Job Opportunities

The most important attribute for working successfully at Autumn Harp is the ability to work harmoniously with other people, specifically to create a positive work environment.  We offer a desirable and respectful workplace, competitive compensation and generous benefits - including paid time off, holiday pay, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness, flexible spending accounts, 401k with employer match, profit share, a free gym membership and more!  Explore job opportunities at Autumn Harp below.

Click here to download a job application or fill out an application online.

Employment Applications, Résumés, and Cover Letters stating interest in an open position can be sent to:

Autumn Harp
Human Resources
26 Thompson Drive
Essex Junction, VT  05452
jobs@autumnharp.com
Fax: 802-857-4601

Autumn Harp is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

Production Lab Manager

We are seeking a Production Lab Manager to join our talented and diverse Quality Team in an environment with a strong commitment to internal and external customer service.   Reporting to the Vice President, Technical, the Lab Production Manager will be responsible for overseeing the start-up and operations of a newly established industrial microbiology and analytical lab. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in decision-making processes related to equipment selection, installation and validation, workflow design and optimization, while ensuring that all products meet the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong entrepreneurial attitude and an initiative-taking work ethic. The individual will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient functioning of the lab, adherence to industry and regulatory standards, and the timely delivery of high-quality results to support Production.

 Key Responsibilities:

  • Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and aseptic techniques in the laboratory. Maintain a safe working environment for all lab personnel.
  • Conduct sample preparation and product testing as required to support Production OSCOT.
  • Supervise and mentor lab staff, providing guidance and support in their day-to-day activities. Facilitate training programs for lab personnel on equipment usage and aseptic techniques. Foster a collaborative and productive work
  • environment among team members.
  • Evaluate, select, procure, install, and validate relevant lab equipment.
  • Oversee equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
  • Develop and implement efficient and compliant analytical and microbiological testing processes, protocols, and validations.
  • Streamline workflows to maximize efficiency and productivity and minimize turnaround times while continuously assessing laboratory procedures for accuracy, reliability, and efficiency.
  • Assist in achieving ISO 17025 accreditation and continuously monitor industry standards and regulations to ensure compliance.
  • Manage the Production laboratory budget and resources.
  • Analyze experimental data and results, preparing comprehensive reports for internal and external stakeholders. Interpret analytical and microbiological findings, providing insights and recommendations based on the results.
  • Consult as needed with other departments, such as Production, Quality, R&D, Customer Service and/or Product Safety. 

Required Skills and Experience:

  • PhD preferred, bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or related field with appropriate experience accepted
  • Have a proven track record with outstanding leadership skills and professionalism
  • 5+ years of experience in a microbiology laboratory that conducts traditional microbiological testing, preferably in the consumer goods, food and beverage, or pharmaceutical industry
  • In-depth knowledge of and experience using aseptic techniques in a traditional microbiological laboratory (e.g., culture media preparation, plating/inoculation, incubation, enumeration, and identification.)
  • Familiarity with Biosafety levels, including demonstrating proficiency in standard microbiological practices and techniques for working with agents requiring BSL-2 containment.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on fostering a positive work environment.
  • Experience with or willingness to learn how to operate analytical equipment such as HPLC, GC-FID, ICP-OES, and FT-IR.
  • Familiarity with regulatory and quality requirements for laboratories in the OTC and personal care fields.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with LIMS, ELN, and/or ERP software systems as well as all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Detail-oriented and possess the ability to multi-task
Packaging Engineer Manager

The Packaging Engineer Manager works with New Product Development Team managing the detailed understanding and transition of package solutions from development to production including testing, creation of product specifications, and trialing.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership and direction to the packaging team regarding all aspects of their technical and professional development.
  • Establish standard work practices for the package engineering team.
  • Establish KPI’s for the group and present monthly data at monthly review meeting.
  • Manage the package development from start to finish for a variety of customers
  • Coordinates trialing and understanding pack solutions that meet the business and customer’s needs and desires.
  • Accountable for Bill of Material, assembly methods and Finish Product specifications
  • Be part of the front end development team as the packaging representative to ensure new components are fit for manufacturing, including coordination and analysis of filling testing and trials
  • Understand and suggest internal packaging solutions to the operation and R&D teams
  • Interface regularly with customers and provide exceptional service solutions to packaging needs and requirements
  • Work with packaging vendors to ensure appropriate artwork specifications and deadlines are adhered to
  • Understands and reports line performance on new launches in terms of Quality, Service, OEE and labor
  • Works with Scrum team to provide outstanding customer service

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education/appropriate experience
  • Have a proven track record with outstanding leadership skills and professionalism
  • Have the ability to thrive while working in a cross functional team based environment
  • Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a personal commitment to succeed    
  • Relevant packaging experience preferred
  • Detail-oriented and possess the ability to multi-task
     
Technical Operator
  • E2 Shift – Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6:50 AM – 7:00 PM
  • E3 Shift - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 6:50 PM - 7:00 PM
  • E4 Shift – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 6:50 PM to 7:00 AM

Reporting to the Shift Supervisor, Technical Operators are responsible for working with the manufacturing team to ensure that all equipment is performing optimally, operating pieces of equipment on the production floor, as well as assisting Maintenance Technicians with line setups and changeovers of manufacturing lines. Must be detailed-oriented and highly organized.  Must be able to handle up to 50 lbs. and able to stand and walk up to 12 hours on a regular basis.  Would be required to lead and work on production lines as needed.  

