Associate Technician, Operations (Apprenticeship)
Our company is partnering with Wake Tech and the NC Life Sciences Apprenticeship Consortium to hire Mechatronics Apprentices into the Maurice R. Hilleman Center for Vaccine Manufacturing in Durham, NC. The Apprentice will work as a company employee while simultaneously continuing their education at Wake Tech. This is a one-year apprenticeship with the opportunity to be converted to a production or maintenance technician upon completion. The cost of Mechatronics courses and educational materials will be covered by the company.
About the role
As the Apprentice: Mechatronics Technician, you will learn automated equipment performance, production processes, and provide front-line support for Production, Engineering, and Maintenance tasks. This role focuses on developing expertise in mechanical assembly, high-precision maintenance, electrical and pneumatic troubleshooting, and automation controls (PLCs and robotics). You will help ensure production processes are executed safely and equipment is maintained in a qualified state.
Responsibilities
- Maintain a safe work environment and comply with safety standards and goals.
- Execute manufacturing operations, environmental monitoring, and facility disinfection.
- Set up and operate vaccines formulation, aseptic primary filling, inspection, packaging, CIP/SIP, and additional equipment within qualified parameters.
- Identify potential equipment problems, troubleshoot processes, and ensure appropriate resolution.
- Operate in a professional environment with integrity, excellence, and respect for people.
- Perform activities in accordance with cGMPs and applicable procedures.
- Provide rotational support to manufacturing lines within the process area.
- Communicate effectively with all levels to ensure tasks are well-planned and coordinated.
- Develop a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and high-speed automated production lines.
- Identify opportunities to improve quality using equipment performance data and ensure proper maintenance.
- Collaborate with engineers, maintenance, quality, and operations personnel.
- Use Microsoft Word and Excel proficiently for typing and writing technical documents.
- Understand Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Preventative Maintenance (PM) programs.
- Provide technical support to operations and maintenance.
- Understand automated processes of equipment.
- Read mechanical drawings, electrical and pneumatic schematics.
- Make fine precision adjustments on mechanical assemblies using measurement tools (e.g., scales, gauges, dials).
- Use industrial tools for mechanical adjustments and modifications.
- Document work performed and execute return-to-service activities.
- Comprehend control systems – PLC, HMI, motion controllers, and robotics.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Must have completed Bio-Works Certificate.
- Able and willing to complete ongoing education requirements of the apprenticeship.
- Aptitude for troubleshooting complex problems and equipment.
- Interest in an active, hands-on technical workplace that may be labor-intensive.
- Self-driven with a high level of ownership and curiosity.
- Team player that thrives in a cross-functional group setting.
- Professional and respectful towards colleagues and peers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Mechanical experience (automotive, industrial, construction).
- Pneumatics experience (industrial, appliances).
- Computer/Automation experience (programming).
- Effective communication and documentation skills.
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Additional Information
- Ability to wear clean-space gowning and safety equipment (safety glasses, safety shoes, protective gloves, etc.).
- Mobility requirements should be considered when applying.
- Able to lift and/or carry weights up to 50 pounds.
Schedule
During the apprenticeship program, the work schedule will be weekdays from Monday to Friday. Upon completion of the program, the schedule will transition to 12-hour shifts following a 2-2-3 rotation.