Automation Technician - McPherson, KS

VetJobs • McPherson, KS

4d • $29 - $48 • Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Technician supports manufacturing engineering at Pfizer’s pharmaceutical plant in McPherson, Kansas. The role designs, installs, validates, maintains, and calibrates critical manufacturing computer information systems to improve manufacturing success rates and support zero downtime. It integrates operational knowledge, equipment control, and data into systems that enforce operational sequences for batch production, testing, performance tracking, and drug substance disposition.

The technician contributes to team deliverables, represents the work group within department teams, follows established procedures, manages their work and professional development, and completes assignments under general supervision. The position also supports alarm management and monitoring, preventive and predictive maintenance, maintenance SOP development, troubleshooting of instruments and electrical devices, continuous improvement, investigations, and project construction and commissioning.

This is an on-site night-shift role at the McPherson pharmaceutical plant, with limited remote work and occasional national or international travel. The regular schedule is 12 hours, beginning at 1800. Overtime may be required, and scheduled shutdowns or unexpected equipment outages may require long hours or late work with little notice. The role involves work in gown rooms, clean rooms, mechanical rooms, and other plant areas, with physical activity and exposure to hazards such as moving mechanical parts, electrical shock, heat, steam, and liquids.

The hourly salary range is $28.76–$47.93. The position is eligible for overtime and applicable weekend, holiday, and other pay premiums. Pfizer offers a 401(k) plan with matching contributions and an additional retirement savings contribution, paid vacation and holidays, personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in computer software applications.
• Experience with instrumentation and automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for process and equipment issues.
• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance practices.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and procedures.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures in English.
• Ability to work on ladders and elevated platforms, climb stairs, and work in tight or enclosed spaces and gown room conditions.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more; light to moderate lifting may be required.
• Ability to perform continuous physical activity for equipment and system repair, adjustment, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to work in a potentially stressful environment and meet performance and attendance requirements.
• Ability to use proper personal protective equipment and follow safe practices.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with large-scale manufacturing computer information systems.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to train and mentor less-experienced colleagues.
• Familiarity with common AI tools, a basic understanding of them, and curiosity about using them to enhance productivity.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, validate, maintain, and calibrate critical manufacturing computer information systems.
• Integrate operational knowledge, equipment control, and data into systems supporting batch production, testing, performance tracking, and drug substance disposition.
• Contribute to team deliverables and represent the work group within department teams.
• Manage personal time and professional development and remain accountable for results.
• Follow standard procedures to complete tasks of varying scope, sequence, and complexity within agreed timeframes.
• Identify and solve moderately routine problems; refer deviations from standard procedures to the supervisor.
• Ensure work is reviewed for accuracy, quality, and adherence to standards.
• Support alarm management and monitoring practices and perform preventive and predictive maintenance on plant systems.
• Develop maintenance SOPs to sustain plant assets.
• Troubleshoot instruments and electrical devices and identify equipment or process problems.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and support investigations.
• Contribute to project construction and commissioning.
• Follow regulatory guidelines and applicable safety practices.
• Travel occasionally for equipment factory acceptance testing, training seminars, vendor meetings, and work progress meetings.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Paid caregiver/parental and medical leave.
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• Eligibility for overtime, weekend, holiday, and other pay premiums depending on the work schedule and company policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED