Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Glove Technician
💰 $45,000 - $75,000
🎯 Role Definition
As a Glove Technician, you will be the frontline guardian of our sterile and controlled environments. This pivotal role involves the expert operation, meticulous maintenance, and rigorous sanitization of glovebox isolator systems, which are critical to ensuring product safety and quality. You will be responsible for executing complex procedures within a strict cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) framework, performing integrity testing, and meticulously documenting all activities. Your work directly impacts our ability to produce life-saving therapeutics and cutting-edge products, making you an essential member of our high-performing manufacturing team. This role requires an individual who is procedurally-driven, technically adept, and champions a culture of safety and compliance.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Manufacturing Associate
- Laboratory Technician
- Quality Control Inspector
Advancement To:
- Senior Glove Technician / Lead Technician
- Manufacturing Supervisor
- Cleanroom Operations Lead
- Validation Specialist
Lateral Moves:
- Quality Assurance Associate
- Metrology Technician
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Execute the setup, operation, and teardown of sterile isolators and gloveboxes for aseptic manufacturing processes, ensuring all parameters meet batch record specifications.
- Perform and document routine and non-routine glove/gauntlet integrity tests (e.g., pressure decay testing) to confirm the barrier integrity of the isolator system.
- Conduct thorough cleaning, sanitization, and decontamination cycles for isolators, transfer hatches, and associated equipment using approved agents and following strict SOPs.
- Meticulously prepare and sterilize all necessary tools, components, and materials for entry into the aseptic core through validated transfer procedures.
- Operate complex automated systems and integrated equipment, such as vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) generators, for bio-decontamination cycles.
- Monitor critical environmental parameters within the isolator, including temperature, humidity, and differential pressure, responding to alarms and deviations appropriately.
- Perform routine preventative maintenance tasks on isolator systems, including glove changes, gasket replacements, and minor mechanical adjustments, to ensure optimal performance.
- Champion real-time, error-free documentation of all operational and maintenance activities in batch records, logbooks, and electronic manufacturing systems (MES).
- Collaborate directly with Quality Assurance to investigate and document any deviations, environmental monitoring excursions, or equipment failures, participating in root cause analysis.
- Provide hands-on support during process simulations (media fills) to validate the aseptic integrity of the manufacturing process and operator technique.
- Adhere to all cGMP, safety (EHS), and regulatory requirements, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to compliance in all job functions.
- Assist in the execution of validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new or modified glovebox systems and related manufacturing equipment.
- Manage the inventory of critical consumables for the isolator systems, including gloves, sleeves, cleaning agents, and testing supplies.
- Train and mentor junior technicians on proper aseptic technique, gowning procedures, and the standard operating procedures for glovebox operations.
- Troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions and operational issues, escalating more complex problems to Engineering or Maintenance teams for resolution.
- Perform visual inspections of components and assemblies within the isolator to ensure they meet stringent quality standards before, during, and after processing.
- Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives, providing valuable feedback on SOPs, batch records, and workflow efficiencies to enhance safety and productivity.
- Maintain a state of audit readiness at all times, being prepared to speak to job functions and demonstrate procedures to internal auditors and regulatory inspectors.
- Execute environmental monitoring sampling within the isolator and surrounding cleanroom areas as required by the monitoring program.
- Support the transfer of new products and processes into the isolator manufacturing suite by providing technical expertise and operational support.
- Uphold rigorous aseptic technique and proper cleanroom gowning protocols without compromise to prevent contamination and ensure product sterility.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc investigations and root cause analysis for environmental monitoring excursions or product-related deviations.
- Contribute to the revision and improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and batch records.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Validation teams to support equipment qualification and process improvement projects.
- Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies if applicable to the manufacturing workflow.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Aseptic Processing Technique
- Glovebox / Isolator Operations
- cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices)
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Adherence
- Cleanroom Gowning & Protocol
- Environmental Monitoring & Sampling
- Equipment Sterilization & Decontamination (VHP, Autoclave)
- Glove Integrity Testing (Pressure Decay)
- Batch Record & Good Documentation Practices (GDP)
- Basic Equipment Troubleshooting & Maintenance
- Understanding of Process Automation Controls (HMI/SCADA)
- Inventory Management of Consumables
Soft Skills
- Exceptional Attention to Detail
- Strong Procedural Discipline
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
- Clear & Concise Communication
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Adaptability & Flexibility in a Dynamic Environment
- Time Management & Organization
- High Degree of Personal Accountability
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED
Preferred Education:
- Associate's Degree or Technical Certificate
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Manufacturing Technology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 1-3 years of experience in a cGMP, cleanroom, or aseptic processing environment.
Preferred:
- 2+ years of direct, hands-on experience with sterile isolators or glovebox technology within a pharmaceutical, cell therapy, or biotech manufacturing setting.