ROLE SUMMARY

The Senior Automation Technician, under minimal supervision, will provide technical support to Utilities, Laboratories, and Production Areas in the Automation and Control System Applications used in the manufacture of sterile injectable. This role involves leading or troubleshooting PLC’s, batch applications, instrumentation, human machine interfaces, control systems, and process network applications used in utilities, laboratories, manufacturing, and packaging equipment. The technician will provide technical guidance and assistance to the troubleshooting, operation, and maintenance of control systems including hardware and software. They will also be responsible for the installation, diagnostics, repair, and reliability of industrial control systems and equipment. In addition to these responsibilities, the Senior Automation Technician will back up their supervisor in the assignment and review of the automation workload. They will also provide technical knowledge and guidance for designated interface groups and assist in training the Automation Technician. This comprehensive role ensures the smooth operation and maintenance of all automation and control systems within the facility.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Troubleshooting:

Leads and coordinates tasks requiring collaborative efforts within the Automation team.
Manages factory acceptances, software upgrades, backups, restore, disaster recovery, and archiving procedures as necessary.
Interprets ladder logic programming, blueprints, schematics, and specifications to diagnose equipment malfunctions and maintains communication with external firms for repairs beyond the plant's capabilities.
Conducts advanced troubleshooting of non-functioning components such as servos, sensors, PLCs, HMIs, robotic systems, and control components.

Technical Support:

Oversees and evaluates external contractor services to ensure compliance with requirements.
Maintains regular communication with the Automation Supervisor regarding work priorities, assignments, and outcomes.
Supports the Automation and Control Systems, and Engineering & Maintenance departments in developing specifications, selecting, FAT, installing, commissioning, and validating computerized systems for new and existing utilities, laboratories, and manufacturing equipment.
Analyzes the operation and design of plant utilities, laboratories, and manufacturing equipment to enhance performance and provides technical guidance when necessary.

Electrical:

Installs, repairs, and maintains electrical systems, equipment, and components, including wiring, fixtures, and appliances.
Tests electrical systems and components to ensure functionality and safety.
Troubleshoots electrical issues, identifies root causes, and implements solutions.
Conducts routine inspections and preventive maintenance on electrical systems and equipment.
Replaces or repairs defective electrical components such as switches, relays, contactors, and circuit breakers.
Collaborates with other trades and contractors on construction projects to coordinate electrical work.
Maintains detailed records of electrical work performed, including maintenance logs, inspection reports, and service records.
Provides technical support and guidance to maintenance staff.
Adheres to safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents and electrical hazards.
Responds to emergency calls and service requests for electrical issues in a timely manner.

Packaging and Serialization:

Manages and understands Serialization terminology and structure within packaging lines.
Troubleshoots communication issues between Linemaster and integrated local equipment (stations, cameras, printers, scanners, etc.).
Addresses troubleshooting between Linemaster and upstream Serialization servers (OSM).
Coordinates with off-site teams and departments managing Serialization servers (BT group).
Works closely with OEM of Serialization systems for optimal operation.
Executes Label Associations in packaging lines following SOPs and approved artwork.
Demonstrates expertise in camera systems for quality control and verification.

Maintenance:

Aids the Maintenance team in commissioning, calibrating, and adjusting complex measurement instrumentation.
Conducts replacements, repairs, troubleshooting, or cleaning of automation systems.
Carries out preventive maintenance on automated systems to ensure optimal performance.

Automation:

Modifies PLC, HMI, SCADA hardware, and configures software to maintain the interface between automation and operations as required.
Interprets ladder logic programming, blueprints, schematics, and specifications for troubleshooting and identifying equipment malfunctions, coordinating with external firms for repairs beyond in-house capabilities.

Network Maintenance and System Administration:

Manages Industrial level network, control level networks, and Process I/O network to ensure seamless connectivity.
Handles user access to the Site Automation system, including adding and disabling access as necessary.
Verifies that various user levels have the appropriate, documented training and authorization for access to engineering-managed computer systems.

Reliability Engineering:

Provides support for reliability engineering across production and support equipment.
Offers operational support on the floor as required.
Assists in all investigations and audits as necessary.

