Lyophilisation Technician – Sterile Manufacturing
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Work Schedule
OtherEnvironmental Conditions
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Lyophilization (Freeze-Drying) Operator / Technician
Location: Swindon Shift-based (24/7)
About the Role
At Thermo Fisher Scientific our Swindon site is one of the UKs leading sterile manufacturing facilities playing a critical role in delivering life-changing medicines to patients around the world.
We are looking for an experienced Lyophilization (LYO) Operator / Technician with a strong background in freeze-drying operations and exposure to planned preventive maintenance (PPM). This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on equipment ownership working in a highly regulated GMP environment and contributing to reliable high-quality production.
Youll be part of a collaborative operations and engineering culture where equipment reliability process control and continuous improvement are valued.
What Youll Be Responsible For Lyophilization Operations
- Operate and monitor freeze dryers during routine production engineering and test cycles.
- Execute validated lyophilization cycles in line with production plans and GMP requirements.
- Monitor critical process parameters and review trend and graphical data to ensure stable and compliant operation.
- Perform detailed visual inspections to confirm correct system performance.
- Act as a knowledgeable operator within the LYO area supporting consistent and reliable execution.
Planned Preventive Maintenance & Equipment Care
- Carry out first-line planned preventive maintenance (PPM) activities in line with approved schedules and SOPs.
- Perform routine equipment checks and basic interventions such as clamp adjustments leak checks and filter changes.
- Work closely with Engineering and Maintenance teams to support planned and reactive maintenance activities.
- Identify early signs of equipment issues or process drift and escalate proactively to prevent downtime.
- Take ownership of equipment condition and cleanliness within the LYO area.
GMP Documentation & Compliance
- Complete GMP documentation accurately clearly and in a timely manner.
- Compile freeze-drying cycle records for inclusion in batch manufacturing documentation.
- Monitor SCADA systems and report alarms deviations or abnormal trends using defined escalation pathways.
- Initiate deviations and support investigations related to process or equipment performance.
Utilities Monitoring & Support
- Monitor critical utilities (pressure temperature flow levels) supporting lyophilization operations.
- Load consumables and manage inventory required for freeze-drying systems.
- Monitor environmental conditions via the Facility Monitoring System (FMS) and escalate out-of-trend results.
- Support other production activities during periods of low lyophilization demand.
Health Safety & Quality
- Work in full compliance with EH&S requirements and site safety procedures.
- Contribute to a strong safety and quality culture through safe behaviors and right-first-time execution.
What Were Looking For
Essential
- Proven experience in a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environment.
- Hands-on experience operating lyophilization (freeze-drying) equipment.
- Experience supporting or executing planned preventive maintenance (PPM) or routine equipment care.
- Ability to work independently within a 24/7 shift pattern.
Desirable
- Experience with complex multi-cycle process equipment.
- Exposure to aseptic or sterile manufacturing environments.
- Experience with SCADA systems
What Youll Bring
- A methodical detail-oriented approach to critical operations.
- Strong judgment and decision-making within SOPs and validated processes.
- Clear communication skills and confidence escalating issues when needed.
- A sense of ownership for equipment performance and process reliability.
- A collaborative mindset and willingness to work cross-functionally.
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Lean Manufacturing
- Hand Tools
- Basic Math
- Math
- Mechanical Knowledge
- Assembly Experience
- Computer Literacy
- Schematics
- cGMP
- Clamp Truck
- Programmable Logic Controllers
- Manufacturing
About Company
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