Manufacturing Technician

Summary of the role

An excellent entry point for a career in biopharma or advanced therapies, a Manufacturing Technician is a hands-on professional who is directly involved in the creation of a product, ensuring that every step is followed to the highest standards.

A Manufacturing Technician is responsible for executing the day-to-day production activities in a highly regulated environment. They perform practical tasks on the factory floor or in the cleanroom, making sure the product is made safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all relevant regulations. This role is fundamental to the entire operation, as any mistake can have a significant impact on product quality and patient safety.

Typical Duties

The duties are largely practical and revolve around strict adherence to procedures:

• Production and Process Execution: Performing hands-on manufacturing steps, such as setting up and operating machinery, weighing and mixing raw materials, or running and monitoring a production line.
• Documentation: Meticulously and accurately completing all documentation, including batch records, logbooks, and other forms. This is a critical part of the job, as all activities must be traceable for regulatory audits.
• Aseptic Processing (Advanced Therapies): For cell and gene therapies, a key duty is maintaining a sterile environment. This involves performing tasks using specific gowning procedures and working inside a cleanroom or isolator to prevent contamination of the product.
• Equipment Monitoring and Maintenance: Monitoring equipment and processes to ensure they are operating within specified parameters. You may also be responsible for cleaning, sanitising, and performing basic maintenance on equipment.
• Quality Control Support: Taking samples for in-process testing and assisting with quality control checks to ensure the product meets specifications.
• Problem-Solving and Deviation Reporting: Identifying and reporting any deviations from the standard process to a supervisor and potentially assisting in the initial investigation of the issue.

The core principles of the job are the same for advanced therapies and for wider life sciences, but the context changes:

Advanced Therapies: The work often involves smaller, personalised batches. You would be working with delicate biological materials, and your focus would be on aseptic techniques and maintaining a meticulously controlled cleanroom environment.

Wider Life Sciences: The scale of the work is often larger, focusing on industrial processes like large-scale fermentation or protein purification. The challenges might be more related to process efficiency and automation.

Key Skills and Qualifications (UK)

Essential Qualifications: A degree is not always a requirement. Many technicians enter the field through apprenticeships, vocational courses (e.g., BTEC, HNC), or relevant City & Guilds qualifications. A good standard of English and Maths is typically required.

Essential Certifications: A foundational understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is absolutely essential. This is the quality system that governs the production of pharmaceuticals.

Essential Skills:

• Attention to Detail: This is the most crucial skill. Following procedures exactly as written is non-negotiable.
• Meticulous Record-Keeping: The ability to accurately and promptly document all activities is vital.
• Teamwork and Communication: You will be working as part of a close-knit team, so effective communication is key.
• Problem-Solving: The ability to identify issues and think logically to find solutions is critical, even at a basic level.

Salary Expectations (UK)

Starting Salary: For an entry-level Manufacturing Technician, the starting salary is typically in the range of £25,000 – £35,000 per year. This can be higher with relevant qualifications, experience, or if the role involves shift work, which often comes with a shift allowance.

After 3-4 Years: With a few years of experience, a strong track record of compliance, and demonstrated reliability, a technician can expect to earn between £35,000 – £45,000. Experienced technicians can often progress to senior technician roles or even into supervisory or quality assurance positions.