and guidance to junior technicians, ensuring proper training in techniques, procedures, batch records, and adherence to standard methodologies.
• Supervise work quality and productivity within the work center.
• Train personnel on the setup, operation, and maintenance of Manufacturing and Facilities equipment.
• Coordinate with Facilities and Engineering teams to maintain the operability and maintenance of Manufacturing equipment and facilities.
• Assist in the preparation and pre-approval review of Master Batch Records.
• Adherence to ISO 9001 guidelines and corporate quality policies to ensure high-quality standards.
• Commitment to following EH&S safety requirements and actively participating in safety improvement activities.
• Continuous identification of areas for improvement and proposal of countermeasures.
• Maintenance of a clean and organized laboratory environment.

Requirements

• BS degree in Chemistry or equivalent knowledge and experience in manufacturing environment is beneficial.
• 2-3 years of experience in resin polymer blending, testing, and troubleshooting in a manufacture environment.
• Hands on experience with equipment troubleshooting and process optimization in packaging and production.
• Experience with ICSP & HPLC testing system & column packing.
• Demonstrated leadership ability in mentoring and guiding technicians.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills, with a proactive approach to resolving equipment and material-related challenges.
• Familiarity with manufacturing and testing software, as well as data collection systems.
• Experience in working with supervisors to identify issues, resource needs, and improvement opportunities, and offering suggestions for resolutions and improvements.
• Consistent, diligent, and accurate in carrying out responsibilities.
• Ability to complete complex production work orders according to established procedures.
• Proficient in analyzing data, deriving conclusions, and preparing reports based on findings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Skills

• Knowledge of Good Laboratory and Manufacturing Practices and standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Strong mathematical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and understand written procedures (SOPs) and follow verbal instructions.
• Strong punctuality and attendance record.
• Familiarity with hand tools such as wrenches, torque drivers, tweezers, etc.
• Willingness to learn and apply Lean manufacturing and PPI Continuous Improvement tools.
• Ability to work independently with occasional assistance.
• Ownership mentality and ability to meet established deadlines and targets.
• Willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills.
• Understanding of production schedules and ability to prioritize tasks accordingly.
• Hands-on experience in a chemistry laboratory is preferred.
• Knowledge of chromatography software is a plus.

Environmental Conditions

• Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance.
• Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards.
• Laboratory Setting.
• Exposure to loud noises (Equipment/Machinery).
• Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.).
• Will work with hazardous/toxic materials.
• Regular exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals while performing job duties.
• Frequent exposure to fumes or airborne particles.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to handle and feel.
• Frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Required to wear lab coats, safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes, all provided by the company.

Schedule

Work hours: Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, with overtime as needed including some weekends.

Pay

$35 - $36 per hour.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay rate.
• Additional shift differential for 2nd shift and 3rd shift positions.
• Annual performance-based bonus.
• Annual merit performance-based increase.
• Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits effective Day 1.
• Paid Time Off & Designated Paid Holidays.
• Retirement Savings Plan.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Employee Referral Bonus.
• Career Advancement Opportunities.
• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits.
• At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave).
• Accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy.
• Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.