Senior Automation Engineer (m/f/d)

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme; Schachen; Vor Ort; CHF 100’000 - 130’000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading company in Switzerland is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to support innovative processes in biologics manufacturing. The role involves implementing control strategies, troubleshooting automation issues, and enhancing manufacturing performance. Join a dynamic team focused on developing cutting-edge technologies in a GMP environment.

Qualifikationen

• At least 5 years of experience in automation controls.
• Proven experience with DeltaV Batch and industrial controls.
• Experience in commissioning and qualification.

Aufgaben

• Provide automation support and implement control strategies.
• Troubleshoot automation issues and improve manufacturing performance.
• Lead automation-related investigations and support continuous improvement projects.

Kenntnisse

Communication

Data Analysis

Networking

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s degree in Life Science

Tools

DeltaV

MES (PAS-X)

SQL

Python

Jobbeschreibung

Job Description

Our Company’s Schachen Biotech provides Biologics Drug Substance manufacturing for Early Phase Clinical Supply and Technology Innovation implementation into the pipeline.

The facility is designed to be operated in a multi-product mode which requires flexibility to adjust as the pipeline of clinical and commercial biologics-based medicines demands change. A multi-product strategy for Technology Transfer and Facility Fit will enable the facility to adapt in a flexible and agile way for rapid product launch.

The Schachen Biotech Process Automation team provides a strategic link between our early and late-stage pipeline and is responsible for developing and maintaining the ‘Line of Sight’ for new technology and innovative processes. As part of a scale-out philosophy, we are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer who will support DeltaV / MES Recipe and Technology Transfers and alignment from Process Development to the local site and then to our late-stage BioNX Facility at Dunboyne in Ireland.

The Senior Automation Engineer will provide dedicated automation support, evaluation and implementation of process controls for novel equipment, innovative processes, and the implementation of next generation technologies to keep our Company at the forefront of innovation in development and clinical manufacturing of biologics. The incumbent will be responsible for troubleshooting in compliance with cGMPs of various manufacturing systems within our biotechnology facility, and actively contribute to continuous improvement projects for the development and clinical manufacturing of biologics as part of the Biotech Process Automation team in the Technology and Engineering Department.

Bring energy, knowledge, innovation to carry out the following:

• Inspire Diversity and Inclusion – building effective working relationships within a cross-functional team across different cultures and backgrounds.

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert for the implementation of control strategies for new equipment to enhance manufacturing processes in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environment.

• Implement innovative technologies, software, control strategies, and instruments to streamline processes and reduce the effort involved in manufacturing and administrative processes.

• Provide key automation support for various manufacturing systems such as DCS (DeltaV), MES(PAS-X), PLC, SCADA, and OEM systems.

• Support and/or Direct Continuous Improvement projects with automation review of equipment specifications, P&IDs, and System Life Cycle documentation.

• Responsible for troubleshooting challenging equipment/automation issues to improve manufacturing performance (e.g. yield improvements, etc.), changes to support new products, and maintaining the automation systems in compliance with cGMP.

• Transfer of Process Technologies from early-stage pipeline facilities and drive to GMP Operational Status, and support line of sight to commercial supply.

• Lead automation related investigations into deviations and implement corrective actions.

• Serves as the automation technical lead for site capital projects.

• Working with external companies, organizing spare parts and service visits.

• Supporting the qualification of new systems. Write, review, and/or execute test documents.

• Collaborates within the Operations, Quality, Validation and Technical organizations to resolve complex problems.

• Participate and actively support Digital Transformation initiatives involving system integrations, data connectivity, data analysis/modelling, validation methods and value-based optimization of manufacturing via process control system.

• Limited off shift work may be required to meet project, operations, and qualification needs.

What skills you will need:

In order to excel in this role, you will more than likely have:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Life Science discipline or equivalent practical experience of at least 5 years of experience in automation controls.

• Thorough knowledge of computer validation/SDLC requirements and automation change control procedures. (e.g., GAMP 5)

• Effective oral / written communication skills in English (C1).

• Proven experience with DeltaV Batch, including the ISA S95 and S88.

• At least 3 years of experience in an Automation or Engineering function for Biologics or Pharmaceutical industries.

• Proven experience with development and implementation of industrial controls such as DCS (Delta V), MES (PAS-X), Historian (PI).

• I/O Networking experience (i.e. Ethernet/IP, OPC, Profinet, and ModBus protocols) is advantageous.

• Basic networking experience.

• Experience in Data Analysis and Modeling (SQL, PI, R, Python) is advantageous.

• Commissioning and qualification, test protocol development and execution.

THE COMPANY

Our company has had a presence in Switzerland since 1963. With a regional office and manufacturing/packaging facility, Lucerne is considered the center of operations. Approximately 1,000 people work collaboratively at the four Lucerne locations (Tribschenstrasse, Citybay, Schachen and Kriens). A fifth location has been established in Zurich, aimed at accelerating the development and commercialization of many of our company’s medicines and vaccines, which supports our mission to save and improve lives around the world.

We are proud to be certified as a “Top Employer Switzerland” and “Top Employer Europe” showing the company’s commitment to our employees and the community around us.

Our Schachen site is crucial for the development and supply of innovative medicines. With over 400 employees, we focus on producing and testing new biological medicines. From Schachen, we export new drugs for global clinical trials, ensuring their safety and efficacy. Additionally, our site investigates suspected cases of drug counterfeiting, operating as one of only three such laboratories worldwide.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

05/25/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe 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:R348033