Manufacturing Technician

Job Title: Manufacturing Technician

Job Description

This Manufacturing Technician role offers an opportunity to work within a Microbiology Division, supporting the production of agar-based media in a manufacturing environment. You will operate machinery, handle materials, and ensure that products meet quality, volume, and compliance standards. This position is ideal for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in kit production, large-scale manufacturing, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments, with strong training and advancement opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently and safely operate assigned manufacturing machinery, perform simple maintenance, and immediately report any malfunctioning equipment to the appropriate supervisor or lead.
• Set up and adjust machines to run different sizes and formats as required by production schedules.
• Obtain correct materials for production needs from the warehouse or staging areas and ensure they are available when needed.
• Organize production flow by coordinating materials, monitoring line progress, and scheduling breaks in alignment with production timelines while maintaining safe practices.
• Accurately document production activities, check personal work for quality and compliance, and monitor products for defects throughout the manufacturing process.
• Assist with inventory processes by tracking materials and finished goods as needed.
• Accurately dispense required additives into media and perform the proper techniques to achieve the correct pH balance as needed.
• Investigate and help resolve possible production failures or issues, escalating concerns when necessary.
• Follow all written procedures, including standard operating procedures (SOPs) and device history records (DHRs), and report any discrepancies to the area supervisor.
• Perform all work activities in a safe manner and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Immediately report any property damage or safety hazards to supervision, human resources, safety personnel, or management.
• Complete production assignments in a timely manner in accordance with departmental schedules and priorities.
• Sign off on DHRs in the appropriate locations and fill in all required information accurately and in compliance with SOPs.

Essential Skills

• Experience or strong interest in manufacturing, production, or related operational roles.
• Ability to work with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines or willingness to learn and follow GMP requirements.
• Basic understanding of inventory processes and the ability to assist with inventory tracking.
• Ability to perform basic math to support measurements, volumes, and calculations during production.
• Ability to work with pH measurements and follow techniques to achieve proper pH balance in media.
• Ability to comprehend and communicate clearly in English, both in writing and verbally.
• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and push or pull wheeled kettles weighing up to approximately 600 pounds.
• Ability to stand for sustained periods of time, approximately 10 hours per day.
• Ability to see and distinguish colors to ensure accurate product and quality checks.
• Comfort working on a 2nd shift schedule, typically from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in or exposure to microbiology, agar, or media production.
• Experience with filling operations in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Familiarity with laboratory or cleanroom procedures.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in a science-related field (AS or BS) is welcomed but not required, as training is provided.
• Desire to gain experience in kit production and large-scale manufacturing.
• Motivation to develop a career within a global organization offering advancement opportunities.
• Willingness to learn and operate within a highly regulated, documentation-focused environment (SOPs, DHRs).

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory and cleanroom manufacturing environment focused on the production of agar-based media. You will work primarily on a 2nd shift schedule, typically from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., standing for extended periods and performing hands-on tasks with production equipment, wheeled kettles, and materials. The environment follows Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and requires strict adherence to written procedures and documentation. You will use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required and work around machinery, materials handling equipment, and liquid media. The setting emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and quality, while offering exposure to large-scale manufacturing processes and modern laboratory production techniques.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of FREDERICK, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.09 - $21.09/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in FREDERICK,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.