Manufacturing Associate II

Actalent
San Diego, CA

Manufacturing Associate II – Reagent Formulation

2nd Shift | San Diego, CA | Life Sciences Manufacturing

Make an Impact at the Bench—Where Precision Meets Discovery

Join a fast‑growing life sciences organization at the forefront of genetic analysis technology. As a Manufacturing Associate II – Reagent Formulation, you will play a hands‑on role in producing high‑quality reagents and consumables that power cutting‑edge research and clinical diagnostics worldwide. This is an ideal opportunity for an early‑career scientist or manufacturing professional who thrives in a collaborative, quality‑driven environment and wants to grow with an expanding biotech company.

You’ll work side‑by‑side with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing experts to support reagent formulation, filling, and quality control operations—directly contributing to products that improve data quality, simplify workflows, and advance scientific discovery.


What You’ll Do:

Reagent Manufacturing & Operations
  • Execute reagent and buffer manufacturing activities in accordance with approved batch records, SOPs, and quality standards.
  • Prepare and formulate buffers and reagents (up to 50 L) with a high degree of accuracy, consistency, and documentation rigor.
  • Support and, when needed, lead filling and kit assembly operations to meet production schedules.
  • Process work orders and complete finished goods into inventory with correct labeling, traceability, and system updates.
Quality Control & Continuous Improvement
  • Perform routine QC testing of reagents and consumables using standard analytical techniques.
  • Collect, document, and analyze manufacturing and QC data to support product release and investigations.
  • Troubleshoot formulation, filling, packaging, and analytical issues to maintain product quality and minimize downtime.
  • Identify gaps or inefficiencies in SOPs, batch records, and work instructions, and actively contribute to improvements.
Collaboration & Equipment Support
  • Partner closely with R&D, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to support development builds and process improvements.
  • Assist with calibration, validation, and basic troubleshooting of formulation equipment and laboratory instruments.
  • Maintain accurate raw material and component inventory through cycle counts, ordering, and material receipt.

What You Bring:

Essential Skills & Experience
  • Hands‑on experience with reagent or buffer formulation in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
  • Strong foundation in laboratory techniques, solution preparation, and safe chemical handling.
  • Experience using common lab instrumentation such as pH meters, conductivity meters, and UV‑Vis spectrophotometers.
  • Familiarity with SOPs, batch records, and controlled documentation in a regulated or quality‑focused setting.
  • Demonstrated troubleshooting ability and strong attention to detail.
  • Comfortable working independently while contributing to a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary team.
  • Proficiency with basic data analysis and documentation tools (Excel, Word, web‑based systems).
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
  • 0–2 years of relevant experience in consumables, reagent manufacturing, or laboratory operations (industry experience preferred, but not required).
  • Exposure to reagent filling, packaging, chromatography, or BOM development.
  • Experience supporting R&D environments or process improvement initiatives.
  • Highly organized, self‑motivated, and adaptable in a fast‑paced production environment.

Why You’ll Love Working Here"

  • High‑Impact Work: Your efforts directly support products used in advanced genetic research and diagnostics.
  • Growth‑Oriented Culture: Join a scaling biotech startup with significant expansion ahead and opportunities for skill development and career progression.
  • Collaborative Environment: Work daily with scientists, engineers, and manufacturing professionals who value teamwork and continuous improvement.
  • Modern Facility: Based in a beautiful, newly built life science facility in the heart of San Diego’s biotech hub.
  • Shift Differential: 2nd shift schedule (approximately 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM) with additional compensation.
  • Quality & Safety First: A professional environment with strong training, clear procedures, and a commitment to doing things right.

Work Environment:

This position operates in laboratory and production areas using standard formulation and analytical equipment. Appropriate laboratory attire and PPE are required. The environment is dynamic, quality‑driven, and fast‑paced, with changing priorities aligned to production and development needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

  • Hiring diverse talent
  • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
  • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
  • Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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