Job Description

Specialist, Manufacturing Automation:

First line automation support for assigned line(s)/system(s) and/or engineering projects. Work with plant maintenance, operations and process improvement teams to address line performance issues and implement continuous improvement initiatives. Conduct/support quality investigations related to equipment/system malfunctions and lead corresponding corrective and preventive actions to on-time closure. Lead/support qualification activities as well as associated GMP documentation and automation change controls. Foster an inclusive environment and a safety culture while adhering to our Company's code of conduct, values and competencies.

Functional Expertise:

This position requires knowledge and experience in own discipline while still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills. The position will build knowledge of the company, processes, clients/customers and will solve a range of medium-complex problems while contributing to possible solutions. This position may often work autonomously with a moderate level of guidance and direction. In group work, applies team effectiveness skills, listening and integrating perspectives from across the work group; contributes and adds value to the achievement of team goals.

Responsibility:

The Specialist, Manufacturing Automation position is responsible for the resolution of automation issues and maintenance of automation systems in compliance with cGMPs, SLC, safety, and environmental regulations. Supports problem analysis/resolution and preventative/corrective actions for automation and shopfloor platforms. Provides guidance on process control, data collection techniques, and failure mode and effects analysis. Ensures adherence to strategies that optimize and ensure quality and stability of automation systems though future expansion, replacement, or upgrades. Partners with stakeholders and global support functions to ensure successful automation system functionality. This position will be an individual contributor within the Automation engineering team reporting to the Manager, Manufacturing Automation.

Primary activities include, but are not limited to:

The Specialist, Manufacturing Automation will be responsible for providing automation support for assigned line(s)/system(s) and/or engineering projects within our production manufacturing facilities. The Specialist is responsible for supporting the following as the discipline requires:

• On-floor support of manufacturing activities. Leads key automation support and troubleshooting for manufacturing equipment and packaging systems (i.e. PLC, Vision Systems) in Manufacturing Operations.

• Provides automation technical support for site implementation and on ongoing management of serialization/aggregation (track and trace), Systech Guardian and above site point of contact for SAP ATTP application.

• Uses technical knowledge to assure the efficient operation of variety of automated processing and information technology systems.

• Author/Maintain technical documentation (Project Plans, Master Specifications, Requirements, Qualifications, Change Controls, Standard Operating Procedures, etc).

• Provides guidance on process control and data collection techniques.

• Provides automation technical support to ensure compliance with Data Integrity directive.

• Identifies and implements process/equipment improvements and manufacturing efficiencies.

• Maintains automation systems in compliance with SLC, cGMPs, safety, and environmental regulations.

• Understands and supports all GMPs, safety, and environmental regulations. Periodically reviews automation documents, preventive maintenance, and SOPs to ensure compliance with GMP and safety.

• Develops and supports quality investigations and corrective actions for automated equipment/systems to resolve complex problems and prevent reoccurrence.

• Communicates periodically with immediate manager about status of area of responsibility.

• Participates in audits and training programs in the area of responsibility.

• Partners proactively with key customers and stakeholders (operations, quality and plant/facilities/utilities maintenance groups) while being open and approachable with a friendly, positive and professional attitude.

• Communicates daily with operation, technical, and quality representatives within area of support through the tier process.

• Leads projects by engaging team members, setting clear expectations, utilizing strong communication skills and exercising clear decision-making.

• Regularly and clearly communicates project plans, risks and strategy to all key stakeholders, customers and governance committees.

• Shares knowledge on engineering principles and other areas of expertise as needed.

• Responsibilities will sometimes include providing automation support on various shifts/weekends in support of Manufacturing Operations.

Skills:

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma required.

• Minimum of three years’ experience in support of IT / Automation support in a manufacturing environment.

Skills:

• Demonstrated working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, Vision Systems and Servo-Drives.

• Experience in computer validation and systems lifecycle development methodology.

• Experience maintaining automation systems in compliance with SLC, cGMPs, safety, and environmental regulations

• Experience authoring and reviewing standard operating procedures, on-the-job-training, and other controlled documents.

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with ability to influence and support others through a culture of inclusion, feedback, and empowerment.

• Demonstrated project management skills

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Problem Solving, and/or Right First-Time methodologies.

• Experience with automation technology for packaging equipment.

• Experience with reject/verification systems and serialization systems.

• Working knowledge of the regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical applications.

• Data Integrity acumen.

• Cyber Security acumen.

Required Skills:

Audit Management, Automation Engineering, Business Process Improvements, Continuous Process Improvement, Data Integrity, Data Management, Decision Making, GMP Compliance, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Support, Plant Maintenance, Preventive Action, Problem Management, Project Planning, Quality Management, Real-Time Programming, Setting Expectations, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Technical Writing Documentation

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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 if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$87,300.00 - $137,400.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this 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.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & 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:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

07/1/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R404046