Sr Instrument Technician

3390 Baxalta U.S. • Thousand Oaks, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As an Instrument Calibration Technician V, you’ll serve as a highly experienced technical resource within Takeda’s Metrology organization, supporting the accuracy, reliability, and performance of instrumentation and measurement systems used throughout our manufacturing operations. You’ll perform advanced calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, installation, and modification of electrical and pneumatic instrumentation while partnering with Engineering, Maintenance, Process Control, Manufacturing, and external contractors. You’ll also help coordinate daily metrology activities, support projects and process improvements, and provide technical guidance and training to other technicians. This is a senior, non-supervisory technical role that requires strong independent judgment, advanced troubleshooting capabilities, and the ability to anticipate technical challenges and coordinate work that can impact broader manufacturing operations.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 5+ years of experience in process instrumentation and calibration is required.
• Advanced knowledge of metrology, calibration techniques, measurement systems, and calibration certification requirements is required.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and pneumatic instrumentation, including the ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, loop drawings, and P&IDs, is required.
• Strong mathematical skills and the ability to work with both metric and U.S. measurement standards are required.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, are required.
• The ability to independently troubleshoot complex technical issues, exercise sound judgment, and determine appropriate work methods and tools is required.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills are required, including the ability to effectively train and provide technical guidance to other technicians.

Nice To Haves

• A two-year technical associate degree in metrology, instrumentation, electronics, or a related technical discipline is preferred.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing or equivalent regulated-industry experience preferred.
• Skilled craft training, an apprenticeship certificate, or a comparable combination of technical education and experience is preferred.
• Experience with PLCs, microprocessors, automated control systems, and control system logic is preferred.
• Knowledge of laboratory and pharmaceutical production equipment—including autoclaves, process tanks, incubators, analytical equipment, and CIP/SIP systems—is preferred.
• Knowledge of cGMP manufacturing, chemical and biological safety practices, and applicable calibration standards is preferred.
• Experience specifying like-for-like or alternative instrumentation to meet manufacturing process requirements is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, installation, and modification of instrumentation and related equipment.
• Calibrate a broad range of instrumentation, including temperature, pressure, conductivity, UV, balances, scales, vacuum, pH, CL2, ORP, timers, RPM, liquid/gas flow, and gas detection systems.
• Demonstrate advanced troubleshooting skills involving electrical and pneumatic instrumentation, control systems, and related technical equipment.
• Operate, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot calibration test equipment while applying appropriate metrology techniques and measurement practices.
• Review and approve calibration reports, verify out-of-tolerance conditions, and initiate corrective actions when necessary to support safe and reliable operations.
• Plan and schedule routine and non-routine calibration activities for assigned areas and instrumentation, balancing metrology requirements with production schedules.
• Support new installations, modifications, and project activities in partnership with Engineering, Maintenance, Process Control, PMO, and external contractors.
• Support system specification reviews, Piping & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) verification, and the implementation of department projects and process improvements.
• Support and troubleshoot PLCs, microprocessors, automated control systems, and control system instrumentation, applying knowledge of control logic and process control principles.
• Maintain accurate calibration records, reports, and other required documentation in accordance with SOPs, GMP/GDP requirements, and applicable calibration standards, including ISO/IEC 17025 where applicable.
• Train and provide technical guidance to other technicians, review work for quality and accuracy, and help coordinate resources and daily metrology activities when the supervisor is unavailable.
• Work independently within established procedures while exercising appropriate judgment and escalating issues when necessary.

Benefits

• Compensation and Benefits Summary
• We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career.
• We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
• For information about our benefits, please click here.

What This Job Offers

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