Associate Specialist, Manufacturing Automation

MSD•Elkton, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is an operations-focused, shop-floor automation support position. The successful candidate will work 12-hour rotating shifts, serving as first-line technical support for automated manufacturing systems that produce pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and vaccine products. You will apply your technical skills, problem-solving ability, and enthusiasm as part of a cross-functional, multidisciplinary team responsible for ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable manufacturing operations.

Requirements

Strong technical and analytical problem-solving skills with a hands-on, field-first mindset
Ability to evaluate issues from multiple perspectives, including safety, compliance, maintenance, automation, equipment, process, and people
Strong desire to succeed individually while helping others succeed as a team
Enthusiastic, confident self-starter with a passion for continuous learning
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability and expectation to work onsite in an operational manufacturing setting
Audit Management
Automation
Automation Solutions
Automation Technology
Breakdown Maintenance
Business Process Improvements
Control Logic
Data Management
Design Automation
Design for Maintainability
Electrical Engineering
Learning Agility
Manufacturing
Manufacturing Systems
Mechanical Engineering
Problem Management
Process Implementations
Process Safety
Production Management
Quality Management
Real-Time Programming
Reliability Improvement
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
System Operations
Technical Training

Nice To Haves

Degree focus in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, integrated science, or physics
Prior experience in manufacturing, engineering, science, or military environments
Familiarity with or interest in automated manufacturing systems and control platforms
Exposure to: Emerson DeltaV, Allen-Bradley PLCs, OSI-PI, SQL, Infobatch
Knowledge of Batch Processing and S88 standards
Awareness of Good Automated Manufacturing Practice (GAMP) standards
Strong personal motivation to work for a company dedicated to saving and improving lives
Interest in building a diverse, long-term career within an active manufacturing campus

Responsibilities

Provide hands-on automation technical support across the manufacturing site while working 12-hour rotating shifts (days/nights, weekends, and holidays as required)
Serve as the initial point of contact for shop-floor automation support calls
Troubleshoot and support automation systems, including: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) automation platforms
Diagnose and resolve complex automation and equipment issues impacting: Manufacturing yield, Cycle time, Reliability and uptime
Maintain automation systems in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)
Oversee investigations of automation anomalies and implement solutions to prevent recurrence
Develop solutions for recurring automation problems and support continuous improvement initiatives
Provide automation-related training and technical guidance to operations and technical staff
Write, review, and improve procedures for system administration and process operation
Participate in process and equipment safety reviews
Embrace and promote an empowered, diverse, and inclusive team culture