Automation Controls Specialist

Thermo Fisher Scientific•Mississauga, ON

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers industry-leading pharma services through our Patheon™ brand, providing an integrated global network of scientific, technical, regulatory, and quality experts committed to helping deliver medicines to patients faster. The Mississauga site supports all phases of drug product development — from early-phase formulation development to clinical trial material to commercial supply — within the same facility using scalable equipment. The site supports non-GMP and GMP work for highly potent and low-potent compounds, complex formulations, pediatric dosage forms, patent-extension strategies, and conventional oral solid dosage forms. Discover Impactful Work: The position requires a candidate demonstrating knowledge of principles, theory, and practices of automation controls, electricity, electronics, pneumatics, and hydraulics as they apply to the installation, maintenance, and repair of production equipment and instruments commonly found in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Extensive experience and judgment will enable the candidate to review current department practices and procedures for deficiencies and respond effectively to meet industry and/or regulatory requirements. The candidate will perform a variety of tasks requiring an expansive degree of experience, creativity, and latitude. The candidate will provide software and technical support for PLC and HMI/SCADA systems related to manufacturing operations.

Requirements

Technical Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Instrumentation, Automation Control, or a related field.
Minimum 4 years of experience in PLC, SCADA, and PID programming and configuration, as well as instrumentation and electrical troubleshooting and maintenance.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret electrical schematics, Process & Instrumentation Drawings, technical procedures, and engineering documentation.
Ability to collect data, define problems, and establish facts and evidence to identify root causes.
Knowledge of principles, theory, and practices of electricity, electronics, controls, pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechanics as they apply to the installation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and instruments commonly found in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
Knowledge of programming theory for the configuration and troubleshooting of PLC, SCADA, PID, and VFD components and communication networks.
Knowledge of programming Rockwell Automation PlantPAx Distributed Control System components, including Studio 5000, RSLinx, FTView SE, Workbench (CCW), and FT Historian SE.
Knowledge of Siemens SIMATIC PLCs, HMIs, and IPCs.
Knowledge of iFIX SCADA automation software.
Knowledge of JCI Metasys BAS system
Proficiency in industrial automation network architectures, hardware components, and protocols: Ethernet/IP, Profibus, BACnet, DeviceNet, AS-I, RS-485, RS-422, and RS-232.
Understanding of validation and IQ/OQ/PQ programs and 21 CFR Part 11.
Strong judgment, decision-making abilities, troubleshooting skills, open-mindedness, and think-outside-the-box skills.
Excellent organizational and communication skills. Ability to communicate proficiently, both verbally and in writing, with cross-functional teams, clients, and other associates.
Proficiency with GMP requirements and systems.
Solid computer experience with MS applications (Project, Word, and Excel).
Position requires ordinary ambulatory skills and physical coordination sufficient to move about manufacturing/office locations; the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch periodically for prolonged periods of time; the ability to manipulate (lift, carry, and move) light to medium weights of up to 40 pounds; arm, hand, and finger dexterity; visual acuity to operate equipment and read materials for prolonged periods of time; and the ability to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear for prolonged periods of time.
Must be legally authorized to work in Canada
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check

Nice To Haves

Experience in project management an asset.
Equivalency: Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant work experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Ensure all work performed by, or on behalf of the company, complies with all governing laws, practices, codes, and regulations.
Adhere to safety standards and requirements, including those of third-party vendors and contractors.
Initiate and manage change control for applicable control system changes.
Provide escalation and technical support post-equipment installation, which may include regular, off-shift, and weekend coverage.
Contribute to the definition, implementation, and maintenance of standards for process control systems and equipment.
Contribute to the development of technology roadmaps for processing equipment, including the standardization of equipment solutions for common applications.
Develop business cases and justifications for new technology proposals and present plans to management stakeholders.
Conduct analyses and review technical information for existing equipment system performance to identify areas of improvement.
Design and develop new technology strategies to address manufacturing gaps/opportunities.
Prepare and deliver technical training to applicable operations and maintenance teams for modifications or new systems.
Mentor and coach team members within the Equipment Maintenance Department.
Prepare drawings and specifications, process control narratives, instrument lists, loop diagrams, and I/O lists.
Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) at OEM facilities and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
Manage integration projects and startup of new manufacturing technologies to ensure deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and with the correct technical documentation.
Represent the department during control system-related equipment investigations.
Maintain a safe working environment and report potential hazards.
Perform alternating or rotating shift work as required.