Manufacturing Operator

Role overview

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is hiring multiple Manufacturing Operators for its Athens, Georgia site. This position supports the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and/or medical devices in a regulated manufacturing environment.

About the company

Johnson & Johnson is focused on advancing healthcare through innovation across Innovative Medicine and MedTech. The company emphasizes an inclusive workplace where employees are respected as individuals and where diversity, dignity, and merit are valued.

What you will do

• Carry out preparation and manufacturing activities for pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and related products using assigned equipment.
• Set up, run, and clean production machinery used for intermediate or finished goods, while completing associated support tasks.
• Maintain accurate batch records, logs, SAP entries, and other production documentation in line with cGMP and standard operating procedures.
• Operate and monitor dryers, centrifuges, mills, reactors, water systems, DCS, and PLC controls, and respond appropriately to alarms and interlocks.
• Move materials of different weights using approved handling equipment and, when needed, additional assistance.
• Perform safety inspections, report hazards, and follow site procedures for spills, accidents, near misses, housekeeping, and chemical storage.
• Complete sampling tasks according to required schedules and methods.
• Support product quality by identifying defects, compiling inspection records, and helping resolve abnormalities.
• Carry out basic troubleshooting on equipment and control systems and recognize unusual instrumentation behavior.
• Participate in investigations, safety reviews, and site assessments, and help address any findings.
• Work in line with environmental requirements and help identify and document environmental issues.
• Help improve procedures, batch logs, and work instructions with supervisors and quality teams.
• Be available for scheduled or emergency overtime as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• At least 2 years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment is required.
• Ability to read, write, and understand basic English, including safety instructions, regulations, and procedure manuals.
• Basic math ability is necessary.
• Comfortable working as part of a team and communicating effectively with others.
• Preferred background includes at least 6 months in chemical, pharmaceutical, or cGMP-regulated work.
• Prior experience with manufacturing equipment, tools, and hand or fork trucks is preferred.
• Knowledge of DCS and SAP systems is preferred.
• Basic computer navigation skills, including data entry and use of common software tools, are highly preferred.
• Must be able to handle the physical demands of the role, including standing, walking, climbing, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work from ladders or platforms up to 30 feet high is required.
• Must be able to qualify for respiratory protective equipment use.
• Role involves exposure to outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• Must be willing to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including days and/or nights, and overtime when necessary.
• Completion of RCRA training within the first 6 months and annually after that is required.
• Completion of assigned regulatory training such as cGMP, ISO14001, OSHA, and DEA is required.
• Completion of the Operator Training Program according to site guidelines is required.

Benefits and compensation

• Pay is competitive and based on experience, with night-shift differential and an annual performance bonus.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage are included.
• A competitive 401(k), HSA/FSA options, and a company-funded pension plan are offered.
• Employees receive 120 hours of paid vacation, 40 hours of paid sick leave, and 40 hours of paid personal leave.
• The schedule follows a 2/2/3 rotation, giving every other week a 3-day weekend.
• Tuition reimbursement is available for eligible degree programs.
• A $3,000 sign-on bonus is included.

Additional position details

The role carries responsibility for environmental performance related to the work performed. The selected candidate will help maintain inspection readiness, support audits, and contribute to improving yield, cycle time, quality, productivity, and overall process efficiency. The position also requires compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and company/site policies, including FDA, EPA, OSHA, and DEA rules, as well as the intent of the company’s Credo. Johnson & Johnson is an equal opportunity employer and provides an inclusive interview process for candidates who need accommodation.

Equal opportunity and accommodation

All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected characteristics under applicable law. Candidates who need an accommodation during the interview process may request one through the company’s designated support channels.