Biotechnology companies make many interesting products that most people don’t even realize are considered part of the industry. These include vaccines for humans and animals, supplies to support other industries in producing those products, and other pharmaceuticals for the welfare of both humans and animals. Companies that are vital to the manufacturing of these goods in Kansas include Intervet (Desoto), Hennessey Research (Shawnee), SAFC Biosciences, ThermoFisher Scientific/Remel (Lenexa).

Product Development Engineer

A product development engineer, at the entry level, is responsible for the design, development, modifications to, and enhancements of existing products and processes. The position is involved in new product scale-up, process optimization, technology transfer and process validation. He or she ensures that processes and design implementations are consistent with good labor and manufacturing practices. A product development engineer works on problems of moderate scope, where analysis of a situation or data requires a review of identifiable factors. The job requires a bachelor of science degree or equivalent and zero to two years related experience.

Production Planner Scheduler

A production planner scheduler is responsible for planning, scheduling and coordinating the final approval of products through the production cycle. He or she coordinates production plans to ensure that materials are provided according to schedules to maintain production and provides input to management. When necessary, a production planner scheduler works with the customer service, marketing, production, quality control and sales departments to review back order status, prioritize production orders, and deal with other potential schedule interruptions or rescheduling. An entry-level production planner scheduler requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years related experience.

Manufacturing Technician

Manufacturing technicians are responsible for the manufacturing and packaging of potential and existing products. They operate and maintain small production equipment; weigh, measure and check raw materials, and ensure that manufactured batches contain the proper ingredients and quantities. They maintain records and clean production areas to comply with regulatory requirements, good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures. A manufacturing technician may also assist with in-process testing to make sure that batches meet product specifications. An entry-level position requires an associate degree in science and a minimum of zero to two years related experience in a manufacturing environment.

Packaging Operator

A packaging operator uses manual and/or automated packaging systems to label, inspect and package final container products. He or she also enters data and imprints computer-generated labels, maintains records, and maintains the manufacturing/production area to comply with regulatory requirements, good manufacturing practices, and standard operating procedures. A packaging operator may also perform initial checks of completed documents for completeness and accuracy. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years experience in a manufacturing environment.

Manufacturing Research Associate

A manufacturing research associate is responsible for the implementation of production procedures to optimize manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements, and has responsibilities in packaging and distribution processes. He or she may also help maintain production equipment. The position requires a bachelor of science degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years experience in a manufacturing environment.

Instrument/Calibration Technician

An entry-level instrument/calibration technician is responsible for performing maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair on a variety of circuits, components, analytical equipment, and instrumentation. He or she also calibrates instrumentation, performs validation studies, and specifies and requests purchase of components. He or she analyzes results, may develop test specifications and electrical schematics, and maintains logs and required documentation. An instrument/calibration technician also maintains spare parts inventories and may prepare technical reports with recommendations for solutions to technical problems. An associate degree in electronics or equivalent is required, as is a minimum of zero to two years related experience.

Biochemical Development Engineer

A biochemical development engineer is responsible for the design and scale-up of processes, instruments and equipment from the laboratory through the pilot plant and manufacturing process. He or she assists the manufacturing operations in problem solving with regards to equipment and systems and participates in the design and start-up of new manufacturing facilities and equipment. He or she develops and recommends new process formulas and technologies to achieve cost effectiveness and product quality. A biochemical development engineer also establishes operating equipment specifications and improves manufacturing techniques. A biochemical development engineer is involved in new product scale-up, process improvement, technology transfer and process-validation activities. He or she works with various departments to ensure that processes and designs are compatible for new product technology transfer and to establish future process and equipment automation technology. The position requires a bachelor of science degree in biological, chemical or pharmaceutical engineering, or a related discipline. A minimum of zero to two years experience is also required, preferably in the areas of pharmaceutical processes or research product development.

Process Development Associate

A process development associate is responsible for the implementation of production procedures to optimize manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements. He or she may also assist in process development, in creating scalable processes with improved product yield and reduced manufacturing systems costs. A process development associate, at the entry level, may also be involved in packaging and distribution processes and in the maintenance of production equipment. He or she may research and implement new methods and technologies to enhance operations. The position requires a bachelor of science degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years experience.

Assay Analyst

An assay analyst is responsible for doing cell cultures and performing assays and tests on tissue and cell cultures following standard protocols. He or she prepares glassware, reagents and media for cell culture use. He or she also performs, prepares and maintains tissues and cell cultures and maintains records required by good manufacturing procedures. An assay analyst also participates in the modification of assay procedures for routine implementation. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years related experience.

Manufacturing Engineer

A manufacturing engineer is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining methods, operation sequences and processes in manufacturing. He or she works with the engineering department to coordinate the release of new products. He or she estimates manufacturing costs, determines time standards and makes recommendations for process requirements of new or existing product lines. As required, a manufacturing engineer also maintains records and reporting systems for the coordination of manufacturing operations. An entry-level job as a manufacturing engineer requires a bachelor of science degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent and a minimum of zero to two years of related experience, preferably in research product development or a manufacturing environment.