Capsule Filling Machine Operator
Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited
Makun City, Ogun, Nigeria
full-time
Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited formerly known as Strides Vital Nigeria Limited was a strategic partnership comprising Vital Pharmaceuticals Ltd and India’s Strides Arcolabs Ltd,a NSE listed company. In 2017, Management of Sagar Overseas Limited, acquired 100% shares in Strides Vital Nigeria Limited and the company was re-named to Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited. The company is a leading household name in pharmaceuticals and healthcare industry and has many well-known brands such as Vitaclox, Vitacillin, Vitamox, Tropitone, Inbu, Ytacan, etc
We are recruiting to fill the position below: Job Title: Capsule Filling Machine Operator Location: Makun City, Ogun Employment Type: Full-time Department: Production Section: Solid Dosage Manufacturing Reports To: Production Supervisor / Production Manager
Job Purpose
To operate and monitor capsule filling machines for the accurate, efficient, and hygienic filling of pharmaceutical powders, granules, or pellets into empty capsules in accordance with approved batch manufacturing records, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and established safety and quality requirements.
The operator is responsible for ensuring consistent capsule quality, compliance with production specifications, proper documentation, and achievement of assigned production targets without compromising product quality or patient safety.
Key Responsibilities and Duties Machine Operation:
Operate automatic, semi-automatic, or other assigned capsule filling machines in accordance with approved SOPs.
Ensure that the correct machine settings, tooling, and capsule sizes are selected as specified in the batch manufacturing record.
Set up the machine and perform routine operational checks before production.
Feed approved empty capsules and the designated product into the machine according to approved procedures.
Monitor machine performance, filling speed, capsule separation, powder dosing, capsule closing, and ejection throughout production.
Make only authorized adjustments to machine settings to maintain consistent filling performance.
Report abnormal machine noise, vibration, malfunction, or process irregularities to the Production Supervisor or Engineering team.
Pre-Operational Checks and Line Clearance:
Verify that the machine, surrounding area, tools, and product-contact parts are clean and suitable for use.
Confirm completion and approval of line clearance before starting a new batch.
Ensure that previous product remnants, labels, documents, and materials have been removed from the area.
Verify the identity and status of the approved product, raw materials, and empty capsules before use.
Check equipment identification, cleanliness status labels, calibration status where applicable, and maintenance status.
Confirm that the correct batch number, product name, capsule size, and manufacturing instructions are available.
In-Process Quality Control:
Monitor capsule fill weight in accordance with the approved sampling plan and specified frequency.
Check capsule appearance, locking, closure, integrity, and overall uniformity.
Inspect for empty capsules, underfilled or overfilled capsules, loose caps, split capsules, damaged capsules, and other visible defects.
Conduct or assist with in-process checks as authorized by approved procedures.
Record all required results accurately and report results outside established limits immediately.
Segregate and identify rejected capsules to prevent accidental mixing with acceptable products.
Stop the machine and inform the supervisor when a critical quality defect or process deviation is detected.
Documentation and GMP Compliance:
Complete batch manufacturing records, equipment logbooks, machine usage records, and other required production documents accurately and contemporaneously.
Record start and stop times, quantities processed, material usage, yield, rejects, and downtime as required.
Follow Good Documentation Practices and applicable data integrity requirements.
Report deviations, discrepancies, equipment malfunctions, and unexpected events promptly.
Never falsify records, backdate entries, or make unauthorized alterations to production documents.
Ensure that all entries are traceable to the person performing the activity.
Material Handling and Reconciliation:
Verify material identity and status before charging materials into the machine.
Handle powders, granules, pellets, and empty capsules carefully to prevent contamination, mix-ups, and material loss.
Ensure that materials are transferred and used in accordance with approved instructions.
Reconcile issued, used, rejected, and returned materials as required by the batch record.
Maintain proper segregation and identification of approved, rejected, and unprocessed materials.
Report material shortages, discrepancies, or suspected contamination to the supervisor.
Cleaning and Housekeeping:
Perform routine cleaning of the machine and surrounding work area according to approved cleaning SOPs.
Assist with equipment changeover and product-contact part cleaning as trained and authorized.
Ensure that cleaned equipment is properly identified and protected against contamination.
Maintain good housekeeping and comply with applicable hygiene and sanitation requirements.
Dispose of waste and rejected capsules according to approved procedures.
Complete equipment cleaning records and obtain verification where required.
Safety and Environmental Compliance:
Wear the prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE), including appropriate protective clothing and respiratory protection where required by the product risk assessment.
Follow occupational health, safety, and environmental procedures.
Never bypass machine guards or safety interlocks.
Stop the equipment and report unsafe conditions or mechanical hazards.
Follow approved procedures for handling pharmaceutical powders and controlling dust exposure.
Report accidents, near misses, spills, and injuries immediately.
Preventive Maintenance and Teamwork:
Perform routine operator-level checks as specified in the equipment SOP.
Assist Engineering and Maintenance personnel during equipment servicing when required.
Report worn parts, unusual machine performance, and maintenance needs promptly.
Participate in production meetings, GMP training, and continuous improvement activities.
Work collaboratively with Production, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Engineering, and Warehouse personnel.
Requirements Educational Qualifications:
Minimum of Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE/WAEC/NECO) or equivalent.
OND, NCE, HND, or relevant technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical / Electronic Engineering, Pharmaceutical Technology, Science Laboratory Technology, or a related discipline is an advantage.
Relevant pharmaceutical manufacturing or machine operation training is desirable.
Work Experience:
2 – 4 years of experience operating capsule filling machines or similar pharmaceutical production equipment is preferred.
Candidates with relevant technical aptitude and demonstrated machine operation skills may be considered for entry-level training.
Experience in pharmaceutical solid dosage manufacturing and GMP-regulated environments is an advantage.
Required Skills and Competencies:
Ability to operate and monitor capsule filling equipment safely.
Basic understanding of capsule filling processes and in-process quality checks.
Good numerical and record-keeping skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to identify defects.
Knowledge of GMP, personal hygiene, line clearance, and contamination prevention.
Ability to follow written procedures and instructions.
Good communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work shifts and meet production schedules where required.
High level of discipline, honesty, and commitment to product quality.
Salary N180,000 - N250,000 monthly.