Associate Technician, Operations

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

POSITION SUMMARY AND SCOPE

The Level O1 Machine Operator is the foundation of the production line. This position operates a laser, laser/ink-jet, or E.I.D. marking station to mark, label, and package Livestock Identification tags in strict accordance with SOPs, work instructions, and customer requirements.

Success in this position is measured by safe behavior, right-first-time quality, accurate real-time documentation, and consistent attainment of the required daily output for the assigned machine. The O1 Operator is expected to know the standard, run to the standard, and stop and escalate immediately when anything deviates from it. This role is the entry point into a defined operator progression (O1 → O2 → O3 Production Line Lead), and demonstrated mastery of O1 duties is the prerequisite for advancement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Execution

• Operates a laser, laser/ink-jet, or EID (Electronic Identification Device) marking station to mark Livestock Identification tags per SOP and performs labeling and packaging of finished product to specification.

• Maintains the required and acceptable daily output as determined by the assigned job and machine and communicates immediately to the Line Lead when the target is at risk.
• Verifies materials, work orders, and packaging components against the production order before running, and confirms all packaging is available and correct.
• When the workstation is shut down, takes prompt action to secure help in correcting the malfunction and returning the workstation to production in the shortest time possible.
• Performs basic troubleshooting, setup verification, and cleaning activities within current training and qualifications; never operates outside of qualified tasks.

Quality and Traceability

• Performs required quality checks at specified intervals and immediately stops production upon identifying nonconforming product.

• Verifies print and marking quality, EID programming, label accuracy, and customer requirements on every order.
• Watches for wrong materials, incorrect EID programming, traceability discrepancies, product mix-ups, equipment abnormalities, missing documentation, and safety concerns — and stops production and notifies the Line Lead, Supervisor, Technician, or Quality Technician the moment these conditions are observed.

• Maintains traceability records and prevents suspect products from proceeding until the issue is resolved.

Documentation

• Completes all production documentation accurately and in real time, including startup sheets, downtime logs, production records, scrap documentation, and quality records.
• Records downtime accurately with the correct reason so losses can be analyzed and eliminated.

 

Teamwork, Safety, and Housekeeping

• Performs all assigned tasks in accordance with safety procedures and work instructions; wear all required PPE, including safety glasses, steel-toe safety footwear, gloves, and other PPE required for the assigned area.
• Maintains safe work practices and immediately reports unsafe behaviors and conditions; stops the job for any unsafe condition, without exception.
• Assists with onboarding and cross-training of employees using approved training methods and SOPs when qualified to do so.
• Maintains housekeeping in the assigned area and participates in 5S, Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follows established conduct, procedures, and safety rules for the area.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience operating a computer, including operating a mouse, retrieving a file, and can demonstrated ability to learn new basic computer skills.

• Ability to accurately enter and retrieve production information using manufacturing systems, production databases, and electronic documentation systems; ability to learn and utilize SAP, MES, Galaxy, or other production-related software systems as required.
• Proficiency in basic math skills — counting, handling numbers, addition, and subtraction — sufficient to perform production calculations, quantity verification, traceability reconciliation, and inventory counts.
• Good manual dexterity; ability to safely handle production materials, packaging components, livestock identification tags, trays, pallets, and related equipment.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow SOPs, Work Instructions, Job Sheets, Production Orders, Quality and Traceability Records, and Customer Requirements.
• Ability to identify, communicate, and escalate safety, quality, equipment, and traceability issues in a timely manner.

SKILLS

• Attention to detail and a quality-focused mindset.
• Strong safety awareness.
• Basic troubleshooting skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate, real-time production documentation.
• Reliability, punctuality, and ownership of the assigned workstation.
• Willingness to learn, cross-train, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND SAFETY

• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials weighing up to 30 pounds throughout the shift.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks with sustained attention to detail.

• Responsible for wearing and maintaining required PPE, including safety glasses, steel-toe safety footwear, and complying with all site safety requirements while performing assigned duties.

#MSJR

The salary range for this role is: $39,200 - $61,800

 

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:

Assembly Line, Basic Math, Computer Literacy, Data Entry, Forklift Operations, Inventory Management, Machinery Operation, Manual Dexterity, Manufacturing Quality Control, Manufacturing Techniques, Packaging Operations, Production Efficiencies, Production Scheduling, Safety Protocols, SOP Compliance

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:

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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:

2nd - Evening

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

yes

Job Posting End Date:

10/30/2026

*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.