1

Pharmaceutical Compression Operator Jobs in Waltham, MA

... pharmaceutical dosage forms. You will operate within cross functional teams to ensure alignment ... Responsible for the creation of batch records, change controls and standard operating procedures ...

... pharmaceutical dosage forms. You will operate within cross functional teams to ensure alignment ... Responsible for the creation of batch records, change controls and standard operating procedures ...

Pharmaceutical Compression Operator information

See Waltham, MA salary details

$15

$21

$28

How much do pharmaceutical compression operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical compression operator in Waltham, MA is $21.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $23.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pharmaceutical compression operator?

Pharmaceutical Compression Operators are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining tablet compression machines used in the production of pharmaceutical tablets. They ensure that tablets are manufactured to precise specifications, including weight, thickness, and hardness, by monitoring and adjusting machinery during the production process. These operators also perform routine equipment checks, troubleshoot issues, and maintain strict adherence to safety and quality standards. Their role is essential in ensuring that medications are produced efficiently and meet regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pharmaceutical compression operator?

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Compression Operator, you need knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tablet press machines, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and quality control systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help operators address production issues and maintain safety standards. These skills ensure consistent product quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient operation in pharmaceutical production environments.

What are the most common challenges faced by pharmaceutical compression operators during production runs?

Pharmaceutical Compression Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent tablet quality, troubleshooting mechanical issues with compression machines, and adhering to strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) protocols. Variations in raw material properties or environmental factors like humidity can affect tablet compression, requiring quick problem-solving and close attention to detail. Additionally, operators must work efficiently within a team to meet production targets while ensuring safety and compliance at all times.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Compression Operator vs Pharmaceutical Tablet Press Operator?

AspectPharmaceutical Compression OperatorPharmaceutical Tablet Press Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, specialized training, certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing floors, cleanroom settings, machinery operationManufacturing lines, tablet pressing machinery, controlled environments
Industry UsageCommonly used term in pharmaceutical manufacturingOften used interchangeably, but more specific to tablet pressing
Search & ComparisonPrimary job title searched for manufacturing rolesRelated role, often compared for specific equipment operation

Both roles involve operating tablet pressing machinery in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The term 'Pharmaceutical Compression Operator' is broader, encompassing various compression processes, while 'Pharmaceutical Tablet Press Operator' specifically refers to operating tablet presses. They share similar credentials and work environments, but the terminology may vary by employer or region.

Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Compression Operator job openings in Waltham, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,383 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Assoc Director, Oral Solid Drug Product (Boston, US)

Biopharma Careers

Boston, MA • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Servier

With commercial stage products and a promising pipeline, we are Servier Group, a unique global organization headquartered in France. Operating in more than 150 countries and governed by a non-profit foundation, we have multiple medicines approved in oncology, cardiology, and other therapeutic areas.

Servier’s 2030 Ambition aims to establish the Group as a recognized, innovative, and patient-centered leader in Oncology, Neurology, and Cardiometabolism & Venous Diseases (CMVD). Over half of our research and development efforts are focused on targeted therapies to address unmet patient needs.

Within Servier Industry, the Manufacturing Science and Analytical Technology (MSAT) organization plays a key role in driving technical excellence, industrial transformation, and lifecycle management, enabling manufacturing robustness, quality, and compliance across all product modalities and technologies.

Role Summary

Within MSAT, the Oral Solid Drug Product team is responsible for providing technical stewardship and manufacturing science support across oral solid drug product lifecycle.

