Extraction & Production Technician

Job Overview:

Optimi is a Canadian Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant pharmaceutical drug manufacturer licensed by Health Canada for the handling of controlled substances and GMP production. The focus of the company is on pharmaceutical-grade psychedelics, including MDMA and naturally derived psilocybin products. From facilities in Princeton, British Columbia and operating under a Drug Establishment License from Health Canada, Optimi supplies active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage forms to regulated channels, with products currently in market for prescription use in Australia via the Authorized Prescriber Scheme and clinical trials in Israel, as well as accessible in Canada through the Special Access Program. Optimi also has an active Cannabis Analytical Testing License through Health Canada.

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Extraction and Production Technician (GMP) to join our manufacturing team at Optimi Health. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career, or coming from natural health products, cannabis, food, or another regulated production environment, to build a career in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Working alongside senior operators and the Manufacturing Supervisor, the successful candidate will carry out GMP production steps, operate and clean production equipment, support inventory and material control, and keep accurate GMP records. Full on-the-job training on Optimi's processes, equipment, and SOPs will be provided.

Responsibilities:

GMP Manufacturing Operations:

• Execute assigned batch manufacturing steps (e.g., grinding, extraction, filtration, drying, blending, encapsulation, sampling, and packaging) in accordance with approved Master Batch Records (MBRs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), under the direction of senior operators and supervisors
• Support API and finished product manufacturing, including extraction, formulation, and finished dosage form production
• Perform in-process checks and record process parameters accurately and in real time
• Recognize and promptly report deviations, process anomalies, and equipment issues to a senior operator, the Manufacturing Supervisor, or Quality Assurance
• Support line clearance, batch changeover, and cleaning activities to maintain GMP-compliant production areas
• Perform sanitation of manufacturing areas, equipment, and utensils in accordance with approved cleaning SOPs, sanitation schedules, and GMP requirements

Equipment Operation, Cleaning & Maintenance:

• Set up, operate, and clean production equipment (e.g., grinders, extraction/sonication systems, blenders, drying units) safely and in accordance with equipment SOPs, once trained and qualified
• Carry out routine cleaning and preventive maintenance of production equipment and facility infrastructure as part of the site maintenance program
• Perform routine equipment checks and verifications (e.g., balance checks) as defined in SOPs
• Assist with troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, including working with Engineering/Maintenance and equipment manufacturers' technical support as directed
• Complete equipment logbooks, cleaning records, and use logs accurately and on time

Inventory & Material Control:

• Receive, label, store, and issue raw materials, components, in-process materials, and finished products in accordance with GMP material control requirements
• Maintain inventories of production chemicals, solvents, and consumables, tracking quantities and expiry dates and flagging items that reach re-order levels
• Support controlled substance inventory control, reconciliation, and monthly reporting for GMP production areas in accordance with Health Canada requirements
• Follow site security and handling procedures for controlled substances

Documentation & Compliance:

• Complete GMP documentation (batch records, logbooks, cleaning records, inventory records) with a high standard of data integrity and attention to detail
• Follow approved SOPs and provide feedback on batch records and procedures; assist with drafting or revising SOPs as required
• Contribute to deviation and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) investigations by providing information and floor-level observations
• Complete and maintain training on applicable SOPs, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements, and attend on-site and off-site training as required
• Adhere to all Health Canada GMP requirements and site Good Documentation Practices (GDP)

Teamwork & Development:

• Work cooperatively with the Quality, R&D, Analytical, and cultivation teams to meet production schedules
• Support process scale-up, tech transfer, and validation runs under the direction of senior operators and technical staff

Key Requirements:

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications and skills:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree in a science or technology field (e.g., chemical or biotechnology technology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemistry, biology) is an asset

Experience:

• 0–2 years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment; experience in a GMP or otherwise regulated setting (pharmaceutical, natural health products, cannabis, food, or cosmetics) is an asset
• Recent graduates of relevant science or technology programs are encouraged to apply
• Experience operating process equipment (e.g., extraction, blending, drying, or packaging equipment) is an asset

Skills & Certifications:

• Basic understanding of GMP and Good Documentation Practices (GDP), or a strong willingness to learn
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort operating and cleaning production equipment
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, calculations, and data recording
• Ability to read and follow detailed SOPs and batch records
• Good communication and teamwork skills; reliable and safety-minded
• Comfortable working with basic computer systems/software for documentation and record-keeping
• WHMIS certification is an asset
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25 kg, and wear required PPE/cleanroom gowning

Additional Responsibilities:

• In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Extraction and Production Technician (GMP) may be required to perform the following duties:
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional process improvement teams
• Once qualified, act as an alternate for other designated GMP production roles as identified in the site's alternate personnel matrix (e.g., Grinding/Extraction Operator, Drying/Blending Operator)
• Assist cultivation operations in production capacities as assigned
• Optimi Health is a small, growing organization; the Extraction and Production Technician (GMP) may be required to support other areas of the business as needed and is expected to contribute flexibly across teams to help the company meet its operational goals

Compensation

• Annual salary range of $60,000 -$80,000
• 2 weeks of annual vacation
• Comprehensive benefits package – including medical, dental, vision
• Relocation and accommodation support provided 

While we appreciate all those who apply, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted