Operator II, Manufacturing - First Shift

About the Role

Thermo Fisher Scientific is seeking a Manufacturing Associate at its Rochester, NY campus, where essential lab plastics for vaccines, biologic therapies, and diagnostic kits are produced. The position is part of the Laboratory Products Division, supporting a broad portfolio that includes analytical instruments, lab equipment, cold storage, reagents, chemicals, and labware.

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 environment clean for media bottle production.
• 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) required.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year in manufacturing, operations, production, lab setting, or related field preferred (0‑1 year 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 (environmental condition notes ability to lift 40 lb without assistance).
• Professional Characteristics:
  • Ability to work in a high‑speed, repetitive production environment.
  • Team‑oriented attitude and ability to work well with others.

Schedule

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

Compensation

• Hourly rate: $20.50 per hour (first shift).
• Additional shift differential for 2nd and 3rd shift positions.
• Annual performance‑based bonus and merit increase.
• Estimated hourly pay range for New York: $15.26 – $22.88.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans effective Day 1, with a choice of national options.
• Paid Time Off (minimum 120 hours) and 10 designated paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave (3 weeks bonding, 8 weeks caregiver).
• Accident, life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Retirement savings plan (401(k) with company match).
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (discounted company stock).
• Tuition reimbursement and employee referral bonus.
• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits.

Work Environment

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