Associate Specialist, Manufacturing Automation

Merck • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

10h • $71,900 - $113,200 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Specialist, Manufacturing Automation will join the Digital Manufacturing Operations Team supporting the West Point site. The role provides automation system support and expertise to enable reliable, compliant supply of quality vaccine products. It supports a broad spectrum of automated systems in GMP Manufacturing Operations and involves problem resolution, process control implementation, data collection, and troubleshooting in compliance with SDLC, GMP, safety, and environmental regulations. The role works collaboratively with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering groups.

The position supports automation components associated with manufacturing processes, including shop-floor manufacturing activities. It designs, implements, tests, and closes change controls for automation corrective actions and continuous improvement. It also supports investigations and corrective actions, builds relationships with stakeholders to resolve technical issues, and monitors emerging automation technologies. Support may be provided off-shift, on weekends or evenings, remotely, or onsite as needed for 24/7 manufacturing operations.

The position is based primarily in West Point, Pennsylvania. The stated salary range for this primary location is $71,900 to $113,200, and the successful candidate may be eligible for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. The role is a regular employee position, requires 10% travel, and is a first-shift/day position. Relocation is not offered, and visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field; alternatively, a high school diploma and 2 years of experience in GMP manufacturing and/or manufacturing automation.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with colleagues at all organizational levels and external partners.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment while managing individual responsibilities.
• Compliance with applicable policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with process control systems.
• Experience supporting aseptic processing and/or sterile manufacturing operations.
• Technical and operational experience with computer systems, automation technologies, and programming.

Responsibilities

• Provide automation system support and expertise to assist in manufacturing quality vaccine products and meeting site priorities.
• Support automation system components associated with manufacturing processes, including shop-floor manufacturing activities.
• Resolve problems and implement process control and data collection techniques while troubleshooting in compliance with SDLC, GMP, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Design, implement, test, and close change controls related to automation corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build relationships with functional counterparts and business stakeholders to identify and resolve technical issues proactively.
• Lead or participate in investigations of automation incidents and issues, including developing and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain awareness of emerging automation technologies and industry trends, and recommend adoption where appropriate.
• Provide off-shift, weekend, evening, remote, or on-site automation support for 24/7 manufacturing operations as required.
• Work independently and collaboratively, and comply with applicable global policies, procedures, guidelines, regulatory requirements, and cGMP.
• Support a collaborative and respectful work environment, including interaction with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering groups.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate days, and sick days.
• Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

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