Manufacturing Automation Specialist
Technical expert with demonstrated expertise in PLC Programming & Troubleshooting, HMI Development & Support, Robotics, Machine Vision, Industrial Networks, SDLC/CSV, Change Control, GMP Documentation, Root Cause Analysis, and Continuous Improvement.
About the role
Provide technical support for industrial automation systems supporting manufacturing and packaging operations. Troubleshoot and optimize PLCs, HMIs, robotics, machine vision systems, motion control, and servo-driven equipment. Lead root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions. Support integration of new equipment and emerging automation technologies.
Support serialization, aggregation, SAP ATTP, and track-and-trace solutions. Drive data integrity, cybersecurity, and digital manufacturing initiatives.
Lead automation projects from concept through implementation. Develop requirements, functional specifications, testing strategies, and deployment plans.
Author functional specifications, design documents, IQ/OQ protocols, SOPs, risk assessments, and change controls. Support SDLC and Computer System Validation activities. Lead automation-related deviations, investigations, and CAPAs.
Drive reliability, efficiency, and modernization initiatives using Lean and structured problem solving.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical support for industrial automation systems in manufacturing and packaging operations.
- Troubleshoot and optimize PLCs, HMIs, robotics, machine vision systems, motion control, and servo-driven equipment.
- Lead root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Support integration of new equipment and emerging automation technologies.
- Support digital manufacturing initiatives including serialization, aggregation, SAP ATTP, and track-and-trace solutions.
- Drive data integrity and cybersecurity initiatives.
- Lead automation projects from concept through implementation, including requirements development, functional specifications, testing strategies, and deployment plans.
- Author functional specifications, design documents, IQ/OQ protocols, SOPs, risk assessments, and change controls.
- Support SDLC and Computer System Validation activities.
- Lead automation-related deviations, investigations, and CAPAs.
- Drive reliability, efficiency, and modernization initiatives using Lean and structured problem solving.
Requirements
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- Minimum 3 years of experience supporting industrial automation systems in manufacturing.
- Hands-on troubleshooting experience with PLCs and HMI systems.
- Experience with SDLC documentation, change controls, and validation activities.
- Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
- On-call availability nights and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications
- B&R, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or Schneider PLC experience.
- Experience with Robotics, Vision Systems, Motion Control, and Packaging Automation.
- Serialization and Aggregation experience (SAP ATTP, Systech Guardian preferred).
- Knowledge of pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or regulated manufacturing environments.
- Data Integrity, Cybersecurity, Lean Manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement expertise.
Skills
- Audit Management
- Automation Engineering
- Business Process Improvements
- Cybersecurity
- Data Integrity
- Data Management
- GMP Compliance
- Industrial Automation
- Industrial Networks
- Lean Manufacturing
- Machine Vision (MV)
- Manufacturing Environments
- PLC Programming
- PLC Troubleshooting
- Problem Management
- Project Leadership
- Quality Management
- Real-Time Programming
- Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Pay
The salary range for this role is $87,300.00 - $137,400.00. 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.
Benefits
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.
Schedule
- 1st shift - Day
- On-call availability nights and weekends.
- 10% travel requirements.