Associate, Process Improvement Engineering

West Pharmaceutical Services • St. Petersburg, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This fully onsite role is key to implementing new technology, developing and introducing process improvements, establishing standards, managing life cycle activities and validation, supporting capital investments, and addressing complex assignments in select process areas. The role helps advance West’s business and provides an opportunity to implement innovative processes and technologies in cooperation with Operations, Quality, and other plant teams.

The Associate participates in developing and continuously improving standard process elements; proposes, evaluates, and implements process improvement projects related to quality, service, and health, safety, and environment (HSE); and contributes to global and regional subject matter expert teams and harmonization projects. The role analyzes historical production data and prepares reports and trend analyses in cooperation with QA/QC, supports new product and technology introductions, and develops practices and procedures to improve and standardize production processes for profitability, quality, and safety.

The position evaluates best practices, manages and implements process validation in alignment with West’s global validation approach, and performs work in accordance with company health, safety, environmental, and other policies. The employee also maintains an orderly work environment under West’s 5S program and performs other duties as assigned based on business needs. The role requires up to 5% travel, or up to 13 business days per year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Project management capability and ability to work independently.
• Experience working with ISO 9000, FDA, and cGMP.
• General knowledge of OSHA/EPA and safety regulations, manufacturing, and process automation.
• Working knowledge of business and shop-floor systems; ability to use SAP and Microsoft Office applications is preferred.
• Understanding and experience using Lean manufacturing principles.
• Ability to write routine reports, correspondence, and process documents.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance.
• Ability to remain aware of relevant SOPs and comply with company safety and quality policies.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, see, and use hands and fingers to operate office equipment; may sit or stand for extended periods and travel between offices and building sites.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to 40 pounds; the physical requirements also describe exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Ability to work occasionally in wet or humid conditions, around fumes or airborne particles, and near moving mechanical parts or equipment; occasional clean-room work requiring special gowning and training.
• Hearing protection is required in manufacturing areas where posted.

Nice To Haves

• 1–3 years of experience in an injection- or compression-molding-related field.
• Manufacturing process troubleshooting experience.
• Manufacturing experience in a cGMP/pharmaceutical environment.
• Automation, programming (PLC, VBA), and electronics troubleshooting experience.
• Vision machine integration experience in a cGMP/pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Awareness of state-of-the-art technology relevant to the industry and participation in educational programs pertinent to process projects.
• Manufacturing/Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

Responsibilities

• Comply with West HSE programs and regulations.
• Participate in developing standard process elements and their continuous improvement.
• Propose, evaluate, and implement process improvement projects related to quality, service, and HSE using best-practice methodologies.
• Participate in global and regional SME teams and harmonization projects, and coordinate related activities locally.
• Evaluate and analyze historical data; prepare reports and trend analyses on production process performance in cooperation with QA/QC.
• Support the introduction of new products and technological methods.
• Develop and implement practices and procedures to improve and standardize production processes to ensure profitability, quality, and safety.
• Evaluate and recommend internal and external best practices to keep production processes at the leading edge.
• Manage and implement the best-practice validation concept for process areas and projects, aligned with West’s global validation approach.
• Perform duties in accordance with company health and safety policies, environmental protection requirements, applicable legislation, and company policies.
• Maintain a neat and orderly work environment in accordance with West’s 5S program.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Benefits

• Volunteer opportunities through West without Borders and other charitable programs.
• Professional growth opportunities through training programs, tuition assistance, leadership development, and skill-certification initiatives.
• Flexible vacation, personal, and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for international exposure and cross-functional collaboration.
• Inclusive and collaborative culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Performance-based bonuses, service recognition, and employee appreciation initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level