Process Automation Engineer (Senior Specialist, Manufacturing Automation)

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

5d•$117,000 - $184,200•Hybrid

About The Position

The Process Automation Engineer will join the Digital Manufacturing Operations team at the West Point site, providing automation system support and expertise to help the manufacturing division reliably and compliantly supply quality vaccine products. The role supports automated manufacturing and information technology systems, helps maintain system compliance through the equipment lifecycle, and provides technical expertise within production teams. The position is hybrid, has a first-shift (day) schedule, and includes rotating on-call support for off-shifts and weekends. Travel requirements are 10%.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
At least five years of experience in a manufacturing automation-related role within a regulated industry.
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with team members, peers, and functional leaders.
Demonstrated leadership in achieving shared objectives within a matrixed organization.
Strong understanding of manufacturing principles and processes, with ability to translate manufacturing requirements into automation and digital solutions.
Analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
Ability to apply and model the company’s Leadership Principles.
High personal integrity, credibility, and energy.
Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
Project management experience.
Understanding of system validation and other quality management functions.
Experience navigating and troubleshooting process control systems; technologies identified include Emerson DeltaV DCS, Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) PLCs, OPC, Modbus, Fieldbus, and Profibus.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of and ability to apply regulatory and compliance requirements relevant to the role.
Experience with networking, virtual machines, database management, and other general IT administration.
Direct experience with SDLC and change controls for a GMP-regulated process or system.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot challenging equipment and automation issues and identify innovations to improve manufacturing performance.
Maintain automation systems in compliance with cGMP requirements throughout the equipment lifecycle, from initial qualification through retirement.
Serve as an automated systems Subject Matter Expert within an existing production team and provide technical assistance in fulfilling the team's automation requirements.
Support peers in areas of expertise to help ensure team success.
Review automation documents, preventive maintenance, and SOPs for compliance with GMP and safety requirements.
Develop and support corrective actions for investigations related to automation or IT systems.
Apply technical knowledge to assure efficient operation of automated processing and information technology systems.
Participate in audits and training programs.
Provide on-floor support for manufacturing activities.
Generate and implement change controls to meet facility needs.
Provide on-call support for off-shifts and weekends as part of a team rotation.