Title:  Automation Engineer

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?  

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.  

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.  

Job Summary:

Working within the Operations or Development Department supporting new manufacturing projects. Specifying, purchasing, and managing the implementation of new manufacturing solutions to meet the requirements of customers’ new product introductions. Reporting directly to the Senior Automation Engineer or above.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage new equipment process and product introduction projects.
• Develop and implement manufacturing strategy to meet customer and West’s needs.
• Establish and manage project teams, identifying deliverables, time, and cost, setting priorities, and reporting to meet the needs of the business and the customer.
• Establishes relationships with the customers and equipment suppliers in pursuit of new business, product development, manufacturing process development, continuous improvement, and on-going business development.
• Manage equipment suppliers ensuring delivery meets specification, cost, and time.
• Ensure that new equipment meets the regulatory requirements of the business, validation, health, and safety etc.
• Install new equipment with appropriate training and hand over to operations.
• Work with all departments across the business to ensure that new processes meet their requirements.
• Identify, specify, and introduce new manufacturing methods and opportunities into the company.
• Represent West at customer meetings to ensure that the needs of the business are met.
• Assist with the training and development of personnel on new processes or systems introduced to the company.
• Ensure that procedures and systems are in place to facilitate the introduction of new processes and equipment.
• Take the role of technical expert in the field of automated manufacturing processes and develop the understanding and competency of the business to meet the requirements of customers.
• Compliance to all site Environmental, Health and Safety requirements training, and regulations.
• Compliance to all local site company policies, procedures, and corporate policies.
• Perform additional duties at the request of the direct supervisor.
• Act in accordance with the company’s guiding principles and adhere to the corporate Code of Conduct.

Basic Qualifications: 

• Must have a minimum of a NFQ Level 7 Degree in engineering or equivalent. A degree in Automation, Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
• Must have at least 3 years’ experience in engineering.
• Must be familiar with the hardware and software components of PLCs and vision control systems. Preferably with Allen Bradley or Siemens PLCs and Cognex Vision systems.
• Must have high level knowledge Barcode Scanning & RFID Automatic Identification and Data Capture used in High Volume Manufacturing.
• Must have high level knowledge of Industrial Networks architectures (Ethernet IP, Control Net & Profibus) and have an ability to fault find network problems.
• Must have a very good knowledge of machine control systems and integrated manufacturing control systems including MES and Batch Manufacturing along with practical experience in querying SQL Databases
• Must have a very good knowledge of manufacturing automation, machine design, development, and validation process. Excellent understanding on GAMP 5 guidelines will also be an advantage.
• Must have experience in a customer facing environment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Preferably have a knowledge of EU-GMP.
• Preferably worked in either the medical, packaging, or technological industries with a good understanding of the regulatory requirements and exposure to serialization.

• Excellent understanding of MS Project would be a distinct advantage as would certification in a project management discipline i.e., PMP (Project Management Professional).
• Aware of all relevant standard operating procedures as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description.
• Lean Sigma certification.

Travel Requirements:

• Must be able to travel up to 10% of the time.

Physical and Mental Requirements:                   

• This job is classified as light since the candidate will work mainly seated in front of their computer and only occasionally help with hands-on tasks on the production floor.
• Strong decision-making abilities and an ability to be assertive when required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience interacting with senior stakeholders and executive teams.
• Must be able to organize and prioritize tasks; must be detail orientated and self-motivated.
• Must be able to deal with all levels of employees and work across various departments.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Delegation of Duties:

When absent from the site duties and responsibilities will be delegated to the following designates:

• Automation Manager
• Senior Automation Engineer
• Automation Technician

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.  If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to Apply.Accommodation@westpharma.com.  Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening and/or a pre-employment drug screening.