The Associate Director, Oral Solid Drug Product serves as the technical subject matter expert for Onco/Neuro Oral Solid products reporting to the MSAT Oral Solid Drug Product Onco/Neuro Lead. This role provides scientific and process expertise to support the manufacturing and lifecycle management of Oncology and Neurology related oral solid drug products across internal and external manufacturing sites.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Technical Oversight of Internal and External Manufacturing Processes
  • Provide technical oversight of manufacturing processes for assigned oral solid commercial products at Servier internal sites in collaboration with Site MSAT and at external partners (CMOs) as part of Virtual Plant Teams
  • Lead internal cross-functional Technical Teams to facilitate drug product related technical topics in collaboration with other functions
  • Prepare and manage meeting agendas, minutes, and action follow-up
  • Facilitate alignment on technical project timelines, supply impact, and budget considerations.
  • Lead or support deviation investigations, root cause analyses, and CAPA definition for process-related issues, ensuring robust closure and knowledge transfer.
  • Maintain and oversee process monitoring and Continued Process Verification (CPV) for assigned commercial products across manufacturing sites.
  • Build and maintain MSAT knowledge repository for assigned commercial products and processes
Technology Transfer and Lifecycle Management
  • Lead or support tech transfers, scale changes, PPQ, and launch readiness activities across global sites.
  • Conduct and document process fit assessments, risk evaluations, and FMEA as part of the lifecycle management strategy.
  • Participate in process optimization efforts, including yield, throughput, and quality performance improvements across the network.
CMC and Regulatory Support
  • Author or review CMC-related sections of regulatory submissions (e.g., post-approval changes, variations, new market filings as needed).
  • Support Regulatory CMC in responding to health authority questions related to commercial manufacturing processes and controls.
  • Ensure manufacturing and validation strategies are aligned with GMP, ICH, and global regulatory expectations.
Subject Matter Expertise and Continuous Improvement
  • Support implementation and optimization of manufacturing processes and related control/sampling strategies (e.g., granulations, compression, coating, pellet layering, capsule filling, segregation control measures).
  • Specify and support qualification/optimization of tooling and equipment such as: tablet presses, precision capsule fillers for pellets, fluid-bed coaters, high-shear granulators, roller compactors, and containment/segregation equipment.
  • Anticipate scale-dependent challenges (e.g., compression dwell time effects, layer adhesion, segregation during handling) and define scale-up acceptance criteria, equivalence studies and narrative for regulatory dossiers.
  • Recommend and deploy PAT tools where beneficial (NIR, weight/force monitoring, inline content estimation) for real-time or near-real-time assurance of processes
  • Perform risk and criticality assessments to identify gaps and define improvements in line with quality, regulatory, and business expectations.
  • Stay current with industry trends, scientific literature, and evolving technologies related to OSD manufacturing and MSAT best practices.
Education and Required Skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering or related technical field with minimum of 8 years relevant experience, or preferably a Masters or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in drug product formulation and process development and manufacturing support including experience with regulatory submissions
  • In-depth knowledge of formulation concepts/techniques across immediate-release and extended-release oral solid dosage forms and relevant manufacturing processes, e.g., blending, granulation including dry/roller compaction and wet/high-shear/fluid bed technologies, tablet compression, tablet coating, capsule filling
  • In-depth knowledge of primary container closure components used for oral solid dosage forms
  • Expertise in use/application of basic statistical methodologies and software (e.g., Minitab, JMP or equivalent)
  • Expertise in use/application of variety of problem‑solving tools e.g. Ishikawa, Kepner‑Tregoe (KT), five‑whys, etc.
  • Experience leading or supporting tech transfers, deviation investigations, change controls, and regulatory documentation.
  • Strong knowledge of GMP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory submission expectations for commercial products.
  • Comfortable working in a global matrixed team with cross‑functional collaboration across Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Regulatory.
  • Strong ability to strategically plan, organize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Excellent written/oral communication and presentation skills
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills; able to interface effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners.
  • A continuous improvement and learning mindset, aligned with Servier’s strategic direction and patient‑first values.
Travel and Location
  • Domestic and international travel up to 20%
  • If based in Massachusetts, hybrid (2-3 days in our Boston office) preferred. Open to remote candidates.
Servier’s Commitment

Servier is committed to modeling diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that maintains equitable treatment for all and we welcome applicants who are passionate, committed, and innovative individuals. We encourage candidates to apply to our open roles as we are always willing to consider experiences and skills beyond what is listed in the job description.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is $162,000 - $185,000. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. Employees in this position are also eligible for Short-Term and Long-Term incentive programs. Servier also offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes benefits such as medical, dental, vision, flexible time off (Servier provides unlimited sick time and flex time, and does not accrue time off), 401(k), life and disability insurance, recognition programs among other great benefits (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). For more information on our benefits, please visit this link .

#J-18808-Ljbffr