Work Schedule

Other

Environmental Conditions

Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc... allowed

Job Description Lyophilization (Freeze-Drying) Operator / Technician Location: Swindon | Shift-based (24/7)About the Role

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, our Swindon site is one of the UK’s leading sterile manufacturing facilities, playing a critical role in delivering life-changing medicines to patients around the world.

We are looking for an experienced Lyophilization (LYO) Operator / Technician with a strong background in freeze-drying operations and exposure to planned preventive maintenance (PPM). This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on equipment ownership, working in a highly regulated GMP environment, and contributing to reliable, high-quality production.

You’ll be part of a collaborative operations and engineering culture where equipment reliability, process control, and continuous improvement are valued.

What You’ll Be Responsible For Lyophilization Operations

• Operate and monitor freeze dryers during routine production, engineering, and test cycles.
• Execute validated lyophilization cycles in line with production plans and GMP requirements.
• Monitor critical process parameters and review trend and graphical data to ensure stable and compliant operation.
• Perform detailed visual inspections to confirm correct system performance.
• Act as a knowledgeable operator within the LYO area, supporting consistent and reliable execution.

Planned Preventive Maintenance & Equipment Care

• Carry out first-line planned preventive maintenance (PPM) activities in line with approved schedules and SOPs.
• Perform routine equipment checks and basic interventions such as clamp adjustments, leak checks, and filter changes.
• Work closely with Engineering and Maintenance teams to support planned and reactive maintenance activities.
• Identify early signs of equipment issues or process drift and escalate proactively to prevent downtime.
• Take ownership of equipment condition and cleanliness within the LYO area.

GMP Documentation & Compliance

• Complete GMP documentation accurately, clearly, and in a timely manner.
• Compile freeze-drying cycle records for inclusion in batch manufacturing documentation.
• Monitor SCADA systems and report alarms, deviations, or abnormal trends using defined escalation pathways.
• Initiate deviations and support investigations related to process or equipment performance.

Utilities, Monitoring & Support

• Monitor critical utilities (pressure, temperature, flow, levels) supporting lyophilization operations.
• Load consumables and manage inventory required for freeze-drying systems.
• Monitor environmental conditions via the Facility Monitoring System (FMS) and escalate out-of-trend results.
• Support other production activities during periods of low lyophilization demand.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Work in full compliance with EH&S requirements and site safety procedures.
• Contribute to a strong safety and quality culture through safe behaviors and right-first-time execution.

What We’re Looking For Essential

• Proven experience in a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience operating lyophilization (freeze-drying) equipment.
• Experience supporting or executing planned preventive maintenance (PPM) or routine equipment care.
• Ability to work independently within a 24/7 shift pattern.

Desirable

• Experience with complex, multi-cycle process equipment.
• Exposure to aseptic or sterile manufacturing environments.
• Experience with SCADA systems

What You’ll Bring

• A methodical, detail-oriented approach to critical operations.
• Strong judgment and decision-making within SOPs and validated processes.
• Clear communication skills and confidence escalating issues when needed.
• A sense of ownership for equipment performance and process reliability.
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to work cross-functionally.