What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Technician position at Technical Source?
Technical Source is seeking an experienced On-Site Automation Technician / Controls Specialist on behalf of our client, a leading automated equipment manufacturer serving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences industries. This role will be based onsite in Bloomington, Indiana, supporting capital equipment, including advanced freeze-drying and aseptic processing systems.
Job Summary
We are looking for a Controls Specialist / On-Site Automation Technician to provide hands-on technical support for our client’s equipment. The role involves collaboration with engineering teams both in the U.S. and internationally, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality service delivery. Initial training may take place at the client’s headquarters abroad to ensure product familiarity.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide on-site support for capital equipment; coordinate outsourced repairs and vendor services.
- Act as a technical interface with vendors and customer service teams.
- Manage customer service project materials, structures, and parts via SAP/CRM systems.
- Support the development and delivery of customer training and maintenance programs.
- Conduct line audits and assist in minor rebuilds/refurbishments.
- Support project upgrades, logistics coordination, and warranty processing.
- Deliver technical support for both European and U.S.-made equipment.
- Ensure compliance with Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) standards.
Additional Responsibilities May Include:
- Create control system documentation and FDA validation materials per GAMP guidelines.
- Support field engineers, test technicians, and end-users throughout the project lifecycle.
- Troubleshoot multiple lines simultaneously.
Required Skills & Experience
- Associate degree with 3–5 years of experience, or 8 years in a GMP environment supporting pharmaceutical packaging or similar capital equipment.
- Proficiency with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
- Strong organizational skills; ability to manage priorities independently and collaboratively.
- Solid written and verbal technical communication skills.
- Familiarity with electrical/software aspects of machine design.
- Willingness to travel 25–30% domestically and internationally.
- Openness to training periods abroad.
Preferred Skills & Experiences
- PID control loops, servo controls, and variable frequency drives.
- Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, iFix.
- PLC ladder logic, iFix, VBA, SyTech XLReporter, and SCADA programming.
- Knowledge of communication protocols: TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, Profibus.
- Experience with relational databases (MS SQL, MS Access).
- Proficiency in MS Office and Windows 7/Server operating systems.
- Exposure to hydraulics, pneumatics, motor controls, and aseptic production.
- Pharmaceutical industry experience.
What We Offer
- Global Environment: Work in a dynamic, innovation-driven, multinational workplace.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Fostered through Corporate Code of Ethics and dedicated programs.
- Continuous Learning: Internal training and external development opportunities.
- Wellbeing: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), tuition assistance, and annual bonus.
Apply Today through Technical Source to join a leading automated equipment manufacturer and make an impact on cutting-edge pharmaceutical automation.
*No C2C or Sponsorship is available at this time*
*Compensation will scale based on experience and fit*