Associate Technician, Operations (Apprenticeship)

Merck•Durham, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Our company is looking for eager individuals excited to get their start in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Our company is partnering with Wake Tech and the NC Life Sciences Apprenticeship Consortium to hire Mechatronics Apprentices into the Maurice R. Hilleman Center for Vaccine Manufacturing | 5325 Old Oxford Road | Durham, NC 27712. The Apprentice will work as a company employee while simultaneously continuing their education at Wake Tech. This is a one-year long apprenticeship with the opportunity to be converted to a production or maintenance technician once all apprenticeship requirements are met. These requirements include completing Mechatronics courses on top of working onsite at our company as an apprentice. The cost of the courses and educational materials will be covered by our company.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
MUST HAVE COMPLETED BIO-WORKS CERTIFICATE
Must be able and willing to complete ongoing education requirements of the apprenticeship
Aptitude for troubleshooting on complex problems and equipment.
Interested in an active workplace requiring hands-on technical skills and at time could be labor-intensive.
Self-driven with a high-level of ownership and curiosity.
Team player that thrives in a cross-functional group setting.
Professional and respectful towards colleagues and peers.
Ability to wear clean-space gowning.
Ability to wear safety equipment (safety glasses, safety shoes, protective gloves etc.).
Mobility requirements should be considered when applying for this position.
Able to lift and/or carry weights up to 50 pounds.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; proficient at typing and writing technical documents.
Understand Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and the importance of Preventative Maintenance (PM) programs.
Understanding the automated processes of equipment.
Capable of reading mechanical drawings, electrical and pneumatic schematics.
Able to make fine precision adjustments on mechanical assemblies by using measurement tools (e.g., scales, gauges, dials).
Able to use industrial tools for mechanical adjustments and modifications.
Comprehension of Controls systems – PLC, HMI, motion controllers, and robotics.

Nice To Haves

Mechanical (automotive, industrial, construction)
Pneumatics (industrial, appliances)
Computer/Automation (programming)
Effective communication and documentation
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Responsibilities

Learning automated equipment performance, production processes, providing front-line support, and supporting Production, Engineering and Maintenance tasks for operational support.
Developing expertise in production processes, mechanical assembly, high-precision maintenance, electrical and pneumatic troubleshooting, and automation controls (PLCs and robotics).
Ensuring execution of the production process and that equipment is maintained in a qualified state, can be operated safely, and maintenance is properly performed on the systems.
Maintaining a safe work environment, working safely and staying in compliance with safety standards and goals.
Executing manufacturing operations, environmental monitoring, and facility disinfection.
Setting up and operating vaccines formulation, aseptic primary filling, inspection, packaging, CIP/SIP, and additional equipment within qualified parameters.
Identifying potential equipment problems, troubleshooting processes, and ensuring appropriate resolution.
Operating in a professional environment with integrity, excellence, and respect for people.
Performing activities in accordance with cGMPs and applicable procedures.
Providing rotational support to manufacturing lines within the process area.
Effectively communicating with all levels to ensure all tasks on the lines are well planned and coordinated with minimal disruption to that area involved.
Identifying opportunities to improve quality using equipment performance data and by assuring maintenance is performed appropriately.
Working with the process team, including engineers, maintenance, quality, and operations personnel.
Providing technical support to operations and maintenance.
Effectively documenting work performed on the lines and proper execution of return to service activities.