Operator II, Manufacturing - First Shift

About the Role

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Rochester, NY campus manufactures essential lab plastics that support vaccines, biologic therapies, and diagnostic kits. The site produces Nalgene® labware and reusable water bottles for global distribution. As part of the Laboratory Products Division, you will help provide a full range of laboratory consumables, equipment, and reagents to customers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, academia, biotechnology, and industrial research.

Responsibilities

• Become familiar with product lines and visual defects to identify rejected parts.
• Visually inspect bottles from machines, conveyor lines, or bulk containers and make quality decisions.
• Recognize out‑of‑spec production and advise the supervisor or set‑up personnel.
• Perform 15‑minute inspections of high‑volume production.
• Set up a controlled work area with required attire (hats, gloves, beard masks, coats).
• Maintain housekeeping to keep the production environment clean.
• Complete required paperwork (15‑minute inspection form, MQC sheet) throughout the shift.
• Work to established QC samples and alert supervisors when problems arise.
• Adhere to all company and departmental work and safety rules.
• Operate any machine or operation assigned within the department.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Experience: Minimum 1 year in manufacturing, operations, production, lab setting, or a related field (0‑1 year also acceptable).
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Read, write, and understand English.
  • Perform simple math (addition, subtraction of whole numbers).
  • Excellent hand‑eye coordination.
  • Ability to lift and load pallets up to 35 lb.
• Professional Characteristics:
  • Ability to work in a high‑speed, repetitive production environment.
  • Team‑oriented attitude and ability to work well with others.

Work Schedule

First Shift (Days): Monday‑Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

Environmental Conditions

• Ability to lift 40 lb without assistance.
• Adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and safety standards.
• Cleanroom requirements: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, or facial hair.
• Loud equipment/machinery noise.
• Personal protective equipment required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs, etc.).
• Standing for the full shift.

Compensation

Hourly rate $20.50 / HR. Estimated hourly range for New York is $15.26 – $22.88. Additional shift differential is available for 2nd and 3rd shift positions.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay with annual performance‑based bonus and merit increases.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans effective Day 1, with a choice of national options.
• Paid time off (minimum 120 hours) plus 10 paid holidays, paid parental leave, and other paid leave.
• Retirement savings plan (401(k)) with company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) at a discount.
• Tuition reimbursement and employee referral bonus.
• Employee assistance, family support programs, commuter benefits, and health incentive programs.
• Accident, life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.