Controls Technician (Nights)

West Pharmaceutical Services / Progressive Medical; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

West Pharmaceutical Services in Grand Rapids, MI, is seeking a Controls Technician to support and maintain automated manufacturing systems. You will troubleshoot PLCs, servo drives, sensors, vision systems, and networks, working with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering to minimize downtime.

Responsibilities include project ownership, equipment validation, updating schematics, and ensuring compliance with safety, FDA cGMP, and ISO standards in a 3‑shift environment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of controls, automation, or industrial electrical experience.
• Experience supporting automated assembly lines.
• Familiarity with medical device manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot PLCs and servo motors to diagnose faults.
• Support machine networks and vision systems troubleshooting.
• Assist production during downtime events.
• Maintain and update schematics and documentation.
• Ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and quality standards.

Skills

PLC platforms

Servo systems

Motion control

Industrial networks

Machine vision

HMI troubleshooting

Electrical schematics

Ladder logic

Root cause analysis

Pharma familiarity

FDA cGMP ISO

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

2-year technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or related field

Job description

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

The Controls Technician is responsible for supporting and maintaining the controls infrastructure of automated manufacturing and assembly equipment. This role focuses on troubleshooting and resolving controls‑related issues on the manufacturing floor, including PLC systems, servo motors and drives, sensors, networks, vision systems, and electrical control panels. The Controls Technician works closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams to minimize downtime, improve equipment reliability, and ensure all control systems meet safety, regulatory, and operational standards.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Controls Troubleshooting & Support
  • Log into PLCs (e.g., Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent) to diagnose faults, analyze alarms, and identify root causes of equipment failures.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve servo motor and servo drive issues, including replacement, alignment, tuning, and verification of proper operation.
  • Train, configure, and calibrate sensors (photoelectric, proximity, pressure, vision triggers, interlocks, etc.).
  • Diagnose and resolve machine network communication issues (Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, ProfiNet, or equivalent).
  • Support and troubleshoot machine vision systems, including camera alignment, lighting adjustments, and inspection validation.
  • Assist production during shift operations with controls‑related downtime events.

Electrical & Panel Integrity

• Inspect electrical control panels to ensure compliance with company and industry standards.
• Verify proper wire labeling, terminal tightness, and organized panel layout.
• Identify and correct loose terminals, damaged wiring, or non‑compliant installations.
• Support electrical safety compliance and ensure adherence to applicable codes and standards.

Project Ownership & Continuous Improvement

• Own and execute controls‑related projects assigned by management.
• Support implementation of controls upgrades, system improvements, and equipment modifications.
• Assist Engineering with commissioning of new equipment and validation of controls functionality.
• Recommend improvements to enhance machine uptime, reliability, and performance.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) activities related to controls failures.

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate documentation of troubleshooting activities, repairs, and configuration changes.
• Update electrical schematics, network diagrams, and controls documentation as required.
• Communicate downtime causes and corrective actions clearly to shift leaders and management.
• Interface daily with Production, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to ensure alignment on equipment status.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all work complies with safety standards, electrical codes, and company policies.
• Support compliance with FDA Quality System Regulation, cGMP, ISO, and other applicable standards.
• Follow change control procedures when modifying control systems.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas in accordance with 5S principles.

General Expectations

• Exhibits regular, reliable, punctual, and predictable attendance.
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, and safety rules.
• Performs other duties as assigned based on business needs.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 2-year technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or related field preferred.

Work Experience

• Minimum 2–4 years of experience in controls, automation, or industrial electrical systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting automated assembly lines preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Working knowledge of PLC platforms (Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix preferred).
• Experience with:
  • Servo systems and motion control
  • Industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, etc.)
  • Machine vision systems
  • HMI troubleshooting
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and ladder logic.
• Strong root cause analysis and troubleshooting skills.
• Familiarity with medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments preferred.
• Knowledge of FDA Quality System Regulation, cGMP, and ISO standards.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary-Exerting up to 10lbs/4kgs of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to perform job duties as required with limited physical demands.

Shift

Night Shift - Monday to Friday from 11pm-7am

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. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to [e-mail]. 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.