About This Role:

The Manufacturing Associate on the Supply Chain Team reports to the Manufacturing Supervisor. The Manufacturing Associate is accountable for the hands-on execution of all activities in the manufacturing production area.

Manages day-to-day activities such as executing all processes in production while adhering to cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Processes) and environmental health and safety guidelines. This will include handling of raw materials, operating wet lab chemical processes, and packaging the final product in a GMP environment. Work with cross-functional teams to run manufacturing operations and ensure product quality. The Manufacturing Associate is expected to fully participate in both departmental projects and any quality working teams that may be applicable. Will work under the general direction of the Manufacturing Supervisor.

Prioritizes tasks and ensures they are completed and work goals and objectives are met. Works directly with the supervisor and seeks general direction on tasks and regular feedback.

This role is located at the Headquarters Office in Goleta, California. This position will have up to a 10% travel requirement.

What You Do:

• Perform manufacturing of Apeel’s commercial products in a clean room environment.
• Must work in a controlled environment wearing special garments. Additionally, personal protective equipment must be worn due to safety requirements.
• Conduct chemical analyses of raw materials, work-in-process, and end products.
• May be required to manage hazardous wastes in compliance with company procedures and State/Federal/Local hazardous waste regulations. Duties may include: Identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing, labeling, and on-site transporting of hazardous wastes.
• Responsible for room and equipment cleaning and sanitization, including small parts washing.
• Responsible for mixing raw materials and operating packaging machine and solution mixing tanks
• Stock department supplies; perform warehouse inventory control and weekly reconciliation.
• Complete relevant paperwork following GDP (Current Good Documentation Practices) / cGMP guidelines (e.g., complete Manufacturing Batch Records).
• Conduct documentation reviews.
• Ensure compliance with SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) / cGMP and cGDP requirements.
• Updates/revises SOPs.
• Participate in Quality Working Teams and Continuous Improvement Teams.
• May perform safety and cGMP inspections or observations.
• Assist in training of new employees.
• Other duties as directed by the Supervisor or Department that support the activities and objectives of the position.

What You Bring:

• Initiative
• Self-motivated to learn and improve
• High Energy
• Ability to multitask successfully
• High degree of attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Dependability
  

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• Strong communication (written and verbal) in English
• Basic math skills
• Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel)
• Attention to detail
• Ability to consistently follow standard operating procedures and safety protocols
• Experience with working in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating powder conveyance equipment and manufacturing lines preferred (i.e., blending, VFFS machines, coders, printers, auger filling, screw feeders, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with liquid blending operations (i.e., solution processing/makeup)
• Previous work in FDA-regulated operations and cleanrooms
• An understanding of regulatory agency requirements, including but not limited to FDA 21 CFR Part 117
• Demonstrated track record in generating technical options to resolve problems, prioritizing options to test, selecting optimal solutions based on available data, and implementing decisions
• Demonstrated self-directed work habits and time management skills
• Have a passion to improve and achieve solutions
• Ability to learn and is motivated to self-teach on knowledge or technical skills gaps
• Easily adapts to change

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours a day), traverse uneven terrain, and move swiftly through warehouse and lab environments.
• Be able to climb a step ladder
• Capability to lift and carry moderate to heavy loads up to 50 lbs, such as equipment, boxes, and bags of fruit or product. Manipulate up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Proficiency in and dexterity in handling small tools and delicate equipment for tasks
• Stamina to perform physically demanding tasks for prolonged periods.
• Capacity to bend, stoop, squat, and kneel repeatedly (up to 8 hours a day)
• Ability to coordinate hand-eye movements and manipulate objects accurately, essential for tasks such as laboratory work and equipment operation.
• Knowledge of proper lifting techniques, use of protective equipment, and adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries. Must be able to perceive and respond to dangerous situations.