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Compression Operator Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

KVK Tech

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Compression Operator (3:30pm-12:00am)

Newtown, PA · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

The Compression Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and cleaning tablet compression equipment within a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This hands-on role ensures ...

KVK Tech

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Compression Operator (7:00am-3:30pm)

Newtown, PA · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

The Compression Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and cleaning tablet compression equipment within a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This hands-on role ensures ...

Surf Technologies & Fluoro-Plastics, Inc

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Machine Operator

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Position Summary Fluoro-Plastics, Inc. is a 75-year-old plastics processing company specializing in the compression molding and processing of PTFE and other high-performance plastics. The Laborer ...

Synerfac Technical Staffing

Toolmaker

Harleysville, PA · On-site

$42/hr

... and operating various manual and CNC equipment to produce molds, dies, fixtures, gauges, and ... Injection or Compression tooling experience with tight tolerances Ready to put your CNC lathe ...

Campos EPC

Mechanical Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

KEY JOB DUTIES * Design oil and gas pipelines, pipeline metering facilities, gas compression ... maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of the pipeline. * Responsible for pipe sizing ...

The Blue Collar Recruiter

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Insulation Installer

Montgomery Township, PA · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

... owned and operated insulation contracting company that has been serving the residential and ... and compression * Read work orders, plans, and job specifications to determine insulation ...

The Blue Collar Recruiter

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Insulation Installer

Montgomery Township, PA · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

... owned and operated insulation contracting company that has been serving the residential and ... and compression * Read work orders, plans, and job specifications to determine insulation ...

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All JobsCompression Operator JobsCompression Operator Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Compression Operator information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do compression operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for compression operator in Philadelphia, PA is $20.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a compression operator?

Compression Operators are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining equipment that compresses gases or other materials, typically in industrial or manufacturing settings. Their main duties include monitoring gauges, controlling valves, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of compression machinery. They also perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and maintain safety standards to prevent leaks or malfunctions. Compression Operators often work in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and utilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a compression operator?

To thrive as a Compression Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, equipment operation, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with industrial compressors, control panels, SCADA systems, and standard safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient equipment operation, minimize downtime, and contribute to overall plant productivity.

What challenges do compression operators face and how can they be managed?

Compression Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal pressure levels, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, quick problem-solving skills, and thorough knowledge of machinery operations. Effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors is also essential to ensure issues are promptly addressed and downtime is minimized. Regular training and adherence to standard operating procedures can greatly help in managing these challenges.

What is the difference between Compression Operator vs Pump Operator?

AspectCompression OperatorPump Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, technical certificationsHigh school diploma, safety training, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOil & gas facilities, natural gas plants, industrial sitesOil & gas fields, refineries, industrial plants
Industry UsageCommon in natural gas processing and transmissionCommon in oil extraction and refining

Both Compression Operators and Pump Operators require similar certifications and work in industrial environments related to oil and gas. However, Compression Operators focus on managing gas compression systems, while Pump Operators handle fluid transfer systems. Their roles are distinct but often overlap in energy and processing industries.

What are popular job titles related to Compression Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

For Compression Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Compression Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Compression Operator jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

Compression Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compression Operator job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,117 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Compression Operator (3:30pm-12:00am)

Newtown, PA • On-site

KVK Tech
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about KVK Techexternal

$27 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

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Job description

The Compression Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and cleaning tablet compression equipment within a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This hands-on role ensures tablets meet established quality specifications while supporting safe operations, production efficiency, and compliance with cGMP requirements. The ideal candidate has direct experience operating pharmaceutical tablet presses, identifying and troubleshooting compression issues, and completing accurate manufacturing documentation.


Key Responsibilities

  • Set up and operate tablet compression equipment in accordance with approved batch records, SOPs, and production requirements.
  • Install, inspect, and change punches, dies, and related tooling, ensuring proper setup and identifying signs of wear or damage.
  • Monitor compression operations and adjust approved operating parameters to maintain tablet quality and consistent equipment performance.
  • Perform and document required in-process checks, including tablet weight, hardness, thickness, appearance, and other specified quality attributes.
  • Identify and troubleshoot common compression defects and equipment issues, escalating unresolved problems or out-of-specification results to supervision and Quality as required.
  • Complete batch records, equipment logs, material reconciliations, and other required documentation accurately and contemporaneously.
  • Perform equipment cleaning, disassembly, reassembly, and product changeovers according to approved procedures.


What We’re Looking For


Experience

  • 2+ years of hands-on tablet compression experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing required.
  • Demonstrated experience setting up, operating, cleaning, and troubleshooting pharmaceutical tablet presses.
  • Experience performing in-process tablet checks and completing batch records in a cGMP environment.
  • Experience with tooling changes, equipment changeovers, and tablet compression defect troubleshooting preferred.


Education

  • High school diploma or GED required.


Skills & Knowledge

  • Practical knowledge of tablet compression operations, tablet press setup, tooling, and equipment adjustments.
  • Ability to recognize common tablet defects, such as capping, lamination, sticking, picking, and weight variation, and assist in resolving their causes.
  • Ability to use in-process testing equipment, interpret results, and make adjustments within approved limits.
  • Working knowledge of cGMP, batch record documentation, equipment cleaning, and contamination prevention.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and ability to follow written procedures and communicate production issues.


What We Offer

  • Competitive base salary
  • Annual merit-based pay increases
  • Automatic enrollment in a 401(k) at 3% pre-tax with a 50% company match on the first 6% contributed
  • Paid Time Off
  • 10 paid company holidays
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
  • Professional development reimbursement
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement for children and childcare expense reimbursement


Schedule

  • Full-time, on-site position (3:30pm-12:00am)

Company Description

KVK Tech is a U.S.-based generic and specialty pharmaceutical manufacturer committed to developing and producing high-quality, FDA-approved medicines that improve patients’ lives through accessibility and trust. Headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania, KVK Tech maintains all operations within the United States, ensuring quality and consistency through strict adherence to cGMP standards and regulatory compliance. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our precision, reliability, and shared mission to provide safe, affordable, and life-improving pharmaceutical products.