Chemical Operator
Curia
Summary
The Chemical Operator plays a critical role in safely manufacturing pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and fine chemicals. This position is responsible for operating chemical processing equipment, executing manufacturing procedures, monitoring production processes, and maintaining compliance with safety, quality, environmental, Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Safely manufacture fine chemicals, intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in accordance with approved procedures and production schedules.
- Perform chemical processing activities including reactions, filtration, distillation, drying, milling, material transfers, charging of raw materials, and related unit operations.
- Set up, operate, monitor, clean, inspect, and verify manufacturing equipment including reactors, vessels, tanks, centrifuges, dryers, and associated process systems.
- Monitor process conditions, record operational data, adjust operating parameters as required, and identify, troubleshoot, or escalate process and equipment issues.
- Accurately complete batch records, logbooks, and other documentation in accordance with ALCOA++ principles, Good Documentation Practices, cGMP requirements, and site procedures.
- Follow all safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements, including proper use of personal protective equipment and hazard identification.
- Collaborate with Production, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Warehouse, and other cross-functional teams.
- Maintain required training qualifications and comply with applicable FDA regulations and cGMP.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready work environment.
- Contribute to a culture of safety, quality, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Good Manufacturing & Documentation Practices
- Perform all documentation in compliance with ALCOA++ principles and site SOPs.
- Adhere to applicable cGMP documents including SOPs, batch records, protocols, change controls, and controlled forms.
- Keep all required cGMP training current and escalate quality concerns to the Quality department.
Physical Requirements
- Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
- Frequently required to use hands and fingers, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- May occasionally lift and/or move up to 55 pounds.
- Visual requirements include close, distance, peripheral, and color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Work schedule is normally 12 hours covering days or nights, weekends and holidays to support a 24/7 production operation.
Work Environment
- Regular work in a production area of a typical manufacturing facility.
- Production environment may include moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat, wet or humid conditions, low levels of toxic or caustic chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions.
- Noise level is typically moderate.
Requirements
- Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
- Minimum one (1) year of manufacturing, production, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, food manufacturing, industrial operations, or related industrial experience
- Strong math, reading, comprehension, and communication skills
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to learn manufacturing equipment and processes
- Ability to accurately follow detailed written and verbal instructions
- Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment
- Ability to complete all assigned training within the specified timeframe
- Ability to operate basic hand tools
- Ability to obtain and maintain forklift qualifications
- Ability to maintain respiratory protection qualification and wear a respirator as required
- Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and commitment to maintaining a consistent work schedule
- Must pass a background check
- Must pass a drug screen
Benefits
- Generous benefit options
- Paid training
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
- Career advancement opportunities
- Education reimbursement
- 401(k) Matching
- Learning platform
Company overview
Curia is a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Headquartered in Albany, New York, the company operates an integrated network of 25 global sites across North America, Europe, and Asia, employing approximately 3,500 professionals. Curia provides comprehensive end-to-end solutions spanning drug discovery, development, and manufacturing services for both small molecules and biologics. Their expertise covers active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing, sterile drug product development, analytical testing, and regulatory support. The company specializes in complex areas including high-potency compounds, controlled substances, sterile APIs, and mRNA manufacturing. With state-of-the-art GMP facilities and a strong focus on innovation, Curia partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to accelerate the development and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics, from early-stage discovery through commercial-scale production.