Automation Technician

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology; New Jersey; On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is seeking an Automation Technician to maintain efficient operation of automated assembly lines, performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing automation equipment.

You will support shift operations, help develop long-term maintenance plans, and collaborate with control engineers on projects to minimize downtime and improve line performance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical training preferred.
• 1-year certificate in automation or 3–5 years related OJT in plant automation.
• PLC troubleshooting experience required.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance and emergency repairs on automation equipment.
• Assist with installation, setup and validation of new automation equipment.
• Diagnose problems, replace parts, test and adjust equipment; interface with PLC controls for troubleshooting.
• Develop and contribute to long-term maintenance plans to improve line efficiency.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Automation maintenance

Preventive maintenance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Trade/Vocational certificate in automation/electrical/mechanical

Job description

Title: Automation Technician

Requisition ID: 74706

Date: Jun 29, 2026

Location: Jersey Shore, PA, US, 17740

Department: Maintenance

Job Summary

In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining operation efficiency of automated assembly lines by performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing automation equipment. Provide support to shift operations as requested by the shift leader/production manager. You must also develop long-term predictive/preventative maintenance plans for all assembly equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide emergency/unscheduled repairs of all automation equipment during production as well as performing scheduled preventative maintenance of the same.
• Assist with installation, set up and validation of incoming automation equipment.
• Diagnose problems, replace or repair parts, test, and adjust.
• Interface with PLC of all equipment utilizing PLC controls for troubleshooting and optimization of process.
• Work with Control Engineers on special projects, process improvements and updates.
• Assist maintenance technicians on repairs outside of automation scope as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining spare parts inventory with a proper cataloging of parts.
• Provide a timely notification to shift lead of maintenance issues and downtime.
• Reviews line history and documentation to enhance line efficiencies. Follows escalation plan to minimize downtime.
• Actively participate and comply with all West HSE programs and regulations.
• Maintain a neat and orderly work environment in accordance with West 5S program.
• Assist with the training and development of personnel at all levels of West on new processes or systems introduced to the company.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED Required; Trade or Vocational School preferred.
• One (1) year certificate from a technical school or college in a trade relating to automation, electrical, pneumatic or mechanical; or a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience OJT (related to plant automation); or a combination of education and experience in a trade relating to this position.
• PLC troubleshooting experience required.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience (related to plant automation); or a combination of education and experience in a trade relating to this position.
• PLC troubleshooting experience required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Able to be aware of all relevant SOPs as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description.
• Support and contribute in Lean Sigma programs and activities towards delivery of the set target.
• Able to comply with the company’s safety policy at all times.
• Able to comply with the company’s quality policy at all times.

Travel Requirements

10%: Up to 26 business days per year

Physical Requirements

Medium-Exerting up to 50lb/22kg of force occasionally and/or up to 20lbs/9kg of force frequently, and/or up to 10lbs/4kgs of force constantly to move objects.

Additional Requirements

• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• The employee will be required to work one of the following shift schedules:
  • 8 hr shifts schedule with overtime when needed (including weekends) or call‑in work.
  • 12 hr shift schedule which includes every other weekend and overtime when needed or call‑in work.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Hearing protection required on the manufacturing floor.
• Exposure to heat and cold.
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee will be required to work in a fast‑paced environment and be a self‑starter able to work successfully and efficiently with minimal direction or supervision.
• Job requires mental skill or ability such as communication, decision making (sometimes quick), interpreting data, reading or writing, organization, problem solving, understanding direction, etc.

Shift

Training would take place day shift for several weeks then move to a 2‑2‑3‑2 Night shift 5:45 PM – 6:00 AM

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post‑offer background screening.