Associate Specialist, Manufacturing Automation

Merck • Elkton, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This role offers a unique opportunity to launch your engineering career supporting highly automated, life-saving manufacturing operations. At our Elkton, Virginia campus, located in the Shenandoah Valley along the Shenandoah River and near the Blue Ridge Mountains, we are seeking entry-level engineers to support and sustain manufacturing operations through hands-on automation technical support in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. 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
• Must be able to work 12 hour fast rotating shift: days, nights, weekend, and holiday work as needed.
• Audit Management
• Business Process Improvements
• Data Management
• Problem Management
• Quality Management
• Real-Time Programming
• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

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
• Current Employees apply HERE
• Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
• Preferred Skills

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

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees