**Work Schedule** Other **Environmental Conditions** Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc... allowed **Job Description** **Lyophilization (Freeze-Drying) Operator / Technician** **Location: Swindon | Shift-based (24/7)** **About the Role** At **Thermo Fisher Scientific** , our Swindon site is one of the UK’s leading sterile manufacturing facilities, playing a critical role in delivering life-changing medicines to patients around the world. We are looking for an experienced **Lyophilization (LYO) Operator / Technician** with a strong background in **freeze-drying operations** and exposure to **planned preventive maintenance (PPM)** . This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on equipment ownership, working in a highly regulated GMP environment, and contributing to reliable, high-quality production. You’ll be part of a collaborative operations and engineering culture where equipment reliability, process control, and continuous improvement are valued. **What You’ll Be Responsible For** **Lyophilization Operations** + Operate and monitor freeze dryers during routine production, engineering, and test cycles. + Execute validated lyophilization cycles in line with production plans and GMP requirements. + Monitor critical process parameters and review trend and graphical data to ensure stable and compliant operation. + Perform detailed visual inspections to confirm correct system performance. + Act as a knowledgeable operator within the LYO area, supporting consistent and reliable execution. **Planned Preventive Maintenance & Equipment Care** + Carry out first-line planned preventive maintenance (PPM) activities in line with approved schedules and SOPs. + Perform routine equipment checks and basic interventions such as clamp adjustments, leak checks, and filter changes. + Work closely with Engineering and Maintenance teams to support planned and reactive maintenance activities. + Identify early signs of equipment issues or process drift and escalate proactively to prevent downtime. + Take ownership of equipment condition and cleanliness within the LYO area. **GMP Documentation & Compliance** + Complete GMP documentation accurately, clearly, and in a timely manner. + Compile freeze-drying cycle records for inclusion in batch manufacturing documentation. + Monitor SCADA systems and report alarms, deviations, or abnormal trends using defined escalation pathways. + Initiate deviations and support investigations related to process or equipment performance. **Utilities, Monitoring & Support** + Monitor critical utilities (pressure, temperature, flow, levels) supporting lyophilization operations. + Load consumables and manage inventory required for freeze-drying systems. + Monitor environmental conditions via the Facility Monitoring System (FMS) and escalate out-of-trend results. + Support other production activities during periods of low lyophilization demand. **Health, Safety & Quality** + Work in full compliance with EH&S requirements and site safety procedures. + Contribute to a strong safety and quality culture through safe behaviors and right-first-time execution. **What We’re Looking For** **Essential** + Proven experience in a pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environment. + Hands-on experience operating lyophilization (freeze-drying) equipment. + Experience supporting or executing planned preventive maintenance (PPM) or routine equipment care. + Ability to work independently within a 24/7 shift pattern. **Desirable** + Experience with complex, multi-cycle process equipment. + Exposure to aseptic or sterile manufacturing environments. + Experience with SCADA systems **What You’ll Bring** + A methodical, detail-oriented approach to critical operations. + Strong judgment and decision-making within SOPs and validated processes. + Clear communication skills and confidence escalating issues when needed. + A sense of ownership for equipment performance and process reliability. + A collaborative mindset and willingness to work cross-functionally. Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.