Specialist, Manufacturing Automation

Our Digital Manufacturing Operations Team supporting our vibrant West Point site is seeking a Process Automation Engineer Specialist to join the team. This role provides automation system support and technical expertise to enable our Manufacturing Division in the reliable and compliant supply of quality vaccine products to customers and patients around the world.

The position is responsible for problem resolution, implementation of process control and data collection techniques, and troubleshooting activities in compliance with SDLC, GMP, safety, and environmental requirements. The role works closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering organizations and supports a broad spectrum of automated systems within GMP manufacturing operations.

• Work independently and as a team member while demonstrating integrity, precision, accomplishment, motivation, ambition, and respect.
• Comply with global policies, procedures, guidelines, regulatory requirements, and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in the execution of daily responsibilities.
• Provide automation system support and expertise to support the manufacture of quality vaccine products and achievement of site priorities.
• Serve as the technical owner for automation system components supporting manufacturing processes, including direct shop-floor support of manufacturing activities.
• Design, implement, test, and close change controls associated with automation-related corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build effective relationships with business partners and stakeholders to proactively identify and resolve technical issues.
• Lead or participate in investigations of automation incidents and system issues to prevent recurrence, including the development and implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain awareness of emerging automation technologies and industry trends and provide recommendations for adoption where appropriate.
• Provide off-shift, weekend, evening, remote, or on-site automation support for 24/7 manufacturing operations as required.

• BS in Engineering, Computer Science or related field with 2 years of experience (GMP Manufacturing and/or Manufacturing Automation) or High School Diploma and 4 years of experience (GMP Manufacturing and/or Manufacturing Automation)

• Two (2) or more years of experience in process automation or a related field.
• Familiarity with Computer System Validation (CSV) requirements and regulated GxP environments.
• Knowledge of the ISA-88 Batch Standard.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with colleagues across all organizational levels and with external stakeholders.

• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Experience supporting aseptic processing and/or sterile manufacturing operations.
• Technical and operational expertise in areas such as:
  • Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems
  • Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems
  • Network infrastructure
  • SQL databases
  • Manufacturing automation technologies

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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The primary location for this posting is:

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is:

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.