Lead Manufacturing Equipment Maintenance Technician - Third Shift
Thermo Fisher Scientific · Allentown, PA · 1 mo ago
On-siteProductFull-time
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
Required:
- 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.
Work Schedule
Second Shift (Afternoons)
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.
- Environmental conditions include: ability to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, cleanroom requirements (no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc. allowed), cold room/freezers at -22°F/-6°C, fluctuating temperatures hot/cold, loud noises (equipment/machinery), and some degree of PPE required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.).
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 Day 1.
- Paid Time Off & Designated Paid Holidays.
- Retirement Savings Plan.
- Tuition Reimbursement.
- Employee Referral Bonus.
- Opportunities for career advancement into leadership or technical specialist roles.