Sterile Fill‑Finish & Lyophilization Technician

About Zoetis, Lincoln NE

Zoetis is the world’s largest Manufacturer and Supplier of Animal Pharmaceuticals. In Lincoln, we produce high‑quality medicines for companion animals and livestock at a clean, modern site recognized among Nebraska’s Safest Companies.

A Day in This Role

You clock in at 6:30 a.m. and step into a pristine aseptic suite. Your first task: stage sterile equipment and aseptically load and unload vials for the lyophilization cycle. You verify parameters, review SCADA trends, and initiate a controlled start‑up on the lyophilizer using the Micromax/SCADA system. Throughout the morning, you assist with fill‑finish operations, cap vials, and perform routine environmental monitoring to ensure the suite remains in a state of control.

Mid‑shift, you calibrate and use scales, pipettes, and other scientific measuring devices to confirm fill volumes and check specific gravity. You reference the fill schedule to stay aligned with customer requirements, and document every step thoroughly in accordance with SOPs and GMPs. As production continues, you handle the movement of sterile equipment, complete mechanical set‑ups in the aseptic area, and help operate CIP/SIP systems when needed.

Before wrap‑up, you update batch records, contribute to SOP and JTC updates, and support housekeeping in the lab. You’re comfortable independently operating fill suites and capping equipment, recognizing quality issues early, and performing basic repairs, disassembly, and reassembly of major equipment. You may also jump into cross‑training or a Safety, RFT, or Kaizen project team. When on the on‑call rotation, you’re prepared to respond to lyophilizer set‑ups, start‑ups, shutdowns, and off‑hours issues.

Schedule

1st Shift, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required. On‑call rotation is expected; maintain 24/7 availability while on‑call.

What You’ll Do

• Aseptically load/unload all vial sizes for lyophilization; assist with aseptic filling and capping.
• Start up and shut down lyophilizers; use Micromax/SCADA and interpret SCADA trends to ensure proper cycles.
• Respond to lyophilization issues during off hours; support weekend set‑ups, start‑ups, and shutdowns as scheduled.
• Handle sterile equipment with practices that maintain sterility; perform mechanical set‑ups in aseptic areas.
• Use scales, pipettes, calculators, and other devices to establish/verify fill volumes and check specific gravity.
• Conduct routine environmental monitoring; follow the fill schedule to meet customer needs.
• Operate or assist with CIP/SIP; apply a basic understanding of SCADA/EWI.
• Apply USDA and APHIS requirements in assembly operations.
• Document accurately and completely in line with SOPs and GMPs.
• Identify and communicate work order issues; independently operate fill suites and capping equipment.
• Help update batch records, SOPs, and JTC’s; participate in cross‑training and special project teams (Safety, RFT, Kaizen).
• Perform basic repairs, maintenance, disassembly, and reassembly of major equipment; recognize quality issues.

Your Background Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated basic mechanical skills and computer proficiency.

Technical & Core Skills

Language

• Clear communication with peers and Team Leader; accurate, legible documentation.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply safety procedures, SOPs, maintenance instructions, and department procedures.

Math

• Proficient with basic arithmetic and metric conversions; complete controlled documents and inventory calculations.
• Set up and use weight devices in standard and metric units.

Reasoning

• Follow written, oral, and diagrammed instructions; multitask effectively.
• Recognize product quality issues; working knowledge of GMP.

Interpersonal

• Active listening; strong team orientation; positive, respectful collaboration.

Benefits

• $500 sign on bonus
• 4 weeks accrued paid vacation and 13 paid holidays
• 401(k) match with company profit sharing
• Tuition reimbursement and Student Loan repayment program
• Great health, personal, and family benefits starting day 1

Physical Requirements (Legal)

Physical Position Requirements

PHYSICAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS :

THE PHYSICAL DEMANDS DESCRIBED HERE ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THOSE THAT MUST BE MET BY AN EMPLOYEE TO SUCCESSFULLY PERFORM THE PRINCIPLE DUTIES OF THIS JOB. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE PRINCIPLE DUTIES.

• Manual dexterity using hands and fingers.

• Constant standing for extended periods

• Frequent need to sit, kneel, crouch, and climb; reach with hands and arms.

• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to work flexible hours including work weekend, holiday, and overtime.

• 24-hour 7-day availability while on-call

Work Environment

• High noise areas: hearing protection provided and used as required.
• Regular handling of heavy items: ANSI 75 safety shoes required.
• Cleaning agents and chemicals present: use designated PPE.
• Moving mechanical parts: safety shields must remain in place at all times.
• Potential exposure to significant temperature changes: PPE as required.