Automation Technician at Pfizer in McPherson, Kansas

Posted in Engineering about 4 hours ago.

Type: Full time





Job Description:

Why Patients Need You

 

Our breakthroughs would not make it to the hands of patients without our pharmaceutical manufacturing team. We rely on a team of dedicated and agile members, who understand the importance and impact of their role in Pfizer's mission. Patients need colleagues like you who take pride in their work and always look to improve outcomes. You will help to ensure that patients and physicians have the medicines they need, when they need them.

 

What You Will Achieve

 

The Automation Technician, supervised by the Automation Supervisor, supports technical aspects of Utilities, Laboratories, and Production in sterile injectable manufacturing. Responsibilities include troubleshooting PLCs, batch applications, instrumentation, control systems, and process network applications. The technician also aids in operation, maintenance, and provides technical guidance for control systems hardware and software. Additionally, they support their supervisor in managing the automation workload and ensure the reliability of industrial control systems and equipment.

 

How You Will Achieve It

 

Troubleshooting

 

  • Supports the Automation team in collaborative tasks.
  • Assists with factory acceptances, software upgrades, backups, restore, disaster recovery, and archiving under supervision.
  • Learns to read and interpret ladder logic programming, blueprints, schematics, and specifications for troubleshooting. Maintains communication with external firms for out-of-plant equipment/system repair.
  • Assists in basic troubleshooting of non-functioning components including servos, sensors, PLC, HMI, robotic systems, and control components with guidance.

 

Technical Support

 

  • Assists and learns from external contractor's services.
  • Communicates with the Automation Supervisor for work priorities, assignments, and to report findings.
  • Supports the Automation and Control Systems, and Engineering & Maintenance areas in the development of specifications, selection, FAT, installation, commissioning, and computerized system validation process of new utilities, laboratory, and manufacturing equipment procurement, as well as to improve existing applications.
  • Participates in the operation and design analysis of plant utilities, laboratories, and/or manufacturing equipment and systems. May provide technical support to others, when necessary, under supervision

 

Electrical

 

  • Assists in installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems.
  • Tests systems for functionality and safety.
  • Troubleshoots problems and supports corrective actions.
  • Conducts routine inspections and preventive maintenance.
  • Replaces or repairs faulty components.
  • Coordinates with other trades and contractors.
  • Maintains records of work performed.
  • Receives guidance from experienced staff.
  • Follows safety protocols.
  • Responds to emergency calls and service requests.

 

Packaging and Serialization:

 

  • Learns Serialization terminology and structure.
  • Troubleshoots issues between the line Master and local equipment.
  • Supports troubleshooting with Serialization servers (OSM).
  • Communicates with off-site colleagues managing servers.
  • Collaborates with OEM of Serialization system.
  • Performs label associations according to SOPs.
  • Operates and maintains camera systems.

 

Maintenance:

 

  • Helps with commissioning, calibration, and adjustment of measurement instrumentation.
  • Supports in replacing, repairing, troubleshooting, or cleaning automation systems.
  • Participates in performing preventive maintenance on automated systems.

 

Automation

 

  • Learns to modify PLC, HMI, SCADA hardware and configure software, maintaining system interface.
  • Assists in troubleshooting by reading programming, blueprints, and schematics.

 

Network Maintenance and System Administration

 

  • Supports maintenance of industrial and control level networks.
  • Assists in managing user access to the Site Automation system.
  • Ensures user training and authorization for access to engineering systems.

 

Reliability Engineering

 

  • Supports reliability engineering tasks related to production and support equipment.
  • Provides operational support and assists in investigations and audits.

 

Laboratory Systems

 

  • Supporting application administrators and assisting with legacy systems
  • Participating in the auditing of instruments
  • Helping with backup and archive systems
  • Performing user access requests and reviews
  • Supporting system validation and troubleshooting issues
  • Learning to calibrate systems and perform health checks
  • Ensuring non-networked equipment maintains time tolerance to the network clock
  • Assisting in maintaining the security of systems

 

Facilities and Utilities Systems

 

  • Develops knowledge and understanding of the Utilities Monitoring System (UMS).
  • Learns about the Water for Injection (WFI) systems and loops.
  • Gains knowledge in flow meters, level devices, and valves.
  • Acquires an understanding of the Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Purified water systems.
  • Builds knowledge and understanding of the Building Maintenance System (BMS).
  • Learns about overhead alarms, Air Handling Units, and Cold rooms.
  • Receives training in VFD set-up and programming.

 

Additional Responsibilities

 

  • Facilitates communication among engineering, technical, operations, and maintenance teams.
  • Supports control system maintenance and project implementation.
  • Assists with diagnostics, repair, and reliability of industrial control equipment.
  • Participates in safety and environmental programs.
  • Helps with software and hardware installations and repairs.
  • Provides technical support to users.
  • Maintains connectivity for legacy systems.
  • Supports regular system tests, upgrades, and backups.
  • Completes required site trainings.
  • Aids in prioritization decisions based on production needs.

 

Qualifications

 

Must-Have

 

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Able to work with diverse teams and focus on inclusion.
  • Experience in a production environment, particularly as it relates to automation technology.
  • Some programming knowledge and experience with computer programming and software development.
  • Basic electrical/electronic troubleshooting knowledge.
  • The selected candidate shall demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills.
  • Ability to troubleshoot equipment and perform complex system tests.
  • Problem-solving skills and analytical skills.
  • Organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Creative thinking skills.
  • Moderate verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate well with other members of the development team.
  • Ability to keep up with the latest technologies.
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and both scheduled and unscheduled overtime as business needs dictate.

 

Nice-to-Have

 

  • 1 year of experience equivalent to a pharmaceutical control system application, instrumentation, or systems/equipment technician is required.
  • 1 year experience or basic knowledge in SCADA, HMI/PLC, or DCS based control systems.
  • 5 years of experience in a related field equivalent to a pharmaceutical control system application, instrumentation, or systems/equipment technician is required.
  • English proficiency.
  • Computer Literate.
  • Knowledge of cGMP, FDA, and other countries' regulatory agencies.
  • Knowledge in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (e.g., preventative maintenance, work orders).
  • Must be able to Ability to use tools and equipment including electronic testers, oscilloscopes, programmers, and meters to test instruments, equipment, and electronic controls.
  • Experience with PLC's based systems, SCADA, and network applications. Must have knowledge of instrumentation and control systems to troubleshoot malfunctions.
  • Able to understand and work with computerized maintenance management systems such as spare parts, preventive maintenance, and work orders.
  • Electrical controls troubleshooting experience.
  • Technical knowledge of utilities equipment (i.e., HVAC equipment, AHU's, VAV's, boilers, chillers, etc.) and production equipment (aseptic filling machine, autoclave, freeze dryers, packaging lines, etc.)
  • Must have blueprint and electrical, controls, schematic/ladder logic comprehension skills.
  • The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to safely perform the job without posing a direct threat to the safety of his or her own self, or the safety of others.
  • Ideal candidate will have process automation experience with integrated manufacturing systems and ancillary equipment.
  • Familiarity with industrial communication networks.

 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

 

  • To perform all the duties required in this job description, persons must be in a physical condition that is able to work on ladders and other equipment in less than desirable areas (i.e., mechanical rooms).
  • Ability to work in gown room conditions.
  • Light to moderate lifting may be required for some duties. Must be able to lift 50+ pounds.
  • Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe practices must be observed.
  • Requires continuous physical activity for repair, adjustment, and troubleshooting of equipment/systems.
  • Some areas present exposure to heat, steam, and liquids.
  • Satisfactory performance and attendance are required.
  • Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures given in English.
  • Must be able to work in a potentially stressful environment.
  • Work is performed in a pharmaceutical plant which may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, laboratory settings, and clean room environment.
  • Ability to follow regulatory guidelines.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on elevated platforms, and tight and enclosed spaces.
  • Work is on-site with limited remote work and travel.

 

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

 

Regular Work Schedule:

 

  • Night shift (start time 0600pm). 12-hour schedule. Overtime work may be required. Work requires on-site presence. Occasional national/international travel for equipment factory acceptance testing, training seminars, vendor meetings, work progress meetings, etc.
  • Non-Regular Work Schedule:
  • At different times of the year, this position will work long hours for scheduled manufacturing shutdown periods and throughout the year may be required to work late with little notice as need arises when equipment is unexpectedly down.
  • Colleague may be asked to work weekends, holidays, and on various shifts and schedules dependent on business need.

 

Work Location Assignment: On Premise

 

OTHER JOB DETAILS

 

Last Date to Apply for Job: October 8th, 2024

 

Eligible for Relocation Package: NO

 

The salary for this position ranges from $27.64 to $46.07 per hour. In addition, this position offers eligibility for overtime, weekend, holiday and other pay premiums depending on the work schedule and the Company's policies. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life's moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site - U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided applies only to the United States - Kansas - Mcpherson location.

 

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

 

Sunshine Act

 

Pfizer reports payments and other transfers of value to health care providers as required by federal and state transparency laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations require Pfizer to provide government agencies with information such as a health care provider's name, address and the type of payments or other value received, generally for public disclosure. Subject to further legal review and statutory or regulatory clarification, which Pfizer intends to pursue, reimbursement of recruiting expenses for licensed physicians may constitute a reportable transfer of value under the federal transparency law commonly known as the Sunshine Act. Therefore, if you are a licensed physician who incurs recruiting expenses as a result of interviewing with Pfizer that we pay or reimburse, your name, address and the amount of payments made currently will be reported to the government. If you have questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your Talent Acquisition representative.

 

EEO & Employment Eligibility

 

Pfizer is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Pfizer also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Pfizer is an E-Verify employer. This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.

 

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