Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Merck•The Woodlands, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

In the role of Manufacturing Automation Engineer you will develop, enhance, and maintain manufacturing equipment and automation systems at a nucleotide manufacturing site. In this role you will drive engineering improvements that strengthen safety, quality, reliability, and operational efficiency in a regulated ISO 13485 environment. The operation consists of a 37,000 sqft facility operating a wide variety of robotic equipment including automated handling of labware, vision systems and small scale precision liquid handling. In this role you will lead or contribute to automation projects from concept through implementation, commissioning, documentation, operator training, and handoff to operations. Program manufacturing equipment such as Festo and ACS Motion control platforms, Visual Studio C# Windows applications, and PIC microcontrollers to control motion platforms, valves and end effectors. Analyze production and equipment data to identify and implement improvements in uptime, throughput, cycle time, quality and safety. Collaborate closely with safety and quality teams to maintain adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards. Use SolidWorks and PDM to create, revise, and maintain engineering drawings and BOMs. Create accurate SOPs and maintenance documentation. Train operators on safe, effective use of new or modified systems. Implement good engineering practices as well as adherence to management of changes policies. Work safely and effectively in a live manufacturing environment using standard laboratory PPE. Effectively communicate and collaborate across Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to deliver robust solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering discipline (Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, etc.).
2+ years of experience programming or configuring automation systems using PLC, PC-based, microcontroller, or comparable control platforms.
1+ years of experience in technical documentation, work instructions, or training materials.
1+ years of experience designing, troubleshooting or prototyping electromechanical systems in a laboratory, manufacturing, industrial, or comparable environment.

Nice To Haves

Strong communication and collaboration skills across operations, quality, safety, maintenance, and engineering teams.
Ability to develop clear technical documentation, work instructions, and training materials.
Experience with equipment qualification, validation, change control, risk assessment, and/or technical investigations.
Proficiency with source control and documented software release practices.
Experience using Foundry, Tableau, Power BI or similar tools to provide quality and cost savings insights.
Lean, Six Sigma, or structured continuous-improvement experience.

Responsibilities

Develop, enhance, and maintain manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
Drive engineering improvements that strengthen safety, quality, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Lead or contribute to automation projects from concept through implementation, commissioning, documentation, operator training, and handoff to operations.
Program manufacturing equipment such as Festo and ACS Motion control platforms, Visual Studio C# Windows applications, and PIC microcontrollers to control motion platforms, valves and end effectors.
Analyze production and equipment data to identify and implement improvements in uptime, throughput, cycle time, quality and safety.
Collaborate closely with safety and quality teams to maintain adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Use SolidWorks and PDM to create, revise, and maintain engineering drawings and BOMs.
Create accurate SOPs and maintenance documentation.
Train operators on safe, effective use of new or modified systems.
Implement good engineering practices as well as adherence to management of changes policies.
Work safely and effectively in a live manufacturing environment using standard laboratory PPE.
Effectively communicate and collaborate across Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to deliver robust solutions.