Lead Tech, Instrumentation & Controls

Merck & Co.; Holly Springs (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Holly Springs, NC is seeking a Lead Tech of Instrumentation & Controls. This role is crucial for managing daily I&C activities, ensuring compliance with FDA and cGMP regulations, and providing leadership to the technician team.

The ideal candidate has over 7 years of I&C experience in a pharmaceutical setting. Key responsibilities include developing calibration procedures, leading projects for equipment reliability, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

This position requires adherence to safety and quality standards, with physical demands that include the ability to operate machinery and lift up to 33 lbs.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of I&C experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams or providing oversight.
• Ability to operate machinery and/or power tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of I&C technicians through troubleshooting and repairs.
• Develop and maintain calibration procedures and SOPs.
• Collaborate with other departments to support I&C activities.

Skills

I&C experience

Leadership experience

Problem-solving skills

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, I&C, or related field

Tools

Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

Maintenance tools and equipment

Job description

Position Overview

The Lead Tech of Instrumentation & Controls is responsible for the daily activities within the I&C and Metrology groups. This includes assigning and coordinating calibration and repair activities including project support, as needed across the site. The Lead ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including Food & Drug Administration (FDA), current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Days and Nights open – 12 hour shifts.

Job Description

What You’ll Do

• Lead a team of I&C technicians through troubleshooting and repairing equipment failures, conducting preventative maintenance, and performing equipment modifications and upgrades.
• Develop and maintain calibration procedures, work instructions, and standard operation procedures (SOPs).
• Assist management with developing and maintaining the annual budget and schedule requirements.
• Participate in budget forecasting for maintenance and capital projects.
• Ensure I&C activities are carried out in a cost‑effective manner.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve processes, and lead projects to implement improvements.
• Evaluate, recommend, and select new equipment purchases and upgrades with management.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as production, quality control, process maintenance, and engineering, to ensure I&C activities support the overall goals of the site.
• Partner with management and Reliability Engineers to develop and implement strategies to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtown.
• Enforce and ensure compliance with safety and cGMP quality standards.
• Provide training and mentoring to other technicians.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED.
• 7+ years of I&C experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Experience with tools and equipment used to perform maintenance work.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams or providing oversight to technicians.

Preferred Requirements

• Associate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, I&C, Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Prior experience working in a GMP environment.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• May work in Mechanical/Production spaces that may require hearing protection and enrollment in a hearing conservation program.
• Will work in environment operating a motor vehicle or Powered Industrial Truck.
• May be required to operate a pallet jack.
• Ability to discern audible cues.
• Ability to inspect or perform a task with 20/20 corrected vision, visual acuity, including distinguishing color.
• Ability to ascend or descend ladders, scaffolding, ramps, etc.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to conduct activities using repetitive motions that include wrist, hands and/or fingers.
• Ability to operate machinery and/or power tools.
• Ability to conduct work that includes moving objects up to 33 lbs., more with assistance.
• Ability to bend, push or pull, reach to retrieve materials from 18" to 60" in height, and use twisting motions.