1

Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Adecco is hiring immediately for Manufacturing Associates in Manchester, VT, on behalf of our client. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading company in the manufacturing sector, offering ...

Adecco is hiring immediately for Manufacturing Associates in Manchester, VT, on behalf of our client. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading company in the manufacturing sector, offering ...

We are seeking a motivated Manufacturing Associate with 2+ years of experience in cell and gene therapy production or similar biomanufacturing space. The ideal candidate holds a BS degree and has ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Manufacturing Associate information

See Durham, NC salary details

$11

$20

$32

How much do manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing associate in Durham, NC is $20.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid understanding of production processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and some roles may prefer certifications like OSHA training. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments. These abilities ensure efficient production, uphold safety standards, and contribute to consistent product quality.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Associate vs Production Technician?

AspectManufacturing AssociateProduction Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsFactories, production areas, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, assembly plantsManufacturing, industrial facilities, production units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Manufacturing Associates and Production Technicians both work in manufacturing environments, often performing similar tasks such as assembling products, operating machinery, and ensuring quality. The main differences lie in certifications and technical skills; Production Technicians typically require more technical training or certifications and may handle more complex equipment. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing industry and often overlap in daily responsibilities.

What is a manufacturing associate?

A manufacturing associate assists in the operations of a manufacturing facility and the products that it produces. As a manufacturing associate, your job duties include organizing supplies and raw materials inventory, preparing equipment, and training staff with preparation and production. You may also investigate the manufacturing process to fix any issues and ensure it meets strict regulations. The qualifications for a career as a manufacturing associate typically include a bachelor’s degree and prior manufacturing experience in a similar industry. You also need computer proficiency, as the job may require daily use of multiple software applications, along with mechanical skills to handle a variety of manufacturing tools and equipment.

What are some common challenges manufacturing associates face, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality under tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, and ensuring safety in a fast-paced environment. Staying organized, following standardized operating procedures, and communicating effectively with team members can help address these issues. It's also beneficial to actively participate in training programs to stay updated on best practices and safety guidelines, which not only improves performance but can open doors to advancement opportunities within the organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Durham, NC? The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Durham, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Associate jobs in Durham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Associate jobs in Durham, NC are:
What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Manufacturing Associate jobs? Cities near Durham, NC with the most Manufacturing Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Associate job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,881 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


KBI Biopharma rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This position is on a 2-2-3 shift, Day Shift (7am-7pm)

The Manufacturing Associate I/II (Manufacturing Associate) is responsible for performing upstream processing for biopharmaceutical products. The Manufacturing Associate must follow written, approved procedures and forms to ensure all work is conducted "Right First Time" (RFT) following Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), including good documentation practices, and/or Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). As needed, the Manufacturing Associate will work individually or on teams to author standard operating procedures (SOPs) or Master Batch Records (MBRs); write corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs); and specify, commission, and qualify new equipment.

The Manufacturing Associate will be responsible for upstream unit operations (seed expansion, bioreactor operations, cell culture harvest). The Manufacturing Associate will have a working knowledge of upstream processing equipment (incubators, biosafety cabinets, bioreactors, cell counters, blood gas analyzers, metabolite testing equipment). Additionally, the manufacturing associate will have knowledge of general bioprocessing equipment such as filters, filter integrity testers, balances, pumps, pH/conductivity meters, and disposable technologies (disposable bags, sterile tubing welders, tubing sealers). Following task execution, the Manufacturing Associate will review the executed production records and logbooks to ensure GxP compliance.

The Manufacturing Associate will execute daily tasks and maintain strict accordance with manufacturing records, SOPs, and GMP. Staff will maintain a sense of ownership of the production processes, the manufacturing environment, and the facility. Staff will work cross-functionally with QA, MS&T, facilities, engineering, supply chain, IT, AFS, and other key departments to ensure startup and ongoing manufacturing operations are successful, reliable, and compliant. A proven Manufacturing Associate will demonstrate the following qualities: learning agility, orientation toward action, results driven, team player, strong attention to detail, and superior integrity and accountability.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manufacture bulk intermediates and drug substances per manufacturing batch records and in compliance with quality standards, company policies and current regulations.

  • Perform operations in a cleanroom environment, applying controls to ensure aseptic processing including gowning and cleaning procedures.

  • Document each task involving manufacturing records and logbooks following GDP at the time of execution.

  • Utilize and perform maintenance on equipment per applicable SOP.

  • Ensure all materials are issued and accounted for during the execution of a record (i.e. SR, EPR and BR).

  • Demonstrate, apply, and ensure understanding of cGMP and how it applies to specific tasks and responsibilities.

  • Participate and be accountable for workplace organization (5S).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Manufacturing Associate I:

Bachelor's degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline and 0-2 years' experience in related cGMP manufacturing operations; or high school degree and 3-5 years' experience, or equivalent.

Manufacturing Associate II:

Bachelor's degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline and 2-5 years' experience in related cGMP manufacturing operations; or high school degree and 4-6 years' experience, or equivalent.

All Levels:

Basic knowledge of upstream (cell culture or fermentation) unit operations is preferred. Experience in single-use platform technology is preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Energetic, motivated, and dynamic individual.

Language Ability

Fluent in reading and writing the English language. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, batch production records. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively to groups.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Math Ability

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret graphs.

Physical Demands

Standing and sitting for long periods of time may be required at times. Lifting, pushing, and pulling may be required for stocking and movement of equipment. The use of ladder may be required when setting up bioreactors.

Computer Skills

MS Office, ERP, EDMS, production equipment software, other

Equipment Use

Upstream or downstream bioprocessing equipment, general production equipment, in-process testing instruments, and office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Are there particular working conditions associated with this position that should be noted (i.e., working environment, hours of work, travel, workspace, etc.)?

Yes

The job requires working 12-hour shifts which may include working overnight. The job requires working within a cGMP manufacturing biotechnology facility which requires clean room operations. Clean room operations require donning clean room attire when entering clean room areas and maintaining good personal hygiene. While performing the duties of this job the employee regularly utilizes equipment and materials which include mechanical hazards, chemical hazards, electricity hazards, and tripping and falling hazards. The noise level in the environment is moderate to high.

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.


What KBI Biopharma employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom