MOVE Transforms Military Skills to Life Sciences Careers

Manufacturing associates operate process equipment within control limits to meet delivery, cost and quality goals. Manufacturing associates are responsible for equipment assembly, obtaining materials and planning workflows. 

After operation, they disassemble and clean all equipment. 

Maintenance technicians install, calibrate, maintain and repair production equipment. They ensure that all process equipment and utilities are safe for use and meet quality standards.

Additionally, maintenance technicians record and report data to monitor energy consumption and track equipment history. 

Process development technicians and scientists create processes to manufacture new products and implement improvements to current processes.

A process development technician or scientist analyzes data sourced from current processes, executes experiments, gathers test data and analyzes data. 

A quality assurance associate ensures that final products meet quality standards by monitoring and inspecting operating procedures, test methods and product specifications. If a process deviates from its validated state, the quality assurance associate will collaborate with others on product disposition and corrective actions.

A quality control technician executes chemical or microbiological test methods to prove that raw materials, intermediates and final products meet specifications. Quality control professionals need to be detail-oriented, aware of regulatory expectations and able to operate analytical instrumentation. 

A specimen processor is a laboratory professional who receives, processes and documents biological specimens. They work with specimens like blood, urine and tissue samples used for research, diagnosis or forensics. They carefully handle the samples and lab equipment, ensuring everything is sanitized, stored and processed.

D’Aisha Exhem found her path into life sciences manufacturing through NCBiotech’s MOVE program. She now works as a Manufacturing Associate III at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies in Holly Springs, where she is part of a startup facility that will serve as a template for future sites. She values learning the full manufacturing lifecycle.

John T. Singharath works as an Associate Maintenance Planner at Amgen, where he enjoys learning alongside others and working as part of a team toward shared goals. Collaborating with people across different roles is one of the most rewarding parts of his work, reflecting the teamwork-first mindset he developed during his military service.

Ja’Keshia Peterson is a Manufacturing Associate at Amgen, where she finds deep meaning in the constant learning and discovery that define her work. Every day brings exposure to new processes and tasks, each one contributing to a larger system that transforms raw materials into medicines that can save lives. 

Since July 2025, Sarai has discovered how central communication and relationships are to the work. Her role requires steady collaboration with multiple departments to ensure that every process meets SOP standards. Sarai's advice for others entering the industry is to take full advantage of everything the MOVE program offers. 

Aaron discovered that the life sciences industry felt surprisingly familiar after military service. He immediately connected with the sense of purpose, the focus on a greater mission, and the steady, structured rhythm of the work.  Aaron recommends participating in MOVE, completing the BioWork certificate, and doing an internship.

Michael Grant transitioned from fitness trainer to Quality Control Technician at Novo Nordisk’s Clayton facility. This journey underscores the impact of the NCBiotech MOVE program and Novo Nordisk’s commitment to supporting veterans. After leaving the military, Michael was seeking a more stable and promising career. 

Travis Beamon, a military veteran and commissioned officer, found a new mission at Novo Nordisk thanks to connections made through the NCBiotech MOVE program. Transitioning from military life to a corporate setting was a big adjustment, but MOVE helped Travis make the right professional introductions. 

After 10,000+ hours of hands-on maintenance in the U.S. Army and a Commendation Medal, Angel Frias Chavez brought his skills to Amgen as a Maintenance Technician. His favorite part of the job is learning how everyday innovation in technology and science improves patients’ quality of life.

Michael Mckimm pivoted thanks to the connections and support he received through NCBiotech's MOVE program. The program introduced him to industry professionals and opportunities. Now, he works as a Cytogenetics Laboratory Technician at Labcorp, where his training in confocal microscopy at UNCW laid the foundation.

Kyle Szewczuk works at Novex Innovations as an Equipment Manager and Calibration Technician, a role that keeps him on the move and connected with people across the organization. One of the things he enjoys most is walking the floor and interacting with teams from many different departments.