Associate Automation Specialist

Job DescriptionThe Automation Engineering (Auto Eng) Team within the Pharmaceutical Operations Engineering (POE) Department is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to work in a fast-paced job that provides both technical and project management responsibility. The Associate Specialist - Engineering Auto Eng position will report to the Director, Engineering, Automation Lead position and will be a member of the Auto Eng Team at the Rahway NJ facility. The Auto Eng Team is responsible for development of new technologies/capabilities, execution of capital and non-capital improvement projects, and the automation systems spanning various clinical manufacturing facilities. In this role, you will be responsible for optimizing and maintaining our manufacturing processes using process control systems and automation and operational technologies.Responsibilities:

Assist in the design, implementation, and optimization of process control systems to improve production efficiency and product quality.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and quality assurance, to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions.

Conduct data analysis and interpretation to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for process optimization.

Participate in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to process control systems, instrumentation, and equipment.

Support commissioning and startup activities for new processes or equipment.

Develop and maintain documentation, including standard operating procedures, control system configuration, and equipment specifications.

Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in process control technologies, automation/operation technology, and pharmaceutics/drug development/design.

Apply knowledge of automation/operation technology, such as PLC – Ladder Logic/Structured Text, Ethernet/Networking, and Analog/Metrology, to enhance process control systems.

Utilize data science and data processing tools to analyze and interpret data for process improvement, including database querying and data programming.

Ensure compliance with data integrity, CFR, GMP/regulations, and system life cycle documentation methodology specific to the pharmaceutical industry.

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in: Engineering, Science, Information Technology, or related field (with expected graduation by August 2024).

Advanced degree preferred.

Requirements:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Knowledge of process control principles, instrumentation, and control systems.

Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C.

Familiarity with automation/operation technology, including PLCs, Industrial Networking, and Analog/Metrology.

Understanding of pharmaceutics and drug development and/or sterile fill finish principles.

Knowledge of data integrity, CFR, GMP/regulations, and system life cycle documentation methodology.

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences.

Applies general knowledge of company business developed through education or experience.

Preferred:

A working knowledge of the regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical applications.

Programming skills in PLCs or SCADA platforms, including OPC data transfer.

Experience with configuring or maintaining Industrial Networks, Virtual Machines, Databases and other related OT & IT technologies.

Experience in data science, data processing tools, and querying using SQL or JSON data sources.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTSIn accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.#EBRG #vetjobs #eligibleforERPEmployees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.Current Employees apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld)Current Contingent Workers apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld)US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:EEOC Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088EEOCKnowYourRights1020.pdf)EEOC GINA Supplement​Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp%20EnglishformattedESQA508c.pdf)We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts (https://www.msdprivacy.com/us/en/CCPA-notice/)U.S. Hybrid Work ModelEffective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.Under New York State, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.Expected salary range:$68,400.00 - $107,700.00Available benefits include bonus eligibility, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. For Washington State Jobs, a summary of benefits is listed here (https://www.benefitsatmerck.com/) .Search Firm Representatives Please Read CarefullyMerck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.Employee Status:RegularRelocation:DomesticVISA Sponsorship:NoTravel Requirements:10%Flexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:1st - DayValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):N/ARequisition ID: R288667