 Responsibilities include:

  • Assist Maintenance Technicians with changeovers, minor adjustments/repairs and line setups, as needed.
  • Performs all of the duties of a manufacturing operator including:
  • Starts and stops machines and reports machine issues; reads, understands and follows product specification and operation sheets; inspects containers to specs.
  • Fill vats and move kettles; replenishes packaging supplies and machine supplies.
  • Completes all associated paperwork associated for each product order.
  • Meets production targets on the line by both working the line at various stations and by providing coaching to line workers and temporary associates to meet targets.
  • Perform preventative maintenance tasks to assist the maintenance team as needed
  • Follows all safety guidelines and protocols
  • Perform house cleaning (5S) tasks
  • Support Operational Excellence program by doing audits and being part of continuous improvement activities

Minimum requirements:

  • Strong baseline of mechanical knowledge and aptitude
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • General computer proficiency
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to multitask and have strong organizational skills
  • Timely decision-making and responsiveness
  • Possess solid reading and math skills.
  • Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team
Weigher

We are looking a team-oriented and energetic Weigher to join our friendly Compounding Team in an environment with strong commitment to internal and external customer service. 

·         Weigher: Monday – Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm

Our Weighers are responsible for weighing and measuring the raw materials required for our Compounding Mixing Technicians and Research & Development department. The basic responsibilities of the position include: weighing out raw materials; inventory paperwork; and material handling in compliance with specific inventory control procedures. 

Essential Job Requirements:

  • 2-3 years of experience within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
  • Must be a team player with good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to lift 30lbs frequently, 50lbs regularly and up to 75lbs occasionally
  • Able to work around hot pour perfumes and fragrances on a daily basis
  • Have normal hearing and vision with the ability to discern colors
  • Above average reading and math skills
  • Must be organized and detail-oriented
  • Experience in Lean Manufacturing environment is a plus
Compounding/Mixing Technician

E2 Shift - Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:00AM - 7:00PM

E3 Shift - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 7:00PM - 7:00AM

E4 Shift - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 7:00PM - 7:00AM

Who we are:

We are a premier contract manufacturer in the beauty and personal care industry.

What you’ll do:

By joining our talented compounding department, you can expect to challenge yourself while performing a variety of tasks. Our Compounding Technician ensures that all products are batched in accordance to the formula manufacturing instructions or “recipe”. You will stage and verify all required ingredients for bulk products and use state-of-the-art machinery to mix and blend raw materials. Our compounding team is responsible for product flow to manufacturing – providing high quality product that meets standards for flavor, color, viscosity and visual appearance.

What we are looking for:

·        A safety first – quality minded team player that is dependable with a positive attitude

·        Ability to read, follow and understand written instruction

·        Demonstrated problem solving ability - solving problems is what we do best

·        Experience with inventory transactions and material movement / forklift certified is a plus

Your benefits package will include:

·        A 3-day work week with paid lunch and breaks

·        Five weeks paid time off annually (a combination of Sick / Personal & Holiday pay) *

·        Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

·        FREE gym membership at the EDGE

·        Up to $5,000 Flex Spending Account (FSA) funds depending on insurance needs

·        401k with company match

Our Location is Ideal:

·        If you enjoy mountain biking – we are located right on the Saxon Hill Bike Trail

·        If you enjoy skiing or trail running – Cochran’s ski area and Catamount Family Center are near by

·        If you enjoy shopping or going to the movies the Essex Outlets is just up the road

·        If you enjoy eating – JCAT, Hoagies, Mimmo's and JP’s Restaurant are just minutes away

Why You Should Apply:

·        Three-day work week

·        Good benefits

·        Career advancement opportunities

·        Overtime availability

·        Great people
Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, lifting @ 50 lbs. and @ 75 lbs. occasionally. Ability to work around perfumes and fragrance on a daily basis.

*Prorated for new hires

 

 

 

Material Handler

E3 Shift: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6:45pm - 7:00am

Reporting to the Material Handling Supervisor, the Material Handler’s main responsibilities are to manage, prep and prepare all materials for production, verifying the accuracy of the order.  The right candidate will have the ability to communicate well – both externally and internally; be a team player with a strong work ethic; ability to work productively and independently is essential.  Must be detailed-oriented, highly organized, previous forklift a plus.  Must be able to handle 50 lbs. routinely, 75 lbs. occasionally; ability to stand and walk for long periods on a regular basis.   May be required to assist and work on production lines as needed.  

Responsibilities include:

  • Verify and deliver materials to production accurately and on time
  • Perform the inventory transactions in the ERP system, keeping jobs updated throughout the shift
  • Wrap and move pallets to final locations
  • Communicate within the production team
  • Work in a safe and diligent manner to make sure company guidelines are met

Minimum requirements:

  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • General computer proficiency
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to multitask and have strong organizational skills
  • Timely decision-making and responsiveness
  • Possess solid reading and math skills.
  • Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Prior forklift experience preferred