Title:  Sr 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:

Effectively plan and guide Automation Engineering activities, ensuring quality product and operational efficiencies are met. Provide support for problem solving, performance evaluation/improvement, design modifications, and documentation for existing automation equipment.  Additional duties include but are not limited to performing a variety of electrical, mechanical and pneumatic services for the automation equipment, and/or specifying, ordering, purchasing, facility implementation, integration, preventative maintenance plan development, and documentation of new and existing automation equipment.  Develop and/or provide technical training for new and existing automation as needed.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Mentor and may lead engineering team to achieve site and department goals in a fast-paced environment.
• Champions a positive attitude towards safety and compliance with safety standards contributing to the overall Safety Culture.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement sustainable manufacturing processes and systems.
• Analyze problem areas on existing automation and prepare design changes or recommend component replacement as required to resolve problems.
• Champion high-visibility projects. Develop project scope, timeline, savings, and cost estimations.
• Quote new automation lines, engineering services, etc.
• Develop URS’s, purchase, install automation equipment/systems as needed based on production demands.
• Evaluate existing automation and/or systems, looking for methods to improve performance, efficiency, reliability or accuracy and present recommendations to management.
• Interface with automation builders and suppliers to discuss design features relative to special application needs; obtain quotations and delivery times.
• Keep abreast of new automation and systems as related to operational needs.
• Provide advice, troubleshooting assistance and training as directed for maintenance and engineering personnel.
• Assist in electrical, electronic, mechanical, and pneumatic design modifications for automation.
• Write bills of material, work orders, purchase requisitions, capital expenditure requests etc. as required.
• Prepare AutoCAD drawings as required and maintain the drawing file system.
• Manage and coordinate plant and capital projects, properly document work utilizing engineering forms, create project timelines and maintain history of projects in appropriate project files.
• Research and analyze data such a vendor design proposal, specifications, and manuals to determine feasibility of design or application.
• Direct and coordinate fabrication and installation activities to ensure products and systems conform to engineering design and customer specifications.
• Coordinate and/or perform all necessary validations and/or process engineering evaluations as needed for automation.
• Support process improvements, cost reductions, COPQ reductions, etc. through the implementation of LEAN concepts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree; Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering and a minimum of 5 years related experience in a manufacturing environment or
• Associate’s in Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering and a minimum of 7 years related experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Minimum 3-5 years of PLC automation/control experience is required. 
• Experience using CAD applications (AutoCAD, Revit, Solidworks, etc…). 
• Solid experience with automation system instrumentation and field device technology.
• Experience with real-time data historians such as OSI PI, and Vision systems (Systech/Cognex) in a manufacturing environment would be ideal.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, workflows, production equipment and industrial techniques.

• Must have effective problem solving and interpersonal skills.
• Must be familiar with computers and various software programs.
• Familiarity with SAP, Master Control or similar systems and databases, a plus.
• Able to be aware of all relevant standard operating procedures as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description
• Support and contribute to Lean Sigma programs and activities towards delivery of the set target
• NEC code and OSHA safety knowledge a plus
• Able to comply with the company’s safety policy at all times.
  • Actively participate and comply with all West HSE programs and regulations.
• Able to comply with the company’s quality policy at all times.

Travel Requirements:

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

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, see and use hands and finger to operate office equipment (ie phones, computers, copies, etc.).
• Sitting and/or standing for extended periods may occur as well as getting to and from offices and building sites.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and fumes or airborne particles.
• The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and or equipment.
• The noise level in the office work environment is usually quiet.  The noise level in the manufacturing work environment is moderate to loud.  Hearing protection is required at all times in the manufacturing work environment.
• Job requires mental skill or ability such as communication, decision making (sometimes quick), interpreting data, reading or writing, organization, problem solving, understand direction, and speak publicly, etc.

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West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post-offer background screening and/or drug screening.