Automation Technician

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Community involvement

Learning & development

Onsite 5 days per week

No relocation assistance

No sponsorship

Job summary

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc is seeking a maintenance technician to keep automated assembly lines running efficiently. You will perform preventive maintenance, diagnose issues, and repair automation equipment, while supporting shift operations and implementing long-term maintenance plans.

You will interface with PLCs, assist with installation and validation of new equipment, and collaborate with Control Engineers on process improvements. A strong focus on safety, quality, and 5S is required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required. Trade or vocational schooling preferred.
• One year certificate from a technical school or college in automation/electrical/pneumatic/mechanical; or 3-5 years of OJT experience related to plant automation; PLC troubleshooting experience required.
• Minimum 2 years of OJT experience related to plant automation; PLC troubleshooting experience required.

Responsibilities

• Provide emergency/unscheduled repairs of automation equipment during production and perform scheduled preventive maintenance.
• Assist with installation, setup and validation of incoming automation equipment.
• Diagnose problems, replace/repair parts, test and adjust.
• Interface with PLC controls for troubleshooting and optimization of processes.
• Work with Control Engineers on projects and process improvements.
• Maintain spare parts inventory with proper cataloging.
• Notify shift lead of maintenance issues and downtime; review line history to improve line efficiency.
• Comply with West HSE programs and maintain 5S on the work floor.
• Assist training and development of personnel on new processes or systems.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Lean Sigma

Safety policy compliance

Quality policy compliance

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Trade or Vocational School

Technical certificate in automation/electrical/mechanical

Job description

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.

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 request 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 OJT (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 standard operating procedures as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description

- Support and contribute to 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 shifts schedules

- 8 hour shifts schedule with overtime when needed (including weekends) or call-in work

- 12 hour 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, understand direction, etc.

What We Offer

• Community Involvement: West encourages volunteerism through its West without Borders initiative and other charitable programs that make a difference in local communities.
• Continuous Learning & Development: Opportunities for professional growth through training programs, tuition assistance, leadership development, and skill-certification initiatives.
• No relocation is provided for this opportunity.
• Sponsorship is not provided for this opportunity.
• This is an onsite position requiring the team member to be onsite 5 days per week.

Shift

This position is 12 hour nights 2-2-3-2 5:45 AM - 6:00 PM.

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening.