Operations Technician

About the role

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way.

Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do.

An Operations Technician position in the Single Use Bioprocessing Department is available at our Animal Health facility in De Soto, Kansas, located near Kansas City metropolitan area.

The De Soto facility is part of the global our Manufacturing Division network and is a key contributor to the manufacturing of animal health products.

Working in the SUB Processing Team you take ownership of the manufacturing processes associated with the large-scale manufacturing process of Mycoplasma Strain 11 Antigen as well as new products coming into the department. Contribution to the weekly completion and schedule adherence of other production activities within the team is expected.

The antigen manufacturing operation is made up of teams that carry out the production activities for the preparation and sterilization of equipment, preparation and sterilization of media components, fermentation of bacterial antigens, downstream processing of bacterial antigens for serial batching and blending of the final vaccines prior to sterile filling.

The Single Use Bioprocessing (SUB) Department is responsible for the end to end production of key antigens manufactured at the De Soto site in Single Use Bioreactors. Primary tasks for the team will include fermentation activities from seed scale up to large scale culture fermentations. As well as the set up and operation of stainless-steel vessels and concentration equipment and contribution to the site safety/continuous improvement activities.

The position requires someone who can demonstrate excellent attention to detail and achieve a consistent error-free execution of daily job responsibilities, be able to complete documentation using Good Documentation Practices and be able to identify opportunities for process improvement and employ basic problem-solving skills. Experience with gamma radiated single-use equipment is preferred.

Occasional weekend work will be expected.

Education

• Required | High school diploma or GED
• Preferred | Associate's degree within a science discipline or equivalent

Experience | Skills | Knowledge: Required

• Good concurrent and complete documentation using Good Manufacturing Practices
• Good work ethic and attendance behavior
• Proficient computer skills
• Principled verbal and written communications
• Demonstrate basic skills in effective time management to meet given deadlines
• Work effectively and efficiently both individually and with team member
• Principled verbal and written communication
• Work effectively and efficiently both individually and with team members

Preferred

• 6+ months experience working in manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience working within a GMP manufacturing environment
• Good comprehension of aseptic procedures
• Experience with single use gamma radiated materials

Shift and Hours

• Monday to Friday | 1st Shift 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM

#MSJR

Pay and benefits

The salary range for this role is: $48,600 - $76,600

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Required Skills

Analytical Problem Solving, Computer Literacy, Equipment Monitoring, Equipment Operations, GMP Documentation, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Problem Solving, Safety Compliance

Preferred Skills

• Current Employees apply HERE
• Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

• Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
• EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

• We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds.
• The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment.
• We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.

• No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place.
• Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific.
• Please, no phone calls or emails.

• Employee Status: Regular
• Relocation: No relocation
• VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements

• No Travel Required
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable
• Shift: 1st - Day
• Valid Driving License: No
• Hazardous Material(s): n/a
• Job Posting End Date: 11/16/2026

Additional information

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.