Associate Technician, Operations (Apprenticeship)

NCBiotech; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

NCBiotech invites applicants for a Mechatronics Apprentice position at the Maurice R. Hilleman Center for Vaccine Manufacturing in Durham, NC.

The role focuses on learning automated equipment performance, production processes, and cross-functional support across operations, engineering and maintenance. The apprenticeship emphasizes hands-on technical development, reading mechanical drawings, and documenting work while adhering to cGMP and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must have completed Bio-Works Certificate.
• Willing to pursue ongoing education during apprenticeship.
• Aptitude for troubleshooting complex problems and equipment.
• Self-driven with ownership and curiosity.
• Team player in cross-functional settings.
• Professional and respectful to colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Learn automated equipment performance and production processes.
• Provide front-line support to Production, Engineering and Maintenance.
• Develop expertise in mechanical assembly, high-precision maintenance, electrical and pneumatic troubleshooting, and automation controls.
• Read mechanical drawings and electrical/pneumatic schematics.
• Document work and ensure return-to-service activities are properly executed.
• Operate and maintain lines and equipment within qualified parameters.
• Communicate effectively across levels to minimize disruption.

Job description

Job Description

Our company is looking for eager individuals excited to get their start in pharmaceutical manufacturing. 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 | 5325 Old Oxford Road | Durham, NC 27712.

Responsibilities

As the Apprentice: Mechatronics Technician, you are responsible for learning automated equipment performance, production processes, providing front-line support, and supporting Production, Engineering and Maintenance tasks for operational support. This position will require the development of expertise in production processes, mechanical assembly, high-precision maintenance, electrical and pneumatic troubleshooting, and automation controls (PLCs and robotics). The Bio Mechatronics Apprentice will help ensure execution of the production process and that equipment is maintained in a qualified state, can be operated safely, and maintenance is properly performed on the systems.

Key Objectives/Deliverables

• Responsible for maintaining a safe work environment, working safely and accountable staying in compliance 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.
• Ability to 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.
• Effectively communicate with all levels to ensure all tasks on the lines are well planned and coordinated with minimal disruption to that area involved.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and in-depth knowledge of high-speed automated production lines.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality using equipment performance data and by assuring maintenance is performed appropriately.
• Working with the process team, including engineers, maintenance, quality, and operations personnel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; proficient at typing and writing technical documents.
• Understand Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and the importance of Preventative Maintenance (PM) programs.
• Provide technical support to operations and maintenance.
• Understanding the automated processes of equipment.
• Capable of reading mechanical drawings, electrical and pneumatic schematics.
• Able to make fine precision adjustments on mechanical assemblies by using measurement tools (e.g., scales, gauges, dials).
• Able to use industrial tools for mechanical adjustments and modifications.
• Effectively document work performed on the lines and proper execution of return to service activities.
• Comprehension of Controls systems – PLC, HMI, motion controllers, and robotics.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• MUST HAVE COMPLETED BIO-WORKS CERTIFICATE
• Must be able and willing to complete ongoing education requirements of the apprenticeship
• Aptitude for troubleshooting on complex problems and equipment.
• Interested in an active workplace requiring hands-on technical skills and at time could 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.

Additional Preferences

• Mechanical (automotive, industrial, construction)
• Pneumatics (industrial, appliances)
• Computer/Automation (programming)
• Effective communication and documentation
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Additional Information

• Ability to wear clean-space gowning.
• Ability to wear safety equipment (safety glasses, safety shoes, protective gloves etc.).
• Mobility requirements should be considered when applying for this position.
• Able to lift and/or carry weights up to 50 pounds.
• During the apprenticeship program, the work schedule will be weekdays from Monday to Friday. Upon completion of the program, the work schedule will transition to 12-hour shifts following a 2-2-3 schedule.

#MSJR

Required Skills

Chemical Plant Operations, Chemical Plant Operations, Cleanroom Gowning, CNC Operations, Computer Literacy, Conventional Machining, Drilling Machines, Environmental Monitoring, Equipment Set Up, Maintenance Troubleshooting, Manufacturing Automation, Manufacturing Operations, Material Selection, Mechanical Assemblies, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Pneumatics, Pneumatic Troubleshooting, Process Improvements, Process Manufacturing, Production Operations, Production Processes, Production Scheduling, Quality Monitoring, Safety Procedures, Safety Standards {+ 2 more}

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:

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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.

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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

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

N/A

Job Posting End Date

08/21/2026

*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

R411938