Machine Operator, Tablets/Capsules

Job Summary: The Machine Operator is responsible for the set-up, assembly, disassembly, maintenance and operation of various tableting and capsule machines in accordance with company Standard Operating Procedures to ensure the production of quality products. 

Principle Responsibilities:

•       Set up run with floor supervisor or Director of Production.

•       Set up capsule machine or tablet press (calibration, cleaning etc.) to start a production cycle with floor supervisor or COO and diagnose problems that arise during set-up; ensure correct capsule and dosing disc is used and disc is in good order or correct punches are used; if not, notify supervisor.

•       Verify Correct blend is used and feed material into hopper to run capsule filling machine or tablet press; ensure machine has been set up for proper size and weight.

•       Bring beginning sample to QC after setting machine; after approval of in process capsules, start capsule filling or start tablet compression.

•       During capsule filling, controls for size and weight are taken and recorded on log every 30 minutes; during compression, controls for weight, thickness and hardness are taken and recorded on log every 30 minutes; press must be stopped when there is any deviation from parameters to address the problem.

•       Once achieved, submit sample to QC for approval.

•       Operator must not leave machines unattended while it is running and is responsible to remain at machine until break; when there is a break or change in operator, capsuling or compression is stopped and noted on log.

•       Monitor, inspect and manage quality and output volume of capsules or tablets coming off the machine to spot any machine-related mistakes or flaws; product quality check must be done at start up and after breaks. 

•       Fix any under filled, elongated, not sealing properly, marking or broken capsule issue during filling.

•       Fix any capping, marking or broken tablet issue during compression and keep records of approved and defective units or final products.

•       Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of machine as described in SOP or instructed by supervisor and maintain active maintenance log.

•       Take samples from beginning middle and end of run and recording on log if containers are finished bulk boxes.

•       Report any deviation from job function to supervisor or COO.

•       Label containers and match with correct information as described on batch ticket.

•       Follow written, approved, cleaning and maintenance procedures exactly to maintain cGMP sanitary standards at all times within the Production Departments.

•       Clean work area thoroughly as needed throughout the day (e.g., remove trash, broken skids, etc.) and at the end of the shift.

•       Complete and maintain GMP documents, such as the Batch Record, cleaning and sanitizing logs, housekeeping logs and other documents or log records pertaining to each specified piece of equipment and manufacturing.

•       Maintains an inventory of tools and machines in a clean and safe manner.

•       Performs other related duties as assigned.

Additional Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each principal responsibility satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education: High school graduate preferred, but not required if proficiency in communication, mathematics, work habits, and attitude is demonstrated during the probationary period.

Experience: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a solid, full scale, manufacturing environment.  Demonstrated attention to detail and thoroughness are critical. 

Physical Requirements: Work requires ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted, or up to 100 pounds with mechanical assistance; standing, walking, bending and/or stooping for periods of five hours or more; moving and examining objects at high and low reach, and reading for periods of three hours or more.  Position requires normal visual acuity. 

Additional Skills and Qualifications:

Knowledge of cGMP standards to ensure the maintenance of the cGMP standard of quality.

Adherence to health and safety regulations (e.g., constant use of protective gear).

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance work instructions, procedure manuals and SDS sheets.

Must have the ability to communicate effectively orally and in written form.

Must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

Must understand and use simple statistical methods.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.

Must have ability to solve moderately complex problems involving multiple variables in standardized situations.

Must have a deliberate and acute sense of documentation of all activities while in the manufacturing environment.

Must be familiar with and be able to communicate via e-mail.

Must be familiar with and be able to use computer software including word processors & spreadsheets (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access), and ERP System.

Must be able to communicate effectively in a cross functional team environment to complete work tasks as instructed

Must have sound judgment and decision-making skills.

Demonstrated attention to detail and thoroughness are critical.

Vital Health America, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer