Automation Technician I

Novo Nordisk A/S; Powhatan (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

14 paid holidays

Health Insurance

401K with company match

Parental leave 14 weeks

Family medical leave 6 weeks

Pharmaceutical product access

Life & Disability Insurance

Job summary

Novo Nordisk A/S is seeking a dedicated professional to assist in the operation, maintenance and system management of process control systems at its Powhatan, NC site. You will help ensure uptime across multiple facilities and support equipment installations.

The role requires strong PLC/HMI/DCS/SCADA knowledge, plus MS SQL and MES experience. A relevant technical degree or equivalent background is essential, with emphasis on safety and quality compliance.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Electronics, Computers, Engineering or a relevant field of study is required.
• Alternative: High School Diploma (GED) with four years of relevant instrumentation & control systems experience.
• Knowledgeable in supporting & maintaining process control systems.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience troubleshooting automated/IT systems, interfaces and hardware components.
• Familiar with PLCs, HMIs, and DCS/SCADA systems and related historians and MES systems.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, troubleshoot & repair control system hardware.
• Perform routine, preventative & predictive maintenance.
• Assist in the development of maintenance procedures.
• Support control system equipment installations.
• Assist in managing control system hardware inventory.
• Follow CGMPs and safety/environmental requirements.
• Maintain training readiness and adhere to IT standards.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Process knowledge

Organizational skills

Project management basics

Education

Associate’s degree in Electronics/Computers/Engineering

High School Diploma with 4 years instrumentation experience

Tools

PLC (Rockwell, Siemens)

HMI

PCS/DCS (DeltaV, iFix)

Historians (OSI PI, iBatch)

SCADA systems

MES (Syncade, PAS-X)

MS SQL

Job description

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You will be joining Fill & Finish Expansions (FFEx), which is responsible for all major expansion activities within aseptic production, solid dosage forms, finished products, fill & finish warehousing, and QC across all production areas in Product Supply. The area is anchored in Product Supply, Quality & IT, which globally employ approx. 20,000 of Novo Nordisk’s 50,000 employees.

FFEx is a newly established and growing area with the responsibility to design, plan, and build all new aseptic filling capacity across Novo Nordisk to serve the needs of millions of patients. We do it by rethinking our production facilities with the use of modern technology, as we are setting the standards for the aseptic production of the future. Facilities designed today which we will still be proud of 20 years from now. FF Expansions has a global approach, where you will be working with multiple sites and cultures across the world.

What we offer you:

• Leading pay and annual performance bonus for all positions

• All employees enjoy generous paid time off including 14 paid holidays

• Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance – effective day one

• Guaranteed 8% 401K contribution plus individual company match option

• Family Focused Benefits including 14 weeks paid parental & 6 weeks paid family medical leave

• Free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed pharmaceutical products

• Life & Disability Insurance

At Novo Nordisk, you will find opportunities, resources, and mentorship to help grow and build your career. Are you ready to realize your potential? Join Team Novo Nordisk and help us make what matters.

The Position

Assist in the operation, maintenance & system management of process control systems. Assist in managing the uptime & availability of the process control systems throughout the site & various facilities.

Relationships

Reports to Manager.

Essential Functions

• Inspect, troubleshoot & repair control system hardware
• Perform routine, preventative & predictive maintenance
• Assist in the development of maintenance procedures
• Support control system equipment installations
• Assist in managing control system hardware inventory
• Support plans to maintain & improve process control systems
• Support technical clarifications with suppliers & internal stakeholders
• Own self-development & self-initiative to understand the site process control systems
• Adhere to automation/IT standards and maintain training readiness
• Utilize the appropriate cLEAN® tools when relevant to solve problems or improve processes
• Manage assignments within compliance with a Quality Mindset that focuses on risk management & mitigation
• Follow all current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) & ensures that product is manufactured according to procedure
• Follow all safety & environmental requirements in the performance of duties
• Other accountabilities, as assigned

Physical Requirements

Moves equipment &/or supplies weighing up to 33 pounds within the facility using various body positions. Routinely operates & inspects manufacturing equipment using hands. Strap & unstrap pallets using hands. Must be able to be on your feet for up to a 12-hour shift. May require corrected vision to 20/20 or 20/25 based on role. May require colour vision based on role. Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder. May be required to work at elevated heights. Occasionally works around odorous &/or hazardous materials. May be required to wear latex gloves. May perform critical job functions in extremely cold work environments depending on site. May position oneself within confined spaces for inspection if required of the role. Ability to work in loud noise environments with hearing protection. May be required to secure a motorized vehicle license & operate a motorized vehicle based on the role.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Electronics, Computers, Engineering or a relevant field of study from an accredited university required
• May consider a High School Diploma (GED) with four (4) years of relevant understanding of instrumentation & control systems required
• Knowledgeable in supporting & maintaining process control systems preferred
• Knowledgeable in using Microsoft Office (specifically Outlook, Excel, Word & PowerPoint) preferred
• Knowledgeable at troubleshooting (systematic problem solving) automated/IT system issues, including interfaces & hardware components preferred
• Knowledgeable in the following: PLC (Rockwell, Siemens), HMI, PCS/DCS (DeltaV, iFix), Historian (OSI PI, iBatch), SCADA systems, MES (Syncade, PAS-X), MS SQL preferred
• Able to troubleshoot PLCs, process control &/or distributed control systems at an entry level
• Basic understanding of process control systems for Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Food, Cosmetic, Beverage or relevant work preferred
• Excellent organizational & planning skills; Familiar with project management methodology preferred

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.