Apprentice - Equipment Technician

Lonza • Tampa, FL

1d • 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 apprenticeship involves 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 role helps maintain equipment reliability and readiness to meet production schedules and quality expectations.

The apprentice works a 12-hour rotating schedule on a repeating pattern of 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, and 3 days off. Weekend shifts include additional pay. The apprentice receives hands-on technical training alongside experienced maintenance technicians and develops mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting skills while following established safety, quality, training, and authorization requirements.

Lonza describes its workplace as inclusive and ethical, with a dynamic working culture and compensation programs that recognize high performance. The company offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, and other benefits. Lonza states that it provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants regardless of 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 perform routine preventive maintenance such as cleaning, lubrication, and inspection on production and packaging equipment.
• Understands basic mechanical components such as belts, chains, rollers, and gears, and can assist in disassembly and reassembly with guidance.
• Follows SOPs, batch records, and lockout/tagout procedures under supervision.
• Accurately documents work performed in the CMMS with support.
• Can read and understand basic mechanical drawings and work instructions.
• Supports changeover and cleaning tasks on automated equipment with minimal disruption to production.

Nice To Haves

• Trade school, technical training, or related internship experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preventive and corrective maintenance on manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Perform basic mechanical tasks, including lubrication, cleaning, inspections, adjustments, and component replacements under supervision.
• 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, 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, including belts, chains, rollers, and gears, with 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.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Additional pay for weekend shifts
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance
• Other benefits; a full list is provided on Lonza’s careers benefits page

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED