Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Technical Cleaner

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively searching for a highly diligent and reliable Technical Cleaner to join our dedicated team. This is not a standard janitorial position; it is a specialized role focused on contamination control within highly sensitive and regulated environments. The Technical Cleaner is the first line of defense in protecting our critical operations, whether in a pharmaceutical cleanroom, a semiconductor fabrication plant, or a high-density data center. You will be responsible for executing precise cleaning, sanitization, and decontamination protocols using specialized equipment and chemicals, ensuring our facilities consistently meet or exceed stringent industry standards (e.g., ISO, cGMP). Your unwavering attention to detail and commitment to following procedures are paramount to our success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Custodial or Janitorial Services
General Production or Manufacturing Associate
Warehouse or Logistics Operator

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Technical Cleaner / Cleanroom Technician
Contamination Control Specialist
Facilities Coordinator or Supervisor
Quality Assurance (QA) Technician

Lateral Moves:

Facilities Maintenance Technician
Equipment or Process Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform detailed cleaning and sanitization of all surfaces within a controlled environment, including floors, walls, ceilings, and workstations, following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Execute meticulous cleaning protocols in ISO-classified cleanrooms (e.g., ISO 5, ISO 7, ISO 8) to maintain required particle counts and sterility.
Properly gown and de-gown according to established, stringent protocols to prevent the introduction of contaminants into the controlled environment.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot specialized cleaning equipment such as HEPA-filtered vacuums, DI water systems, ultrasonic cleaners, and automated floor scrubbers.
Handle, mix, dilute, and dispose of various industrial-grade cleaning agents and chemical solutions in strict accordance with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and environmental health guidelines.
Meticulously document all cleaning activities, solution preparations, and environmental monitoring results in official logbooks and digital tracking systems per Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
Conduct periodic deep cleaning, decontamination, and sanitization of the cleanroom and associated support areas (gowning rooms, airlocks) according to a master schedule.
Perform routine environmental monitoring, including surface and air sampling using particle counters and contact plates, to verify cleanliness levels and report any deviations.
Inspect all cleaning equipment before and after use to ensure proper functionality and cleanliness, reporting any maintenance needs or malfunctions to leadership.
Manage the inventory of all cleaning supplies, gowning materials, consumables, and personal protective equipment (PPE), submitting timely restocking requests to ensure continuous operation.
Respond immediately and effectively to clean up spills or contamination events promptly and safely, following established emergency procedures to mitigate impact.
Adhere to all current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and internal quality system requirements to ensure the facility is always audit-ready.
Prepare the controlled environment for manufacturing runs, audits, or specific experiments by ensuring all surfaces and equipment are sterile and particle-free.
Operate and maintain autoclaves or other sterilization equipment for preparing tools, components, and supplies used within the controlled environment.
Conduct thorough visual inspections of the controlled space for any signs of contamination, physical damage, or non-compliance, and report findings immediately.

Secondary Functions

Maintain accurate cleaning logs, equipment usage records, and chemical inventory documentation for compliance, auditing, and reporting purposes.
Provide feedback and data-driven suggestions for improving cleaning protocols, safety procedures, and overall contamination control strategies.
Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to coordinate cleaning schedules, minimize operational downtime, and collectively address environmental concerns.
Participate in team meetings, safety briefings, and continuous improvement initiatives within the Facilities and Operations department.
Assist in the hands-on training and mentoring of new technicians on proper gowning, cleaning techniques, and critical safety protocols.
Support the calibration and routine maintenance verification for environmental monitoring and cleaning equipment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Contamination Control: In-depth knowledge of cleanroom principles, ISO standards (ISO 14644), and contamination control practices.
Regulatory Compliance: Experience working under cGMP, GDP, and SOP-driven environments.
Chemical Handling: Proficiency in safely handling, mixing, and disposing of industrial cleaning agents and hazardous materials.
Specialized Equipment Operation: Experience with HEPA vacuums, DI water systems, air samplers, and particle counters.
Gowning Proficiency: Ability to properly don and doff sterile cleanroom garments and work comfortably in full PPE for extended periods.
Documentation: Meticulous record-keeping skills for filling out logs and reports accurately and legibly.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail and a methodical, precise approach to all tasks is absolutely essential.
Reliability & Discipline: Strong sense of responsibility, punctuality, and the ability to follow complex procedures without deviation.
Independent Work: Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of quality.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and report procedural deviations or potential contamination risks proactively.
Communication: Clear and concise communication skills for interacting with team members and cross-functional departments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or technical certification in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Biotechnology
Environmental Science
Facilities Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3+ years

Preferred:

Direct experience working as a Cleanroom Technician or Technical Cleaner in a pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, semiconductor, or data center environment.
Verifiable experience working within an ISO-classified cleanroom.
Demonstrated experience following strict SOPs and cGMP guidelines.