Instrument Mechanic

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking an Instrument Mechanic in Rahway, NJ to install, calibrate, maintain, and repair industrial instrumentation and control systems for safe, reliable plant operations.

The role requires 5+ years of related experience, familiarity with the NEC, and ability to read CAD, schematics, and P&IDs. Expect day or evening shifts, GMP compliance, and a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of apprenticeship or equivalent experience in instrumentation installation and repair in an industrial environment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform required job functions with minimal supervision.
• Strong working knowledge of industrial instrumentation and electrical systems.
• Experience working in GMP and environmental compliance environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other trades.

Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair instrumentation and control systems.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on field instruments and related equipment.
• Document maintenance records, calibration logs, and equipment history.
• Comply with GMP, environmental, safety standards and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Read CAD drawings, P&IDs, schematics for installation and repair.
• Collaborate with other trades and support maintenance tasks as required.

Skills

Apprenticeship

Troubleshooting

Industrial instrumentation

Drawings/Diagrams

NEC familiarity

Independent work

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational or technical training

Job description

Job Description

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity with a rapidly growing pharmaceutical manufacturer? If so, then this is the opportunity for you! Under general supervision and with support from planning and engineering, the Instrument Mechanic is responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and modification of industrial instrumentation and control systems, as well as a broad range of industrial electrical equipment. This position plays a critical role in supporting safe, reliable plant and facility operations through high-quality maintenance and responsive problem-solving. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical ability, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to workplace safety, equipment reliability, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, calibrate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and modify instrumentation and control systems, including electrical and mechanical controllers.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on field instruments, transmitters, sensors, analyzers, control valves, actuators, motors, and related equipment.
• Prepare detailed, accurate, and timely documentation in accordance with site requirements, including maintenance records, calibration logs, and equipment history entries.
• Perform work in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, site procedures, quality standards, and safe work practices.
• Understand the criticality of and ensure adherence to all GMP, environmental, and safety standards in all work activities.
• Document completed work, test results, calibration data, parts usage, and equipment findings in work order system.
• Diagnose equipment and system issues using test instruments such as multimeters, loop calibrators, signal simulators, and other trade-specific tools.
• Wire, terminate, and troubleshoot control circuits, instrument loops, and related electrical components.
• Assist with equipment startup, shutdown, commissioning, and recommissioning activities as needed including supporting PM workplan development.
• Read and interpret CAD drawings, blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, sketches, P&IDs, and verbal instructions in regards to instrumentation installation, maintenance and repair.
• Identify recurring equipment issues and communicate observations and recommendations to supervision, engineering, and other maintenance personnel.
• Maintain a strong safety focus by following all site safety rules, electrical safety practices, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, and potential hazards to supervision promptly.
• Maintain tools, test equipment, work areas, and assigned equipment in clean, safe, and orderly condition.
• Collaborate with other trades and support additional maintenance tasks as required.

Shift

• Day shift (7 am - 3:45 pm) or 2nd shift (3:00 pm - 11:45 pm), determined by position availability after polling.
• 1st - Day, 2nd - Evening.

Minimum Education Requirement

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Vocational or technical school certification preferred.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Familiarity with the National Electrical Code.
• Ability to understand wiring diagrams, schematics, CAD drawings, and blueprints.
• Knowledge of function, installation and maintenance of industrial electrical and mechanical instrumentation and control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a maintenance team.

Required Experience And Skills

• 5+ years of apprenticeship or equivalent experience in instrumentation installation and repair in an industrial environment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform required job functions with minimal supervision.
• Strong working knowledge of industrial instrumentation and electrical systems.
• Experience working an environment governed by GMP and/or environmental compliance requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other trades.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position safely and effectively. This includes lifting, bending, climbing, reaching, and moving as required to complete job tasks in a safe and approved manner. The role also requires the safe operation of hand tools, power tools, test equipment, and other trade-related equipment.

Environmental Conditions

Work environments may vary depending on assignment and may include the maintenance shop, plant floor, or other industrial settings. The position may involve exposure to noise, temperature changes, dust, moving equipment, electrical hazards, and other typical industrial conditions.

Compensation Range

$39.59 to $49.21 per hour

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Requirements

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

San Francisco Residents Only

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Los Angeles Residents Only

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.