Engineering Technician - Controls: Temp to Hire

Thorne; Summerville (SC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Part time

Job summary

Thorne is seeking an Engineering Technician - Controls for a temporary-to-hire role in Summerville, SC. The position focuses on electrical controls on the manufacturing floor, supporting PLC/HMI/VFD systems, and assisting commissioning activities.

The role requires comfort with varied shifts during the six-month period and a proactive approach to project work. The candidate will write SOPs and maintenance documents, work with engineers, and help ensure cGMP and safety compliance on the shop

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associates degree preferred.
• 1–3 years in a regulated environment (FDA/ISO/cGMP) or related field.
• Experience in Manufacturing Maintenance or Engineering is preferred.
• Working knowledge of high voltage panels and safety protocols.
• Able to interface with PLC, HMI and VFD from multiple manufacturers and learn new software.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for the Manufacturing floor, including electrical controls and mechanical systems.
• Support control components such as sensors, relays, transducers, valves, solenoids, and related circuit components.
• Assist in commissioning new manufacturing suites and troubleshoot control issues.
• Build and install electrical control cabinets according to drawings.
• Create concise downtime resolution docs to reduce knowledge gaps.
• Troubleshoot root causes with Production and Engineering to prevent recurrence.
• Identify gaps in equipment capabilities and recommend alternatives.
• Maintain knowledge of SOPs and cGMP related safety and processes.
• Complete tasks assigned by Engineering management within deadlines.
• Manage multiple projects and adapt to workload changes.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of Thorne machinery and processes.
• Support overtime as needed.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

VFDs

Relay logic

Ladder logic

Electrical troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Root cause analysis

Education

High school diploma

Associates degree preferred

Tools

Allen-Bradley (AB)

Siemens

Mitsubishi

Omron

Panasonic

Schneider Electric

B&R

Job description

Engineering Technician - Controls: Temp to Hire

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Contract / Temp

Location: Summerville, SC

Description

At Thorne, we work to deliver high-quality, science-backed solutions to empower individuals to take a proactive approach to their well-being. Each day begins with a mission to help others discover and achieve their best health. We count on our team members to challenge and push the boundaries to make that happen. At Thorne, you’ll be joining a team of more than 750 passionate individuals committed to our cause of providing superior health solutions at every age and life stage.

This is a temporary position with the possibility of transitioning to full-time employment after six months, based on business needs and performance.

The schedule will rotate during the six-month temporary assignment:

• First 3 months: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Next 3 months: 11:00 PM – 7:30 AM

Candidates should be comfortable working both schedules as part of the assignment.

The Engineering Technician- Controls ensures that all necessary components, tasks, resources are capable of meeting established quality standards and goals. The position supports department operations to ensure compliance with cGMP and OSHA regulations, company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as well as meeting production goals as directed by the Manager.

Typically, responsible for day-to-day manufacturing floor support, writing technical documents (SOPs, PMs, WIs, etc.), executing Qualification Protocols under the direction of an Engineer, and assisting Engineers and Engineering Management in their duties. May take on additional duties and responsibilities as additional competencies are developed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical support for the Manufacturing floor. Including electrical controls, mechanical systems and process improvement.
• Provide technical support for various types of control components such as but not limited to: photo electric sensors, proximity sensors, scanning devices, relays, pressure/vacuum switches, transducers, valves and solenoids, pneumatic/ hydraulic/electric cylinders, mechanical/electrical clutches and brakes, and various control circuit components.
• Assist In commissioning new manufacturing suites and troubleshooting electrical and controls issues that arise during commissioning.
• Build and install electrical control cabinets to drawing specifications.
• Write One-page “How to” documents on downtime resolutions to mitigate knowledge/experience gaps in peers.
• Problem solve and work with Production and Engineering staff in determining root causes to prevent issues from reoccurring.
• Identify gaps in equipment capabilities and recommend alternatives.
• Maintain knowledge of all Standard Operating Procedures and Current Good Manufacturing Practices relating to production & process development area safety, procedures, and processes.
• Complete assigned tasks as defined by Manager, Engineering (or designee) in the defined timeframe.
• Work on and keep track of multiple projects.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of Thorne machinery.
• Support workload / priority fluctuations that may require overtime.

WHAT YOU NEED

• High school diploma (or general education degree—GED) required and relevant college coursework required. Associates degree preferred.
• A minimum of one to three years’ experience within a regulated environment (FDA, ISO and/or cGMP) standards required. An AA/AS or BS in an applicable field can substitute for experience.
• Experience working in skilled trade, Manufacturing Maintenance or Manufacturing Engineering Preferred.
• Possess a working knowledge of high voltage panels, including safety protocols, troubleshooting, and procedures.
• Interface with PLC, HMI and VFD of various manufacturers. Ability to learn new software packages and comfortable in doing so. (AB, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, Panasonic, BR, Schneider, Etc.)
  • Understanding of Relay Logic Control Systems
  • Understanding of Ladder logic, Statement List, and Function Block/AIO PLC Programming
  • Experience in identifying root issues in programs during commissioning of new control systems/manufacturing suites.
  • Experience in editing and making new HMI Screens, PLC Programs, and VFD Configurations.
• Possess knowledge of the differences between PNP and NPN sensors, including their wiring configurations, applications, and troubleshooting methods.
• Ability to understand the interrelationships between equipment in production lines and systems and be able to provide sound recommendations to various departments within the company.
• Demonstrate a broader understanding of the application of Process Instrumentation & Controls and ability to work independently on more complex tasks.