Automation Specialist

Nature and Scope

A technical position for operating and maintaining Automation/Control systems including PLC's, HMI's, SCADA, BAS/BMS, vision systems, servo and motor controls, and associated infrastructure. Tasks include troubleshooting, equipment repairs, preventive maintenance activities and small projects intended to keep the facility equipment (i.e. process, utility, and general equipment) within compliance of cGMPs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

A. Provide production support for Automation/Control systems

• Monitor Automation/Control equipment operation and implement corrective actions for out of specification operation and alarms.
• Provide automation troubleshooting support by responding to breakdowns.
• Follow and maintain operating, security, and backup procedures for the systems and associated processes to adhere to cGMP's, company, local and state requirements.
• Support Quality Assurance investigations of Automation/Control issues alongside automation engineer.
• Conduct and maintain test method documents for systems troubleshooting. Assist in development of system troubleshooting documents.
• Coordinate breakdown repair activities and serve as customer point of contact.
• Increase Automation/Control system performance through identification of improvements.
• Support shutdown activities and scheduling of PM/repair work.
• Provide recommendations to optimize spare parts stocking program.
• Review metrics on the systems.
• Facilitate completion of change control documentation.

B. Perform Preventative Maintenance Tasks

• Follow written PM procedures.
• Accurately complete PM paperwork, including work orders and logbooks in accordance with existing company policies, procedures, and Current Good Manufacturing Practices, health and safety requirements.
• Perform PM of all types of plant equipment including coordinating access to equipment working around customer's needs.

C. Execute Repairs

• Respond to customer requests and/or alarm conditions.
• Assess instrument failures/breakdowns, systematically identify problems, and restore to operation.
• Accurately document repair activities.
• Support Quality Assurance investigations of failures/breakdowns.

D. Monitor Site Automation Systems

• Periodically check that all the automation servers/PLC/etc are running normally.
• Troubleshoot issues that arise.

E. Contractor Support

• Support contractors performing automation-related tasks within building.
• Ensure that contractor employees follow company safety and cGMP standards.
• Oversee technical quality of work performed.

F. Lead Small Projects

• Manage small (<$10K) projects to completion
• Perform any other tasks/duties as assigned by management.

Education Requirements and Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Required Experience
  • 2-3 years experience in manufacturing environment working with automation and electrical systems
  • In depth knowledge of PLC's and SCADA systems and instrumentation and process control systems.
  • Automation programming (visual basic, C++, ladder logic, structured text, etc.) and ability to debug/troubleshoot existing code.
• Preferred Experience
  • Experience working in a Pharmaceutical or similar regulated industry preferred.
  • Specific knowledge of Siemens Simatic, Rockwell MicroLogix, and FactoryTalk. Ability to specify and configure control equipment.
  • Experience in troubleshooting mechanical and electrical control problems with Allen Bradley, Rockwell, and Siemens PLC experience.
  • Basic knowledge of CMMS (computerized maintenance management) systems.
  • Basic understanding of pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical control systems such as PID Controllers, smart devices, programmers/communicators, and multimeters.
  • Basic understanding of engineering principles as they apply to facility and production equipment.
  • Basic knowledge of instrumentation field wiring and to PLCs (Loop Powered and self-powered instruments, RTDs, thermocouples, etc.).
  • Ability to read P&ID's, electrical drawings, and blueprints.
• Skills
  • Must be comfortable in the use of Microsoft Office Applications, including Microsoft Word, and Excel.
  • Details oriented.
  • Hands-on ability to isolate problems and identify root cause of issues.
  • Ability to focus on problem at hand in systematic manner.
  • Able to troubleshoot systems and instruments.
  • Ability to clearly describe technical issues.
  • Ability to accurately record and document work performed within GXP guidelines.
  • Ability to follow PM procedures that clearly define required tasks.
  • Working knowledge of OSHA safe work practices.
  • Working understanding of cGMP, GDP, and FDA requirements as they apply to maintenance a plus.
  • Ability to work independently with some supervision.
  • Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
  • Comfortable working in production environment with multiple priorities.
  • Able to work and interconnect effectively as a team member.
  • Able to juggle multiple tasks with supervisory guidance.
  • Comfortable working in culture of performance that emphasizes responsiveness.
  • Works to ensure that customer timelines are understood and met.
• Flexibility to work multiple shifts and off hours during shutdown plus some overtime.
• This position is part of a multi-shift operation and may require assignment to a regular off shift and/or weekends schedule.
• 9TMust be able to read documents in Standard English such as Standard Operating Procedures, maintenance schedules and operating manuals.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.

Physical Environment and Requirements

• Physically able to wear cleanroom/protective gowning and equipment, including but not limited to gowning, goggles, face shields, respirators, and protective gloves. PPE and Respirators are essential for the health and safety of employees.

Employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

American Regent celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.

• FMLA poster: https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf
• Know Your Rights: Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (eeoc.gov)
• Employee Polygraph Protection Act: https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf

American Regent Inc. endeavors to make https://americanregent.com/Careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please email hrtalentacquisition@americanregent.com.