Manufacturing Automation Specialist

Job Description

General:

Specialist, Manufacturing Automation: First line automation support for assigned line(s)/system(s) and/or engineering projects. Work with plant maintenance, operations and process improvement teams to address line performance issues and implement continuous improvement initiatives. Conduct/support quality investigations related to equipment/system malfunctions and lead corresponding corrective and preventive actions to on-time closure. Lead/support qualification activities as well as associated GMP documentation and automation change controls. Foster an inclusive environment and a safety culture while adhering to our code of conduct, values and competencies.

Functional Expertise:

This position requires knowledge and experience in own discipline while still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills. The position will build knowledge of the company, processes, clients/customers and will solve a range of medium-complex problems while contributing to possible solutions. This position may often work autonomously with a moderate level of guidance and direction. In group work, applies team effectiveness skills, listening and integrating diverse perspectives from across the work group; contributes and adds value to the achievement of team goals.

Responsibility:

The Specialist, Manufacturing Automation position is responsible for the resolution of automation issues and maintenance of automation systems in compliance with cGMPs, SLC, safety, and environmental regulations. Supports problem analysis/resolution and preventative/corrective actions for automation and shopfloor platforms. Provides guidance on process control, data collection techniques, and failure mode and effects analysis. Ensures adherence to strategies that optimize and ensure quality and stability of automation systems though future expansion, replacement, or upgrades. Partners with stakeholders and global support functions to ensure successful automation system functionality. This position will be an individual contributor within the Automation engineering team reporting to the Manager, Manufacturing Automation.

Primary Activities

Primary activities include, but are not limited to:

The Specialist, Manufacturing Automation will be responsible for providing automation support for assigned line(s)/system(s) and/or engineering projects within our production manufacturing facilities. The Specialist is responsible for supporting the following as the discipline requires:

• On-floor support of manufacturing activities. Leads key automation support and troubleshooting for manufacturing equipment and packaging systems (i.e. PLC, Vision Systems) in Manufacturing Operations.
• Provides automation technical support for site implementation and on ongoing management of serialization/aggregation (track and trace), and above site point of contact for SAP ATTP application.
• Uses technical knowledge to assure the efficient operation of variety of automated processing and information technology systems.
• Author/Maintain technical documentation (Project Plans, Master Specifications, Requirements, Qualifications, Change Controls, Standard Operating Procedures, etc).
• Provides guidance on process control and data collection techniques.
• Provides automation technical support to ensure compliance with Data Integrity directive.
• Identifies and implements process/equipment improvements and manufacturing efficiencies.
• Maintains automation systems in compliance with SLC, cGMPs, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Understands and supports all GMPs, safety, and environmental regulations. Periodically reviews automation documents, preventive maintenance, and SOPs to ensure compliance with GMP and safety.
• Develops and supports quality investigations and corrective actions for automated equipment/systems to resolve complex problems and prevent reoccurrence.
• Communicates periodically with immediate manager about status of area of responsibility.
• Participates in audits and training programs in the area of responsibility.
• Partners proactively with key customers and stakeholders (operations, quality and plant/facilities/utilities maintenance groups) while being open and approachable with a friendly, positive and professional attitude.
• Communicates daily with operation, technical, and quality representatives within area of support through the tier process.
• Leads projects by engaging team members, setting clear expectations, utilizing strong communication skills and exercising clear decision-making.
• Regularly and clearly communicates project plans, risks and strategy to all key stakeholders, customers and governance committees.
• Shares knowledge on engineering principles and other areas of expertise as needed.
• Responsibilities will sometimes include providing automation support on various shifts/weekends in support of Manufacturing Operations.

Skills (include specific skill levels required to apply our Leadership Principles)

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma Required. B.S., B.A., or M.S. in Information Technology, Science, Engineering or equivalent discipline preferred.
• Minimum of three years' experience in support of IT / Automation support in a manufacturing environment.

Skills:

• Demonstrated working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, Vision Systems and Servo-Drives.
• Experience in computer validation and systems lifecycle development methodology.
• Experience authoring and reviewing standard operating procedures, on-the-job-training, and other controlled documents.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with ability to influence and support others through a culture of inclusion, feedback, and empowerment.
• Demonstrated project management skills,

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Problem Solving, and/or Right First-Time methodologies.
• Experience with automation technology for packaging equipment.
• Experience with reject/verification systems and serialization systems.
• Working knowledge of the regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical applications.
• Data Integrity acumen.
• CyberSecurity acumen.

NOTICEFORINTERNALAPPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separationpackage, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

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US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5,2023 our U.S. Hybrid work model will be as follows: 1. Three total days on site per week: Tuesday and Wednesday - plus one additional day of choice based on what works best for organizations and/or teams. 2. Fridays will formally be a remote-working day unless business critical tasks require onsite presence.

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Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:
No

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
On-Site

Shift:
1st - Day

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
n/a

Requisition ID:R251965