Pharmacy Technician - Sterile Compounding

Pharmacy Technician - Sterile Compounding

Pay Range: $27-$30 per hour
Location: Sterling, VA
Work Model: In-person
Employment Type: Full-time

About Akina Pharmacy

Akina Pharmacy is a nationally-accredited specialty compounding pharmacy on a mission to enrich lives through compounded medicine. Since 2012, we've partnered with prescribers and patients across the United States to deliver expertly compounded sterile and non-sterile medications when off-the-shelf solutions fall short. We call it the Chemistry of Care™: precision and compassion working together.

Our fast-growing team is guided by an ambitious vision, core values, and a high-performance environment built on clear communication, pragmatic decision-making, and accountability. We hold ourselves to the highest standards. In the pharmacy, that means PCAB accreditation and LegitScript certification. With our people, it means empowering them through continuous growth and support. If you're driven by a passion for meaningful impact and want to be a part of a vibrant, people-first team where your contribution genuinely matters, we'd love to meet you.

Our Core Values

1. Excellence Always: We hold ourselves to a high standard and continually push it higher. We bring that standard to everything we do-big or small, seen or unseen-and carry it across the finish line. Our relentless determination to the be the best is reflected in the way we work, the details we refuse to overlook, and the results we deliver. This is how we earn the trust of our patients, providers, and each other.
2. Called To Serve: We act for the greater good, putting what is best for the company, our team, and our customers ahead of personal comfort or gain. We go the extra mile for others. Serving this way connects us to a purpose greater than ourselves:  Enriching Lives. It gives deeper meaning to our work, and it's why Akina exists. 
3. Total Ownership: We take full responsibility for our work, decisions, and results. We don't wait for permission or instructions; we initiate and drive outcomes. When faced with setbacks or challenges, we stay focused on what is within our control and respond with solutions and action. That level of ownership means people can count on us through thick or thin, and gives us the power to take meaningful action as a unified team toward achieving our shared mission.
4. Open and Honest: We listen and seek to understand feedback, new ideas, and perspectives that challenge our own. We speak the truth directly and clearly, hiding nothing and removing all politics from our communication. By choosing vulnerability and transparency over comfort, we make each other better and build the deep trust required to engage in healthy conflict, stay aligned, and solve hard problems. 

Position Summary

The Pharmacy Technician - Sterile Compounding is a key member of the Akina Pharmacy team, responsible for preparing sterile medications with precision, accuracy, and adherence to the highest safety and quality standards. This role requires an exceptional commitment to compliance with USP <797> regulations and the ability to maintain an ISO-classified cleanroom environment.

As a Sterile Compounding Technician, you will perform aseptic compounding of both batched and non-batched sterile medications, complete rigorous cleaning and sanitization protocols, and follow quality control procedures to ensure patient safety and product efficacy. You will also support ancillary tasks such as inventory management, bubble point testing, and depyrogenation by dry heat oven, contributing to the seamless execution of the pharmacy’s production schedule.

If you thrive in a structured, fast-paced environment where quality and compliance are paramount, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care.

Key Responsibilities:

•    Sterile Compounding and Schedule Execution

• Perform sterile compounding, including proper garbing, gowning, and aseptic technique, in strict adherence to USP <797>, cGMP, and departmental SOPs to ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery.
• Execute the daily production schedule to ensure quality and on-time delivery of sterile products. 
   

•    Cleanroom and Equipment Maintenance and Sanitization 

• Maintain ISO-classified cleanroom conditions through rigorous cleaning and disinfection.
• Operate and maintain compounding equipment, including calibrations and dry heat oven operation, per SOPs.

•    Inventory Management and Restocking

• Monitor lab supply levels, submit warehouse requisitions, and restock PPE, supplies, devices, and equipment to support uninterrupted lab operations.
• Remove out-of-date materials, restock labs and adjacent areas with PPE, supplies, devices, and  additional equipment needed to perform required tasks.

•    Quality Control & Assurance

• Conduct in-process quality checks, including bubble point testing and end-product visual inspection.
• Document all processes and activities, including outcomes, per USP, FDA and Good Documentation Practices. 

•    Training, Competency, and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain required training and competencies in the electronic quality management system.
• Participate in LEAN initiatives (Root Cause Analysis, Operational Walkthroughs, Internal Audits) to improve operational efficiency and product quality.

Key Metrics:

• Compound sterile medications (5-10 per day)
• Complete daily and ongoing tasks, including cleaning, calibration and inventory checks (20-30 per week)
• Complete ongoing self-guided trainings, and manager-led competencies and evaluations (12-15 per year)

How Akina Commits to Supporting You:

• Gives clear directions and expectations
• Makes sure you have the necessary tools
• Delegates appropriately
• Holds effective meetings
• Meets one-on-one with you quarterly or more, if needed
• Rewards and recognizes your performance

Experience and Qualifications

• Certification and Licensure: Must be registered with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy as a Certified Pharmacy Technician or Technician Trainee. Active pharmacy technician certification (CPhT) is preferred. Certification in sterile compounding (e.g., ACPE IV certification) is a plus.
• Sterile Compounding Expertise: 1-2 years of experience in sterile compounding or aseptic techniques (preferred but not required). Proficiency in preparing sterile medications in compliance with USP <797> and USP <800>, ensuring the highest level of precision and sterility.
• Aseptic Technique and Cleanroom Procedures: Demonstrated ability to perform aseptic manipulations, maintain cleanroom standards, and adhere to gowning and sanitization protocols. Familiarity with environmental monitoring and responding to contamination risks effectively.
• Laboratory and Equipment Maintenance: Proven ability to clean, sanitize, and maintain sterile compounding equipment and areas in compliance with USP <797> and company SOPs. Experience calibrating and troubleshooting sterile compounding equipment to maintain operational accuracy.
• Inventory Management Skills: Experience in managing sterile compounding supplies, including ordering, restocking, and ensuring proper storage of sterile products and components. Ability to identify and remove expired or damaged inventory.
• Quality Control and Assurance: Commitment to ensuring compounded sterile preparations meet stringent quality standards, including checks for sterility, particulate matter, and accurate labeling and packaging.
• Documentation and Recordkeeping: Exceptional attention to detail in documenting all compounding activities, including calculations, quality control checks, and compliance with USP guidelines and company policies.
• Communication and Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with pharmacists, quality assurance personnel, and other team members. Ability to adapt to feedback and actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Technology Skills: Proficiency in using pharmacy management systems, laminar flow hood monitoring systems, and other relevant sterile compounding technologies to streamline operations and ensure compliance.

Benefits & Perks:

• Medical and Supplementary Benefits: Akina Pharmacy offers two medical plan options with employer premium contributions up to 85%, dental and vision coverage, accident and hospital indemnity, and company paid long term and short-term disability options, available after 30 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off: Take advantage of generous paid time off to recharge, focus on personal priorities, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy six scheduled paid holidays to celebrate and spend quality time with loved ones.
• 401K Match: Invest in your future with our 401K plan, featuring a Safe Harbor match up to 4%.
• Rewards & Recognition: Be celebrated for your hard work and achievements through our dedicated rewards and recognition program.
• No Cost Medication: Employees are eligible to receive prescribed compounded medications at no cost, after 30 days of employment. 

Akina Pharmacy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating and inclusive environment for all team members. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Akina Pharmacy accepts applications for this position on a rolling basis.