Automatic Capsule Filling Machine Operator

Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited Automatic Capsule Filling Machine Operator Posting

Job Title: Automatic Capsule Filling Machine Operator

Location: Makun City, Ogun

Employment Type: Full-time

Department: Production

Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Reports To: Production Supervisor / Production Pharmacist

Job Summary

• The Automatic Capsule Filling Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and cleaning automatic capsule-filling machines used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• The role ensures that capsules are filled accurately, efficiently, and consistently in accordance with approved batch manufacturing records, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and established quality standards.
• The successful candidate must have practical experience operating automatic capsule-filling machines in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, with a strong understanding of in-process quality checks, production documentation, machine troubleshooting, and contamination prevention.

Key Duties and Responsiblites

Machine Operation:

• Operate automatic capsule-filling machines for the production of pharmaceutical hard-shell capsules.
• Set up and adjust machine parameters according to approved batch instructions and product specifications.
• Ensure correct installation of machine parts, change parts, dosing systems, and capsule-handling components.
• Verify that the correct capsule size, formulation, and batch details are used before commencing production.
• Monitor capsule feeding, capsule separation, powder or granule filling, capsule closing, and ejection throughout the production process.
• Adjust machine settings within authorised limits to maintain consistent capsule weight, filling accuracy, and production output.
• Monitor machine speed and performance to achieve approved production targets.
• Identify and report machine malfunctions, unusual noise, blockages, and operational abnormalities promptly.
• Ensure proper line clearance before starting production and during product or batch changeovers.

In-Process Quality Control:

• Perform routine in-process checks according to approved procedures and sampling frequencies.
• Monitor capsule fill weight and weight variation to ensure compliance with approved specifications.
• Inspect capsules for defects, including improper locking, denting, cracking, leakage, deformation, and incomplete filling.
• Check capsule separation, closing, and ejection to minimise defective products.
• Monitor powder or granule flow and report issues that may affect filling consistency.
• Segregate rejected capsules and ensure they are identified and handled according to approved procedures.
• Immediately report out-of-specification results, process deviations, and other quality concerns to the Production Supervisor and Quality Assurance (QA) Department.
• Ensure that production continues only when required quality and process conditions are met.

GMP and Production Documentation:

• Comply strictly with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), approved SOPs, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Complete Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs), machine logbooks, equipment usage records, and other required production documents accurately and promptly.
• Record machine settings, batch numbers, production quantities, rejected units, capsule weight checks, and downtime as required.
• Ensure that all entries comply with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Verify that equipment cleaning and status labels are completed and current before use.
• Report deviations, discrepancies, and documentation errors in accordance with company procedures.
• Maintain complete traceability of production activities and materials used.

Cleaning and Preventive Maintenance:

• Clean the capsule-filling machine, hoppers, dosing components, tooling, and associated parts according to approved cleaning SOPs.
• Ensure that equipment is properly cleaned between batches and product changeovers to prevent cross-contamination.
• Carry out pre-start checks and routine operator-level maintenance as authorised.
• Inspect machine components for wear, damage, or abnormal operation.
• Ensure equipment is properly assembled after cleaning and maintenance.
• Coordinate with the Engineering and Maintenance Department for repairs and scheduled preventive maintenance.
• Never perform unauthorised machine adjustments, repairs, or maintenance activities.

Materials and Production Control:

• Confirm the identity and status of capsule shells and approved powder or granule formulations before use.
• Ensure that only materials released for production are used.
• Handle materials in accordance with approved dispensing, storage, and handling procedures.
• Monitor material consumption, production yield, and rejected quantities.
• Report material shortages, spillage, wastage, and reconciliation discrepancies.
• Ensure proper segregation and identification of materials and products throughout production.

Safety and Housekeeping:

• Wear approved protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Follow pharmaceutical hygiene, gowning, and safety procedures.
• Ensure machine guards and safety devices remain functional and in place.
• Follow approved procedures for equipment shutdown and isolation before cleaning or maintenance.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness in the production area.
• Report accidents, unsafe conditions, and potential hazards immediately.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The operator's performance will be evaluated based on:

• Achievement of daily capsule production targets.
• Compliance with approved capsule fill-weight specifications.
• Reduction in capsule defects and rejection rates.
• Machine uptime and reduction of avoidable downtime.
• Compliance with GMP, SOPs, and safety procedures.
• Accuracy and completeness of batch production records.
• Timely completion of machine cleaning and changeover activities.
• Reduction in material wastage and improvement in production yield.
• Prompt reporting of machine faults and process deviations.
• Maintenance of a clean and organised production area.

General Responsibilities:

• Perform other reasonable duties assigned by management that are consistent with the position, the employee's competence, approved procedures, and applicable pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements.

Requirements and Experiences

• Minimum of SSCE,OND or HND in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Pharmaceutical Technology, Science Laboratory Technology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of hands-on experience operating automatic capsule-filling machines in a pharmaceutical manufacturing company.
• Demonstrable knowledge of hard-shell capsule-filling operations and machine setup.
• Practical experience in capsule weight monitoring, in-process checks, cleaning, and batch documentation.
• Good knowledge of GMP, SOPs, GDP, and pharmaceutical hygiene requirements.
• Experience with capsule-filling machine changeovers and basic troubleshooting is an advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Strong technical knowledge of automatic capsule-filling machines.
• Good understanding of capsule filling, dosing, locking, and ejection processes.
• Attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to identify machine faults and report problems promptly.
• Accurate documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work under production pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong commitment to GMP compliance, safety, and discipline.

Reporting Relationship:

• Reports to: Production Supervisor / Production Pharmacist.
• Works closely with: Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Engineering and Maintenance, Warehouse, and other Production Personnel.

Salary

N250,000 - N280,000 monthly.

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