How to hire a pharmaceutical operator

How to hire a pharmaceutical operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step pharmaceutical operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a pharmaceutical operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new pharmaceutical operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your pharmaceutical operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a pharmaceutical operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A pharmaceutical operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, pharmaceutical operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of pharmaceutical operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Pharmaceutical Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Pharmaceutical Operator		$13-23
   Packaging Technician	A packaging technician is responsible for planning the packaging design of various products, creating attractive outputs by utilizing software tools and applications, and ensuring that the deliverables adhere to the product's features. Packaging technicians generate new designs according to market trends and public demands... Show more	$13-21
   Lead Operator/Machine Operator	A Lead Operator or an Industrial Machinery Mechanic is responsible for creating, installing, and repairing different types of machinery. This person does the adjustment and maintenance of machines as well as the industrial production and distribution of types of equipment and other systems... Show more	$13-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • FDA
   • GMP
   • Safety Procedures
   • Line Clearance
   • Pharmaceutical Products
   • QA
   • Dryers
   • MES
   • Process Equipment
   • Production Equipment
   • PPE
   • Punctuality
   • Metal Detectors
   • Quality Standards

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the receipt and tracking of control substances as well as the DEA biennial inspection.
   • Perform a variety of highly skil manufacturing tasks involving the processing of pharmaceutical products in a GMP control facility.
   • Request QA approvals and releases.
   • Comply with safety by wearing appropriate PPE.
   • Partner with in-house workers on PLC issues relate to machinery.
   • Compress various pharmaceutical granulations into tablets meeting all FDA specifications.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your pharmaceutical operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A pharmaceutical operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, pharmaceutical operators' average salary in wyoming is 48% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level pharmaceutical operators 41% less than senior-level pharmaceutical operators.
   • Certifications. A pharmaceutical operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a pharmaceutical operator's salary.

   Average pharmaceutical operator salary

   $38,260yearly

   $18.39 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level pharmaceutical operator salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a pharmaceutical operator job description

   A good pharmaceutical operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a pharmaceutical operator job description:

   Pharmaceutical operator job description example

   Job Title
   Pharmaceutical Operator I
   
   Requisition
   
   JR000012620 Pharmaceutical Operator I (Open)
   
   Location
   
   Raleigh, NC (Pharma) - USA033
   
   Additional Locations
   
   Job Description
   
   SUMMARY OF POSITION:
   This position is responsible for operating large scale manufacturing equipment to produce bulk organic chemicals in accordance with Company standards and operating procedures. He/she will be responsible for reports and documentation. Must be able to pay attention to detail due to the nature of chemicals and environment he/she will be working in on a daily basis.
   
   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
   
   Operates in a regulated environment and complies with all cGMP and OSHA regulations applicable to manufacturing responsibilities. This includes wearing appropriate personnel protection equipment (PPE), understanding and following all applicable standard operating procedures, work instructions, and standard work practices applicable to job responsibilities Operates and monitors dryers, sifters, and other miscellaneous equipment through manual operations, panel boards, indicators, PLC displays, and DCS screens following applicable batch records, procedures and good documentation practices Packages, weighs, samples, and labels finished and intermediate products following applicable procedures and good manufacturing practices Maintains detailed operating reports and logs, including notes on problems and records on added weights, volumes, measured temperatures, pH levels, pressures, and flow rates following applicable procedures and as directed by supervisor Delivers samples to laboratory and retrieves operating supplies from storeroom Cleans and maintains work area, process equipment, tools and safety supplies according to regulatory and Company standards and operating procedures.Must participate in Emergency Response Team (Hazmat Team, First Responders, First Aid & CPR) Other duties as assigned by Management
   
   DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC/NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
   Monitors environmental and safety devices (scrubbers, ruptured discs, etc.) to insure that the equipment is functioning properly.Operates fork lifts, hoists, and other material handling devices to physically move bulk raw materials, WIP, and packaged goods to and from pick-up points Participate in various employee involvement teams and committees, such as Area/Site Safety Teams, kaizen events, Hazmat and/or Cost Savings Teams, to improve the workplace, increase efficiency, and improve productivity
   
   MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
   Education:
   High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
   Associate or Technical degree preferred.
   Experience:
   Previous GMP/ISO manufacturing experience preferred
   Skills/Qualifications:
   
   Skills/Competencies:
   
   Other Skills:
   Must be able to read and follow detailed instructions and procedures, and effectively communicate in both verbal and written formats.
   Must be able to perform basic math.
   Must have a working knowledge of chemical processing equipment and associated safety requirements.
   Possess sound decision making skills.
   Action Oriented, Informing, Computer Skills (MS Office and E-mail), Problem Solving, and Teams
   Must work in a team environment to cover work stations during breaks and lunches
   Must be able to wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for the job or task.
   Sound decision making skills.
   Action Oriented, Informing, Computer Skills (MS Office and E-mail), Problem Solving, and Teams
   
   RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS/ SCOPE:
   Performs diversified duties following standard procedures and under the direction of a production supervisor or lead operator. Requires a high level of safety awareness and ability to determine when equipment is not performing to standards or expectations.Responsible for proper operation of processing equipment to ensure optimum production of high quality products. Mistakes and errors normally result in unacceptable product and or mechanical equipment damage. As a result, impacts our product status in the market place.Understands the misuse of processing equipment could result in serious injuries to self and others due to the potentially dangerous nature of the equipment and the chemicals being processed.No direct responsibility for the work of others; however, the team approach is emphasized in order to cover work stations during breaks and lunches. Furthermore, the “buddy system” for training new operators creates additional responsibility.
   
   WORKING CONDITIONS:
   The plants open-air construction exposes operators to the normal year-round outside climate. Some relief from the elements is available in the control rooms and break area.Dirty conditions and chemical fumes are occasionally present in the work areas.Must handle average to heavy weight materials by hand. Material handling devices (e.g., hand truck, for truck, and conveyors) are used when possible but use of proper lifting and movement techniques is necessary to prevent injury.Must be able to physically climb stairs and evacuation ladders, rolling drums, lifting and pouring bags of raw materials, driving forklifts, climbing and entering reaction vessels and perform first aid.Injuries could result from spills or leaks of corrosive flammable, and toxic material, all of which are normally handled in the plant Must be able to work rotating 12 hours/day shift and occasional overtime as needed.
   
   DISCLAIMER:
   The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find pharmaceutical operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any pharmaceutical operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level pharmaceutical operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your pharmaceutical operator job on Zippia to find and recruit pharmaceutical operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit pharmaceutical operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new pharmaceutical operator

   Once you've found the pharmaceutical operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new pharmaceutical operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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