Laboratory Systems:

Serves as the application administrator for all computerized systems.
Acts as the system administrator for legacy computerized systems not connected to the network.
Conducts audits on all capable instruments.
Manages system backups/archives as needed.
Handles user access requests and reviews.
Validates systems in the role of system administrator.
Troubleshoots all application/instrument issues.
Calibrates systems through applications and performs system health checks.
Ensures all non-networked equipment time remains synchronized with the network clock.
Maintains the security of limited security systems.

Facilities and Utilities Systems:

Possesses knowledge and understanding of the Utilities Monitoring System (UMS).
Understands the Water for Injection (WFI) systems and loops.
Demonstrates excellent knowledge of flow meters, level devices, and valves.
Has a thorough understanding of Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Purified water systems.
Is knowledgeable about the Building Maintenance System (BMS).
Understands overhead alarms, Air Handling Units (AHUs), and Cold Rooms.
Is skilled in Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) setup and programming.

Additional Responsibilities:

Serves as a liaison between staff engineers, external technical representatives, operations, and maintenance personnel.
Brings experience in control system maintenance and associated project development/implementation.
Installs, diagnoses, repairs, and ensures the reliability of industrial control equipment, including instrumentation, industrial communications, DCS, HMI, PLC, PC interface, and third-party equipment.
Actively participates in safety and environmental programs, as well as other programs determined by management.
Repairs, modifies, and installs computer software, hardware, and peripheral devices related to legacy/current PCs.
Provides technical training and assistance to system users when necessary.
Maintains connectivity for legacy systems.
Performs regular tests, upgrades, and backups.
Keeps up with required site trainings.
Makes prioritization decisions based on production requirements, in alignment with Supervisor guidelines.

Education:

Associate degree in a related field with 5 years of experience equivalent to a pharmaceutical control system application, instrumentation, or systems/equipment technician is required.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2 years of experience equivalent to a pharmaceutical control system application, instrumentation, or systems/equipment technician is required.
English proficiency.
Computer Literate.

Experience & Skills:

Strong 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 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 sufficient knowledge of instrumentation and control system to troubleshoot malfunctions.
Strong 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 excellent 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 enableindividuals 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 must have process automation experience with integrated manufacturing systems and ancillary equipment.
Familiarity with industrial communication networks.

Minimum Qualifications:

Able to work with diverse teams and focus on inclusion.
Completion of an approved electrical/instrumentation certification program and one (1) year of experience in process automation repair and maintenance.
Five (5) years combination electrical/instrumentation or process automation repair and maintenance in an industrial setting with minimum (1) year of experience in process automation repair and maintenance in an industrial setting.
The selected candidate shall demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills.
Experience in SCADA, HMI/PLC, or DCS based control systems.
Strong technical knowledge in communication (network/IP configuration), interfaces, and protocols.
Ability to read, understand, and apply information from technical manuals, prints, and schematics for troubleshooting and repair.
Effective written and verbal communication skills to satisfy training, safety, and electronic message transmission policies of the company.
Able to perform the essential functions of the job at the time of the job offer with or without reasonable accommodations.
Virtual machine knowledge (Creation/Use).
Proficiency in diagnosing and repairing legacy PC hardware and software.
Understanding of outdated interfaces and connectivity.
Willingness to work with older systems and technologies.
Ability to work weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, and both scheduled and unscheduled overtime as business needs dictate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Capable of specifying instrumentation and components for projects.
Familiar with advanced control methods (i.e., robots, motion control).
Commissioning of modern motor control.
Project design and creation of PCS (process control systems)/ HMI projects.
Modification/troubleshooting of Process Controls.
Modify/Create PLC programming.
Previous Pharma experience is preferred with familiarity with Current Good Manufacturing Procedures (cGMP).
NFPA 70E Certification.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Persons must be in good physical condition and able to work on ladders 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.
The role 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.

In terms of communication and understanding:

Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures given in English.
Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards.
Must be able to work in a potentially stressful environment.

The work environment includes:

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.
Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy to heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) during the workday.
Personal protective equipment is required when performing, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.
Work is on-site with limited remote work and travel.

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Regular Work Schedule:

12-hour night schedule (6p-6a). 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.

Work Location Assignment: On Premise
The salary for this position ranges from $31,38 to $52,31 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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