Apprentice - Equipment Technician

Lonza•Tampa, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Apprentice - Equipment Technician supports the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of production and packaging equipment at a regulated pharmaceutical oral solid dose manufacturing site in Tampa, Florida. This hands-on role involves learning and assisting with preventive maintenance, corrective repairs, equipment troubleshooting, and mechanical and electrical support for equipment such as tablet presses, capsule fillers, coating systems, cartoners, and conveyors. The position helps ensure equipment reliability and readiness to meet production schedules and quality expectations. The role follows a 12-hour rotating shift pattern: 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, and 3 days off, repeating. The apprentice receives hands-on technical training alongside experienced maintenance technicians and develops mechanical, electrical, and equipment troubleshooting knowledge while progressing in technical skills and safe work practices. Lonza describes its culture as globally connected, collaborative, inclusive, and ethical, with core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion, and Integrity. The company offers equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants regardless of legally protected characteristics.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
0–2 years of relevant experience.
Basic mechanical aptitude and interest in learning equipment maintenance.
Basic mechanical aptitude and safe work habits in a GMP manufacturing environment.
Ability to safely use basic hand tools and learn technical equipment functions.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions and procedures.
Basic computer skills and willingness to learn maintenance software.
Good communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous learning.
Ability to understand basic mechanical components such as belts, chains, rollers, and gears, and assist in their disassembly and reassembly with guidance.
Ability to follow SOPs, batch records, and lockout/tagout procedures under supervision.
Ability to read and understand basic mechanical drawings and work instructions.

Nice To Haves

Trade school, technical training, or related internship experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with preventive and corrective maintenance on manufacturing and packaging equipment.
Perform basic mechanical tasks under supervision, including lubrication, cleaning, inspections, adjustments, and component replacements.
Learn to identify and troubleshoot common mechanical and equipment-related issues.
Support equipment changeovers, repairs, and functional testing.
Develop familiarity with motors, gearboxes, bearings, conveyors, and other mechanical systems.
Follow established safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), electrical safety, and required PPE protocols.
Complete assigned GMP, safety, and technical training.
Identify and report equipment hazards, unsafe conditions, and maintenance concerns.
Perform maintenance activities within established training and authorization requirements.
Learn to use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document maintenance activities.
Maintain accurate records in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
Assist with tracking equipment repairs, maintenance history, and follow-up activities.
Participate in hands-on technical training alongside experienced maintenance technicians.
Demonstrate progress in technical skills, safe work practices, and assigned responsibilities.
Support maintenance projects and other departmental activities as assigned.
Perform routine preventive maintenance such as cleaning, lubrication, and inspection on production and packaging equipment.
Assist with disassembly and reassembly of basic mechanical components under guidance.
Follow SOPs, batch records, and lockout/tagout procedures under supervision.
Document work performed accurately in the CMMS with support.
Read and understand basic mechanical drawings and work instructions.
Support changeover and cleaning tasks on automated equipment with minimal disruption to production.