Manufacturing Technician I - Live Upstream

Manufacturing Technician I - Live Upstream

Location:

Lenexa, KS

The Upstream Live Technician I is responsible for manufacturing live viral antigens through egg-, cell-, and tissue culture-based production processes. This position works with a variety of laboratory technologies and manufacturing equipment including microscopes, incubators, autoclaves, centrifuges, pumps, filtration systems, tissue culture vessels, candling equipment, pH/conductivity meters, and manual or semi-automated production equipment.

The technician performs media and solution preparation, cell culture propagation, egg handling, inoculation, harvesting, environmental monitoring, equipment preparation, cleaning, sterilization, and documentation while following aseptic technique, cGMP requirements, SOPs, and safety procedures. This role supports multiple upstream manufacturing platforms and requires flexibility to work across production areas.

• Manufacturing Operations – Set up laboratories and production equipment aseptically for manufacturing procedures. Perform turnaround, assembly, disassembly, cleaning, sterilization, and aseptic reassembly of production equipment. Operate laboratory and manufacturing equipment including: autoclaves, incubators, centrifuges, pumps, scales, microscopes, pH and conductivity meters, bio‑welders and sealers, tissue culture vessels, filtration and concentration equipment. Prepare media, buffers, solutions, and equipment following SOPs, production records, and cGMP guidelines.
  
  Monitor cultures, perform sampling, and maintain process parameters.
• Cell Culture and Egg Operations – Receive, disinfect, transfer, candle, and inspect eggs and/or cells. Perform cell counting and microscopic examination. Monitor cell growth and tissue culture propagation. Utilize proper aseptic techniques during all production activities. Perform inoculation and harvesting procedures to maximize yield and minimize contamination.
• Documentation and Compliance – Complete production records and documentation according to cGMP and Good Documentation Practices. Maintain accurate activity records and electronic database entries. Perform environmental monitoring during aseptic operations.
• Cleaning and Facility Support – Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of laboratories, production equipment, clean rooms, hallways, coolers, and freezers. Clean and disinfect work surfaces, equipment, ceilings, walls, and floors before and after manufacturing activities. Wrap equipment and glassware for sterilization. Operate autoclaves for sterilizing supplies and equipment. Assist with inventory control, cycle counts, JDE transactions, and material movement. Transfer antigens and production materials between designated manufacturing areas.
• General Responsibilities – Utilize appropriate PPE and comply with all safety requirements. Maintain effective working relationships across departments. Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Solutions out of complexity – Continuously seeks opportunities to improve processes and solve operational challenges.
• Client Focus – Demonstrates commitment to internal and external customer needs.
• Collaborate with Empathy – Builds positive working relationships and supports team success.
• Engage and Develop – Shares knowledge, accepts feedback, and promotes continuous learning.
• Drive Ambition, Accountability and Safety – Demonstrates ownership, accuracy, and commitment to safety and quality.
• Influence Others – Communicates effectively with confidence and professionalism.

• Understanding of aseptic technique and cleanroom behavior.
• Knowledge of cell culture, tissue culture, egg propagation, and viral culture techniques.
• Ability to operate laboratory and manufacturing equipment safely.
• Good documentation practices.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good mathematical aptitude.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability…