Pharmaceutical Compression Operator Jobs in California

Job Title: Manufacturing Operator

Job Description

The Manufacturing Operator works in a pharmaceutical-style compression area to support the production of tablets and natural supplements. This role focuses on setting up, operating, and cleaning compression equipment, handling powders, and performing in-process quality checks to ensure products meet strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and documentation standards. The position involves frequent manual handling, attention to detail, and adherence to safety and sanitation procedures in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Report to the lead at the start of each shift and follow assigned duties throughout the day.
• Set up, clean, and operate compression machines and related equipment according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Work in the compression area by filling hoppers with powder and feeding material into compression machines to produce tablets.
• Move drums and materials regularly, including handling drums approximately every 15 minutes as part of the production process.
• Perform in-process quality checks on tablets every 15 to 30 minutes to verify hardness, uniformity, thickness, and weight.
• Use instruments such as hardness testers and thickness gauges to evaluate tablet quality and ensure products meet specifications.
• Ensure presses are clean and properly set up before starting each batch, following all cleaning and setup checklists.
• Label drums filled with tablets accurately and completely to maintain proper identification and traceability.
• Check tablet weights, hardness, and size, and adjust machines as needed to maintain adherence to instructions and batch documentation.
• Clean and lubricate presses, and install or change punches and dies as required for different products or batches.
• Maintain sanitation practices at all times and follow GMP requirements throughout all production activities.
• Conduct friability tests on all products to ensure tablets meet required durability standards.
• Follow all safety procedures, including lockout/tagout SOPs, when working with machinery and equipment.
• Clean equipment and work areas between batches using approved cleaning agents, including 70% IPA, and send removable parts to the washroom for cleaning.
• Document all activities in real time on paper forms, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GMP documentation standards.
• Support other departments as assigned by assisting with related manufacturing or production tasks.
• Work effectively as part of a team, communicate proactively, and contribute to a collaborative and efficient work environment.
• Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality to support production schedules and team operations.
• Accomplish all other tasks as assigned by leadership in alignment with production and quality goals.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience in a pharmaceutical, food, medical device, or other FDA-regulated environment, particularly in roles involving GMP compliance.
• Hands-on experience with machine operation or machine operating in a production or manufacturing setting.
• Ability to work in compression, compounding, or related manufacturing areas handling powders and operating production equipment.
• Strong understanding of and adherence to SOPs, safety procedures, and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Real-time documentation skills, including accurate completion of paper-based records and batch documents.
• Ability to perform quality checks, including measuring tablet hardness, thickness, weight, and visual inspection for cracks or defects.
• Capability to perform physically demanding tasks such as standing for extended periods, pulling, lifting, scooping powders, and moving drums.
• Attention to detail and accuracy when following checklists, documenting data, and labeling materials.
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to ask questions, be proactive, and support colleagues.
• Must have GMP knowledge.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in compression or wet granulation processes, such as using large mixers similar to industrial kitchen equipment.
• Exoperience in compounding, production, or machine operator roles within a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with working in metric units and recording measurements accordingly.
• Exposure to quality assurance practices, including in-process checks and QA-related documentation.
• Experience in environments producing tablets, pills, or natural supplements.
• Comfort using instruments such as hardness testers and thickness gauges for product evaluation.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, such as operating, cleaning, and setup throughout the day.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement in a production setting.

Why Work Here?

You will join a regulated manufacturing environment where safety, quality, and teamwork are central to daily operations. The schedule offers a four-day workweek with 10-hour shifts, providing an opportunity for extended weekends and work-life balance. High-performing team members may have the opportunity to transition to a direct role based on performance and business needs. You will gain valuable experience in GMP-compliant production, expand your technical skills with compression equipment, and work alongside colleagues who value collaboration, reliability, and continuous learning.

Work Environment

The work environment is a pharmaceutical-style production facility focused on making pills and natural supplements. You will work primarily in the compression area, where powders are added to compression machines and pressed into tablets. The role is physically demanding and involves frequent standing, lifting, pulling, scooping powders, and moving drums. Tasks are largely manual rather than automated, with powders typically handled in 2-pound scoops, depending on density. The facility operates under strict GMP and FDA-related standards, with all activities documented in real time on paper. You will use specialized equipment such as compression presses, hardness testers, and thickness gauges, and follow detailed SOPs, safety protocols, and lockout/tagout procedures. Cleaning is performed between batches using non-toxic cleaning solutions, including 70% IPA, and removable parts are taken to a washroom for cleaning. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and expected to be worn as required. The schedule follows a 4/10 structure (four 10-hour days), and the pace is fast, requiring strong teamwork, attention to detail, and consistent attendance.

This is a Contract position based out of Hayward, CA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Hayward,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 5, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.