Associate Specialist, Manufacturing Automation

Merck; Elkton (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck's Elkton, VA campus seeks an Entry-Level Automation Associate Specialist to support 24/7 manufacturing operations as a hands-on automation resource on the shop floor, rotating days/nights. You will troubleshoot PLCs, DCS, and OEM platforms, and work with a cross-functional team to ensure safe, compliant production of life-saving medicines.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering/Science/Business, possess strong problem‑solving and communication skills, and are eager

Qualifications

• Strong technical and analytical problem-solving skills with a hands-on, field-first mindset.
• Ability to evaluate issues from multiple perspectives, including safety, compliance, maintenance, automation, equipment, process, and people.
• Strong desire to succeed individually while helping others succeed as a team.
• Enthusiastic, confident self-starter with a passion for continuous learning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability and expectation to work onsite in an operational manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on automation technical support across the manufacturing site while working 12-hour rotating shifts (days/nights, weekends, and holidays as required)
• Serve as the initial point of contact for shop-floor automation support calls
• Troubleshoot and support automation systems, including PLCs, DCS, and OEM automation platforms
• Diagnose and resolve complex automation and equipment issues impacting manufacturing yield, cycle time, reliability and uptime
• Maintain automation systems in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)
• Oversee investigations of automation anomalies and implement solutions to prevent recurrence
• Develop solutions for recurring automation problems and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide automation-related training and technical guidance to operations and technical staff
• Write, review, and improve procedures for system administration and process operation
• Participate in process and equipment safety reviews
• Embrace and promote an empowered, diverse, and inclusive team culture

Skills

Audit Management

Automation

Automation Solutions

Automation Technology

Breakdown Maintenance

Process Improvements

Real-Time Programming

Manufacturing

Electrical Engineering

Problem Management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Business

Tools

Emerson DeltaV

Allen-Bradley PLCs

OSI-PI

SQL

Infobatch

Batch Processing and S88 standards

Job description

Job Description

Entry-Level Automation Associate Specialist

Location: Elkton, VA | 12‑Hour Rotating Shifts

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity with a rapidly growing pharmaceutical manufacturer? If so, this role offers a unique opportunity to launch your engineering career supporting highly automated, life‑saving manufacturing operations.

At our Elkton, Virginia campus, located in the Shenandoah Valley along the Shenandoah River and near the Blue Ridge Mountains, we are seeking entry‑level engineers to support and sustain manufacturing operations through hands‑on automation technical support in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Position Overview

This role is an operations‑focused, shop‑floor automation support position. The successful candidate will work 12‑hour rotating shifts, serving as first‑line technical support for automated manufacturing systems that produce pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and vaccine products.

You will apply your technical skills, problem‑solving ability, and enthusiasm as part of a cross‑functional, multidisciplinary team responsible for ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide hands‑on automation technical support across the manufacturing site while working 12‑hour rotating shifts (days/nights, weekends, and holidays as required)

• Serve as the initial point of contact for shop‑floor automation support calls

• Troubleshoot and support automation systems, including:

• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) automation platforms

• Diagnose and resolve complex automation and equipment issues impacting:

• Manufacturing yield

• Cycle time

• Reliability and uptime

• Maintain automation systems in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)

• Oversee investigations of automation anomalies and implement solutions to prevent recurrence

• Develop solutions for recurring automation problems and support continuous improvement initiatives

• Provide automation‑related training and technical guidance to operations and technical staff

• Write, review, and improve procedures for system administration and process operation

• Participate in process and equipment safety reviews

• Embrace and promote an empowered, diverse, and inclusive team culture

Education Minimum Requirement

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Science, or Business

Required Qualifications

• Strong technical and analytical problem‑solving skills with a hands‑on, field‑first mindset

• Ability to evaluate issues from multiple perspectives, including safety, compliance, maintenance, automation, equipment, process, and people

• Strong desire to succeed individually while helping others succeed as a team

• Enthusiastic, confident self‑starter with a passion for continuous learning

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability and expectation to work onsite in an operational manufacturing setting

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Degree focus in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, integrated science, or physics

• Prior experience in manufacturing, engineering, science, or military environments

• Familiarity with or interest in automated manufacturing systems and control platforms

• Exposure to:

• Emerson DeltaV

• Allen‑Bradley PLCs

• OSI‑PI

• SQL

• Infobatch

• Knowledge of Batch Processing and S88 standards

• Awareness of Good Automated Manufacturing Practice (GAMP) standards

• Strong personal motivation to work for a company dedicated to saving and improving lives

• Interest in building a diverse, long‑term career within an active manufacturing campus

Required Skills:

Audit Management, Automation, Automation Solutions, Automation Technology, Breakdown Maintenance, Business Process Improvements, Control Logic, Data Management, Design Automation, Design for Maintainability, Electrical Engineering, Learning Agility, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Problem Management, Process Implementations, Process Safety, Production Management, Quality Management, Real-Time Programming, Reliability Improvement, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), System Operations, Technical Training

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 (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day, 2nd - Evening, 3rd - Night

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

na

Job Posting End Date:

10/15/2026

Requisition ID:

R415995