Upstream Processing Technician

Job Description

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.

Manufacturing Operations teams are the people that make our products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a “Safety First, Quality Always” mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local plant connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products. 

We are seeking a Growth and Improvement minded Processing Technician that can help drive our Strategic Operating Priorities. 

Invent | Pursue the Most Promising Internal and External Science to Address Significant Unmet Medical Needs. 

Execute | Prioritize Resources Behind Our Key Growth Drivers (Oncology, Vaccines, Select Specialty Areas, Animal Health) While Optimizing Our Base Business). 

Adapt | Develop Our People, Culture and Business Model to Evolve with a Dynamic Landscape. 

Talent | We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment with supporting leadership behaviors because having a high-performing, engaged workforce is critical to our ability to deliver innovative solutions to patients and customers around the world. 

Values and Standards | Our Steadfast Commitment to Our Values and Standards will Continue to Guide Us as We Take on New Challenges and Will Always be Fundamental to Our Success – They are a Competitive Advantage for Us. 

1st shift Friday-Monday, 7:00AM-5:30PM. Work overtime

Our company in the United States and Canada, is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where our company has codified its legacy for over a century. Our company’s success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare. 

Summary 

The Upstream Processing Tech position is available at our company's Animal Health facility in Elkhorn, Nebraska, located on the West end of Omaha.  The Elkhorn facility is expanding operations to manufacture animal vaccines and biologics. Looking for talented individuals to join our Production teams using key technologies for cell culture, filling and packaging.  Operation of assigned Filling and Freeze Drying of Finished Product and diluents in careful compliance with established operating procedures. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Ensures quality product by knowing and maintaining company and Departmental standards and procedures. 

• Perform sterile operations according to Standard Production Processes (SPPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), documentation practices must be performed in a concurrent, legible and consistent basis 

• Prepare cell and viral cultures within flasks, roller bottles in large quantities (1000+ cultures per day), this process is labor intensive and requires ability to push and pull large tanks, open and close large amount of roller bottles, and lift trash bags up to 20+ times a day. 

• Sanitization or sterilization of designated areas and equipment, requiring work with cleaners and attention to small details while cleaning. 

• Troubleshoot and perform adjustments of equipment as required. 

• Perform SAP transactions (goods issuing/goods receipt), cycle count actives 

• Ensure all assigned equipment and components are staged for assigned operation. 

• Provide Leadership for Tier 1 process 

• Maintain documentation and other duties as assigned. 

• Maintain area including area 5S housekeeping management 

• Sterile processes are performed in small labs with other technicians at the same time. 

• Technicians will be required to wear full aseptic gown including hood, suite, boots, gloves, mask and googles. 

• Some operations will be performed wearing a respirator which can reduce visibility. 

• Provide leadership to area Technicians and inform area Lead and Manager as needed 

• Daily review and audit of area batch record and process documentation 

Education 

• Preferred Associates degree or BS in a Science related field
• High School Diploma or equivalent. 

Required Experience | Knowledge | Skills 

• Work independently and as a Team member with Integrity | Precision | Accomplishment | Motivational Ambition | Respect | Inclusion. 

• Ability to operate manufacturing equipment. 

• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills. 

• General knowledge of reading, mathematics, using both U.S. customary and metric systems and computer skills. 

• Ability to communicate and work in cooperation and train other employees in a manufacturing environment. 

• Successful completion of a Physical Abilities Test. 

Preferred Experience and Skills  

• One years of relevant manufacturing experience and a basic understanding of  manufacturing procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Mathematical aptitude.
• Working knowledge of mechanics and the ability to troubleshoot line equipment. 

• Working knowledge of cGMP and inventory control concepts. 

• An understanding of aseptic techniques and procedures. 

#MSJR

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, Analytical Problem Solving, Animal Care, Animal Handling, Aseptic Handling, Batch Production Records, Cell Culture Techniques, Cleaning Equipment, Computer Literacy, Data Entry, Employee Training, Equipment Calibrations, Equipment Maintenance, Equipment Repairs, Equipment Troubleshooting, Freeze Drying, GMP Documentation, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Home Management, Industrial Manufacturing, Inventory Control Management, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Documentation, Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing Quality Control {+ 9 more}

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.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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:

11/20/2026

*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.