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Sterile Processing Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

NUTRITION OPERATOR

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18/hr

... Sterile Processing. Job Summary Summary: Responsible for securing patient meal selections and ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

NUTRITION OPERATOR

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16.50/hr

... Sterile Processing. Job Summary Summary: Responsible for securing patient meal selections and ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Mountain Bend Medical Associates

Be Seen First

Family Nurse Practitioner

Dunlap, TN · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Skills in performing procedures such as suturing, phlebotomy, venipuncture, catheter care, sterile processing techniques, and basic life support certification. * Strong understanding of physiology ...

Compass Group

HOUSEKEEPER

Bartlett, TN · On-site

$13.50/hr

... and Sterile Processing. Job Summary Summary: Performs light cleaning duties to maintain ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

Compass Group

SHIFT SUPERVISOR

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$23/hr

... and Sterile Processing. Job Summary Summary: Direct the activities of associates during a specific shift and oversee that assigned job expectations are completed while policy and procedure is ...

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Sterile Processing Associate information

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How much do sterile processing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for sterile processing associate in Tennessee is $16.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Sterile Processing Associates, and how can they be managed?

Sterile Processing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict attention to detail while handling a high volume of instruments and adhering to rigorous sterilization protocols. Working in a fast-paced environment, they must stay organized to prevent errors and cross-contamination. Effective communication with surgical teams and adaptability to changing priorities are essential for managing these pressures. Regular training and staying updated on the latest safety standards also help associates perform confidently and efficiently.

What is the difference between Sterile Processing Associate vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSterile Processing AssociateSurgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Sterile Processing CertificationCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentCentral sterile processing departments, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Job FocusDecontaminating, sterilizing, and distributing surgical instrumentsAssisting during surgeries, passing instruments, maintaining sterile field

While both roles work in healthcare settings and require knowledge of sterile techniques, Sterile Processing Associates focus on sterilizing and preparing surgical instruments, whereas Surgical Technologists actively assist during surgeries. Both roles are essential for patient safety and operate in hospital environments, but their daily tasks and certifications differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sterile Processing Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sterile Processing Associate, you need a strong understanding of infection control, instrument sterilization, and medical terminology, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with autoclaves, sterilization tracking systems, and certification such as CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring accuracy and collaborating with clinical teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining patient safety and supporting smooth surgical and medical operations.

What are Sterile Processing Associates?

Sterile Processing Associates are healthcare professionals responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, assembling, and distributing medical instruments and equipment in hospitals and clinics. They play a crucial role in preventing infections by ensuring that all surgical tools and devices are properly sanitized and safe for patient use. Their duties also include inventory management, equipment inspection, and following strict protocols to maintain a sterile environment. Sterile Processing Associates work closely with surgical teams to ensure that procedures run smoothly and safely.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Sterile Processing jobs in Tennessee are:
Sterile Processing Associate jobs near you
Associate Manager, Microbiology & Sterility

Associate Manager, Microbiology & Sterility

Stryker

Arlington, TN • On-site

$102K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Work Flexibility: Hybrid or Onsite
Stryker is hiring an Associate Manager, Microbiology & Sterility based in Arlington, TN, to lead microbiology and sterility assurance efforts across multiple United States Trauma & Extremities manufacturing sites. his role provides people leadership, technical direction, and cross-site coordination to ensure microbiological controls, laboratory testing, cleanroom environmental monitoring, and sterilization systems are compliant, effective, and scalable in support of product quality, patient safety, and regulatory standards. The Associate Manager will partner closely with cross-functional teams to maintain an inspection-ready quality system, support new product introductions, and drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency across the network.
What you will do
  • Support oversight of microbiology and sterility assurance programs across four U.S. T&E manufacturing sites, partnering with site quality and operations teams.
  • Coordinate cleanroom compliance and environmental monitoring programs, including routine trending and issue escalation.
  • Assist in management of sterilization programs (validation, requalification, and maintenance) to ensure consistent and compliant execution.
  • Oversee day-to-day activities of an internal microbiology lab (including endotoxin testing) and coordinate external laboratory testing.
  • Provide direct supervision and development support to a small team of microbiologists and QC technicians, including goal setting and prioritization.
  • Review microbiological data, investigations, and CAPAs to ensure timely, scientifically sound, and compliant outcomes.
  • Support NPI, remediation, and capacity expansion projects by ensuring microbiology and sterility requirements are incorporated into processes.
  • Partner cross-functionally and contribute to audit readiness, quality system adherence, and continuous improvement of microbiology programs and procedures.

What you will need
Required
  • Bachelor's degree required in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
  • Minimum of 6+ years of relevant experience in microbiology, sterility assurance, or laboratory operations, with demonstrated support in medical device, pharmaceutical, or similarly regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Strong technical knowledge of environmental monitoring, cleanroom controls, microbiological testing, endotoxin strategies, sterility assurance and sterilization validation / maintenance activities.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead investigations, root cause analysis, CAPA, and risk assessments in complex manufacturing and compliance environments, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality/data systems.

Preferred
  • Minimum of 2+ years of people leadership or team oversight experience, including coaching, prioritization, and performance management, with demonstrated ability to collaborate across multi-site teams and manage internal and external stakeholders, while driving continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean, cost optimization, and in-house laboratory transformations.
  • Working knowledge of quality system and regulatory requirements relevant to the role, including 21 CFR 820 / QMSR, ISO 13485, ISO 11137 and ISO 14644 or comparable standards.
  • Experience supporting new product introduction, technology transfer, process validations or remediation/inspection readiness programs.

  • USN: $102,600 - $171,000 USD Annual

Travel Percentage: 10%
Stryker Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Stryker is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability.
Stryker Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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