Associate Manufacturing Systems Engineer)

Shift details: PM shift 6:00 pm – 6:30 am, 2-2-3 schedule.

Position Summary

The Associate Manufacturing Systems Engineer provides technical engineering support for manufacturing equipment and automation systems within the Inspection and Packaging area. This role focuses on optimizing equipment performance, improving system reliability, and supporting maintenance and troubleshooting activities in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate has a strong automation background with hands-on PLC troubleshooting experience and enjoys working collaboratively with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to resolve complex technical issues.

This position supports non-standard shifts and plays a key role in maintaining compliance with FDA regulations, industry standards, and company quality requirements while driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Provide technical engineering support for manufacturing equipment, automation systems, and utility systems in the Inspection and Packaging area.

Support equipment optimization strategies, system upgrades, replacements, modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Troubleshoot electrical and automation issues on production and packaging equipment, minimizing downtime, and improving equipment reliability.

Read and interpret PLC ladder logic to diagnose equipment faults and collaborate with controls engineers on corrective actions.

Support and troubleshoot HMI interfaces, automation controls, sensors, drives, and related electrical components.

Partner closely with mechanical maintenance technicians to identify and resolve equipment performance issues.

Evaluate utility systems, process maintenance, instrumentation, calibration, electrical systems, and technical cleaning systems to ensure compliance with GMP, FDA, and applicable industry standards.

Assist in root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to improve equipment performance.

Support equipment qualifications, commissioning activities, and validation efforts as required.

Develop and maintain technical documentation including SOPs, work instructions, engineering documentation, and maintenance procedures.

Participate in change control activities and ensure engineering changes are executed in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements.

Provide technical support during planned maintenance activities and production events on non-standard shifts.

Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field OR equivalent combination of education and relevant automation experience.

2 years of experience as an Automation Technician, Controls Technician, Electrical Technician, or similar automation-focused role.

Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.

Ability to read and interpret PLC ladder logic for troubleshooting purposes.

Familiarity with Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and industrial automation systems.

Experience supporting automated packaging, inspection, or manufacturing equipment.

Working knowledge of electrical troubleshooting, sensors, motors, VFDs, and industrial control systems.

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work effectively on non-standard shifts and respond to production support needs.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, food & beverage, or other highly automated manufacturing environments.

Experience working in a GMP and FDA-regulated environment.

Familiarity with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs, Siemens PLCs, or similar industrial control platforms.

Knowledge of SCADA systems, industrial networking, and process automation.

Experience supporting serialization, vision systems, robotics, or high-speed packaging equipment.

Understanding of calibration, instrumentation, and utility systems.

Experience participating in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Competencies

Hands-on automation troubleshooting

PLC ladder logic interpretation

Electrical diagnostics

HMI operation and troubleshooting

Packaging equipment expertise

Mechanical and electrical collaboration

Root cause analysis

GMP and FDA compliance

Continuous improvement mindset

Strong communication and teamwork

Technical problem solving

Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

What Success Looks Like

The successful Associate Manufacturing Systems Engineer is a hands-on technical problem solver who quickly diagnoses automation and equipment issues, partners effectively with maintenance and operations teams, and helps maximize equipment reliability while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. They combine practical automation expertise with strong communication skills to support production and drive continuous improvement across the manufacturing operation.

Basic Qualifications    

Bachelor's degree or associate degree and 4 years of experience OR High school diploma / GED and 6 years of experience

Top 3 Must Have Skill Sets:       

Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment, preferably using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and B R.

Working knowledge of electrical troubleshooting, sensors, motors, VFDs, and industrial control systems.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Day to Day Responsibilities:    

Support production by quickly troubleshooting and resolving issues on packaging equipment.

Most equipment is controlled by Rockwell / Allen-Bradley controls. Others include Siemens and B&R controls.

Sub-systems on equipment include Systech serialization, Cognex cameras, SCADA