Associate Specialist Automation Technician Night Shift USA - North Carolina - Durham (Old Oxford)

Job Description

We are seeking a Growth and Improvement minded Associate Specialist Automation Technician who can help drive our Strategic Operating Priorities.  The Automation Technician is a member of the Automation team responsible for the support of process control systems used in manufacturing operations located in Durham, NC.  We use a variety of industrial control platforms to manufacture vaccines, including DeltaV, PLCs, MES, and PI for data storage.  We are looking for an individual with an interest in how computers are used in a full-scale manufacturing operation. 

This is an entry-level position that requires onsite support and a non-traditional schedule, for which a shift differential may be paid.  Our Company strongly supports career growth and development, including, but not limited to, continuing education, technical and non-technical skills development, and many opportunities to learn new automation technologies and make a positive impact.

This individual will provide real time support to the manufacturing process, working with cross functional teams to ensure daily production goals are met safely, efficiently, and in accordance with GMP standards.  They will be responsible for problem resolution, administration and monitoring of process control systems, data collection & analytics, and troubleshooting. They will actively support, participate in, and embrace an empowered team culture including significant interaction with manufacturing, quality and engineering groups.  This position is for nighttime support on a 2-2-3 rotation.

Primary Activities include, but are not limited to:

• Directly supports routine production as an administrator for manufacturing systems, in partnership with maintenance, technical operations, operations, validation, and quality personnel.

• Performs routine system monitoring and troubleshooting.

• Performs routine system administration per standard operating procedure.

• Identifies trends in system problems and plant needs and proposes solutions.

• Learns and supports all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), safety, and environmental regulations. 

• Participates in investigations of automation incidents and problems to prevent recurrence including the development and implementation of corrective actions.

• Over time, become a subject matter expert (SME) in specific process steps, automation technology platforms, and specific systems.

• Over time, becomes expert practitioner of structured problem solving and after-action reviews.

• Supports knowledge management and team learning to improve support of manufacturing processes.

• Coordinates projects with staff group for timely implementation of automation projects, including preparation and execution of change controls and associated protocols.

• Participates in audits and training programs in the area of responsibility.

• Wear personal protective equipment including safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, hard hats, etc. as required.

• Clean room gowning during performance of some job duties (clean room safety shoes, clean room shoe coverings, clean room garments, hair coverings, safety glasses).

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science, Engineering, or Related Field

Required Experience and Skills:

• Proficiency and a high degree of comfort in computer systems and applications:  Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).

• Effective time management.

• Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.

• Robust problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience in one or more of the following technologies: Allen-Bradley PLCs, Siemens PLC, DeltaV DCS, PAS-X MES, Batch Operations (S88/S95), computer networking.

• Ability to read P&ID's, electrical drawings, blueprints, etc.

• GMP automation system administration experience in a pharmaceutical / biotechnology setting.

Schedule Requirements:

Routine shift will be 2-2-3, 12-hour night shift schedule, including holidays and alternating weekends .  May be asked to modify their schedule during plant shutdowns, or in response to specific business needs.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

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